Clutch talk, need input on replacement options

[Matticus91]

I am getting the feeling that my clutch is on its way out and want to be ready when it slips. I've heard a lot about replacing clutches/flywheels on these cars so I could use some input.

My car is a 2013 N55 - I'm looking for a setup that will take some extra power (around 450-500), not be a pain in the ass to drive daily, and not break the bank. I should mention I had a mustang with a spec aluminum flywheel and loved how rev-happy it made the car, I'd be happy with a SMFW if it had the same effect, even if it made a little more noise.

Any suggestions are appreciated!

suspenceful I saw you did your clutch recently, and have a spec SMFW, are you happy with it? Is it noticeably louder than the DMFW?

Dackelone I recall you mentioning a 335is replacement, is that an option on these cars?

[suspenceful]

I'm not as familiar with the N55 clutch options, but I loved my 335is/550i clutch upgrade. It was stock-like feel but held my 450whp/500wtq no problem. I paired it with an MFactory SMFW and there is a bit of chatter.

Here is a video:

I recently replaced the 335is clutch with a Spec Stage 3+ just in case because I'm shooting for 700whp on upgraded twins. My 335is clutch is still in great shape with tons of life left. So is the SMFW that is still in the car. And that's after 20k miles of HARD abuse. Many launches.

[Matticus91]

Originally Posted by suspenceful

I'm not as familiar with the N55 clutch options, but I loved my 335is/550i clutch upgrade. It was stock-like feel but held my 450whp/500wtq no problem. I paired it with an MFactory SMFW and there is a bit of chatter.

I recently replaced the 335is clutch with a Spec Stage 3+ just in case because I'm shooting for 700whp on upgraded twins. My 335is clutch is still in great shape with tons of life left. So is the SMFW that is still in the car. And that's after 20k miles of HARD abuse. Many launches.

That's not bad at all. Mine makes a bit of noise as-is. Did you notice a difference with the SMFW for revs?

[suspenceful]

Originally Posted by Matticus91

That's not bad at all. Mine makes a bit of noise as-is. Did you notice a difference with the SMFW for revs?

Some people say it's terrible, others say it's not even noticeable. I don't care about this car vibrating or making any noises, so it doesn't bother me.

To be honest, I didn't notice much of a difference in revs. Doesn't seem to drop any quicker.

[Dackelone]

Originally Posted by Matticus91

suspenceful I saw you did your clutch recently, and have a spec SMFW, are you happy with it? Is it noticeably louder than the DMFW?

Dackelone I recall you mentioning a 335is replacement, is that an option on these cars?

I would not recommend a single mass flywheel... they make a TON of noise. The noise is a loud rattling type... like a bunch of marbles in a metal can bouncing around. The SMFW cars will make this noise while the engine is idling. I think it would drive me nuts to hear that everyday.

The only clutch upgrade I know of is to install a F10 550i clutch setup. I think that is what places like HP Autosport and ECS Tuning offer. Never heard of installing a 335is clutch before. ?

Dack

[Bimmer TV]

I know you have an N55 but I thought I'd give my feedback on my 2008 135i N54. Bought it about 3 months ago, came with a recently installed 335is clutch and MFactory SMFW. The chatter is actually pretty annoying and loud. Especially at startup and with any accessories running. Crank your A/C and get ready for some serious chatter. I don't know what kind of improvements it made to the car as I bought it this way but I do know that it would have to be a pretty serious improvement for me to go ahead and do it if I had the choice. Between the SMFW chatter and the rattling wastegates, it kind of makes my car sound like a POS even thought she's running great

[Matticus91]

Originally Posted by Dackelone

I would not recommend a single mass flywheel... they make a TON of noise. The noise is a loud rattling type... like a bunch of marbles in a metal can bouncing around. The SMFW cars will make this noise while the engine is idling. I think it would drive me nuts to hear that everyday.

The only clutch upgrade I know of is to install a F10 550i clutch setup. I think that is what places like HP Autosport and ECS Tuning offer. Never heard of installing a 335is clutch before. ?

Dack

Originally Posted by Chunky Osiris

I know you have an N55 but I thought I'd give my feedback on my 2008 135i N54. Bought it about 3 months ago, came with a recently installed 335is clutch and MFactory SMFW. The chatter is actually pretty annoying and loud. Especially at startup and with any accessories running. Crank your A/C and get ready for some serious chatter. I don't know what kind of improvements it made to the car as I bought it this way but I do know that it would have to be a pretty serious improvement for me to go ahead and do it if I had the choice. Between the SMFW chatter and the rattling wastegates, it kind of makes my car sound like a POS even thought she's running great

Good to know guys thanks for the input and info. I'll probably end up with a DMFW and 550i clutch if this is the case, I don't mind a bit of noise but if it's that bad and the difference is negligible then I'll pass!

[WDE82]

So what makes you think the clutch is about to go?