Author Topic: How to determine flywheel type (Read 2954 times)

TheDutch · « **on:** February 13, 2010, 06:51:21 AM »

Hi,

My E30 is a 1990 model, what is the easiest method to determine whether it is fitted with a single-mass or dual-mass flywheel? Is it possible to find out from the VIN no., or would I have to take the starter off or similar?

Thanks all

4banger · « **Reply #1 on:** February 13, 2010, 07:43:43 AM »

if its a A/C car its a dual mass.

TheDutch · « **Reply #2 on:** February 13, 2010, 07:55:29 AM »

A good effort, but alas it is not AC equipped.

4banger · « **Reply #3 on:** February 15, 2010, 07:25:42 AM »

then if its a factory NON a/c car then it has a single mass. i dont see how my answer failed to answer your question.

TheDutch · « **Reply #4 on:** February 18, 2010, 03:43:12 PM »

I was under the impression that dual-mass flywheels were brought in for all types mid-1990, hence mine could potentially have either. Perhaps it is easier to find out the build date, is it recorded anywhere?

4banger · « **Reply #5 on:** February 18, 2010, 03:52:34 PM »

inside of the drivers door. but all north american 318i/is with A/C had the dual mass. 1991 was the debute of the m42 here as well.

dvmotorsports · « **Reply #6 on:** February 18, 2010, 03:53:15 PM »

According to the BMW ETK, non a/c cars came with a SMFW and a/c cars came with DMFW. So I doubt the build date would help. However, you could call the dealer, tell them you are pricing a FW, give them the last 7 digits of your VIN and they can tell you what you have.

TheDutch · « **Reply #7 on:** February 18, 2010, 03:58:25 PM »

Quote from: dvmotorsports;87742

According to the BMW ETK, non a/c cars came with a SMFW and a/c cars came with DMFW.

If I look on realoem.com for a '91 car it doesn't give me the option of a single mass, whereas looking for a '90 car presents both. Perhaps being a non-US vehicle matters are more complicated. I'll give the VIN+dealer combo a shot.

dvmotorsports · « **Reply #8 on:** February 18, 2010, 04:01:18 PM »

IIRC the picture that comes up and description will always show DMFW. But the dealer ETK can click on a "details" box. The info in the box is the weight of the FW among other things. If it's less than the normal 28lbs, you have found your SMFW.

Unfortunately, RealOEM doesn't go that in depth.