Clutch Slipping.

[..]

Hello everyone. Recently, I purchased a 2008 135i of which is now modified with a Jb4 G5 ISO, BB Flash (E85 File), ER charge pipe w/ Tial Q BOV, DCIs, 3" Kittyless downpipes, Berk Race axle back and Walbro 255 lpfp running 70% E85/ 30% 93.

I'm currently at 42k miles, out of warranty and my clutch is slipping in 3rd and 4th; it is even becoming difficult to take off at lights now.

I have a few questions for everyone...

1) what is the best aftermarket setup to avoid Chatter and vibrations? But will also hold up with ease to the power I am making? From what I am reading, a single Steel mass flywheel will result in vibration and chatter.

2) I was told by a friend that BMW offers a one time free clutch replacement, Is this true? I highly doubt it, but figured I would ask.

Seems like the best options are Spec stage 2+ and Clutch masters fx300...

[b1aze]

No warranty = no free clutch

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Originally Posted by b1aze

No warranty = no free clutch

Thought so, just wanted to confirm.

[Chris.]

I'm in the same boat you are. Clutch slips on E85.

Act and Spec are two that are most popular with 1 series.

Coming from the GM LS1 platform , spec was a shit product for a clutch replacement which has me weary of the clutch for my 135

[Stohlen]

Get the clutchmasters... not spec, spec is a terrible company. Horrible customer service and they don't back their product if it fails.

[..]

Originally Posted by Stohlen

Get the clutchmasters... not spec, spec is a terrible company. Horrible customer service and they don't back their product if it fails.

Everyone seems to say that.

[Stohlen]

Originally Posted by DurimOne54

Everyone seems to say that.

If its more than me, that probably means its true haha

[..]

Is there a possibility that if I bleed my clutch line when I do the BMS CDV it won't slip anymore?

[Stohlen]

Originally Posted by DurimOne54

Is there a possibility that if I bleed my clutch line when I do the BMS CDV it won't slip anymore?

No. Air in the system only causes a problem when you have the clutch pedal to the floor, not when its disengaged.

[Kgolf31]

Any lightweight flywheel will give you chatter.

[big boost M]

Try doing a 1m clutch for the least noise second choice would be the spec clutch

[Tommeh]

Is a 1M clutch any different? Same power as 135i.

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Are there any companies that provide an aftermarket Dual mass flywheel with their clutch kits?

[Dmacc]

If you plan to run upgraded turbos, and you do not want misfires, you need a single mass flywheel.... The vibrations from the dmfw trigger misfires at higher rpms when making ~490whp and up. Otherwise you could just resurface your dmfw depending on condition if you don't plan to upgrade your turbos. But since you are running almost straight e85 I'd recommend the steel smfw. It doesn't chatter too badly at all when the AC is off.

Spec has made a terrible name for themselves on other platforms, but their products on this platform are holding up just fine. I'm running the spec 2+ and steel smfw making 460whp and ~520-530tq to the wheels on straight e85, and have been running it for 6k miles so far with no problems.

I've read a lot of clutch master guys burning through their clutch quite quickly and ended up switching to spec. The single turbo guys are running spec stage 3+ clutches with no problems as well.


I also had to wait 3 weeks for my setup to ship... That's spec for you, but I'm happy with the product.

[sparkyblue]

Originally Posted by Dmacc

If you plan to run upgraded turbos, and you do not want misfires, you need a single mass flywheel.... The vibrations from the dmfw trigger misfires at higher rpms when making ~490whp and up. Otherwise you could just resurface your dmfw depending on condition if you don't plan to upgrade your turbos. But since you are running almost straight e85 I'd recommend the steel smfw. It doesn't chatter too badly at all when the AC is off.

Spec has made a terrible name for themselves on other platforms, but their products on this platform are holding up just fine. I'm running the spec 2+ and steel smfw making 460whp and ~520-530tq to the wheels on straight e85, and have been running it for 6k miles so far with no problems.

I've read a lot of clutch master guys burning through their clutch quite quickly and ended up switching to spec. The single turbo guys are running spec stage 3+ clutches with no problems as well.


I also had to wait 3 weeks for my setup to ship... That's spec for you, but I'm happy with the product.

Thanks for the info on your experience with the Spec Stg2+

My cars slipping really bad on the Cobb E85 E30 Map as well. I have just backed down to Stage 2 until I can get a new clutch in.

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I ended up ordering the Spec Stage2+ w/ Steel SMFW. It has now been installed. First impressions, IT IS STIFF!
With the BMS clutch stop and the Spec, it is a leg workout to say the least but from what I'm told after break in it will soften up *Hopefully*

Pictures of my stock Pressure plate, clutch, and DMFW





As you can see, not in the worst conditions but it just could not hold up to the power I was making. The pressure plate seemed to be in the worst condition.

[Stohlen]

Originally Posted by DurimOne54

I ended up ordering the Spec Stage2+ w/ Steel SMFW.

Fingers crossed that you don't have a problem with it.

[Dmacc]

Originally Posted by DurimOne54

I ended up ordering the Spec Stage2+ w/ Steel SMFW. It has now been installed. First impressions, IT IS STIFF!
With the BMS clutch stop and the Spec, it is a leg workout to say the least but from what I'm told after break in it will soften up *Hopefully*

Pictures of my stock Pressure plate, clutch, and DMFW





As you can see, not in the worst conditions but it just could not hold up to the power I was making. The pressure plate seemed to be in the worst condition.

My pedal was initially pretty stiff, but it does soften up quite a bit and becomes tolerable.

[..]

Originally Posted by Dmacc

My pedal was initially pretty stiff, but it does soften up quite a bit and becomes tolerable.

Thought so, or I'll just become more used to it.

[Lmaiuri]

Do you guys HPDE or track your cars? My 1 has 70,000 on it and my clutch hasn't skipped a beat even with E30 mixtures. Do you launch your cars? I read somewhere that the stock clutch is capable of holding ~460 wtq. Just wondering what driving habits are like aside from those making over 460 wtq

[..]

Originally Posted by Lmaiuri

Do you guys HPDE or track your cars? My 1 has 70,000 on it and my clutch hasn't skipped a beat even with E30 mixtures. Do you launch your cars? I read somewhere that the stock clutch is capable of holding ~460 wtq. Just wondering what driving habits are like aside from those making over 460 wtq

I'm on E70 with BMS flash (E85 File). So I'm making significantly more power however this car was purchased used. It is obvious that it was a FBO car so I expect it was abused hence the reason as soon as I went FBO w/ E85 it began slipping.

[..]

Is the shifter supposed to be so notchy? Sometimes it's a struggle to put it into gear.