[mo-e46]

Hello,
I am trying to find a good upgrade for the stock clutch and the dmf on my 6 speed to maybe a stage 2 clutch with smf conversion... I was looking online and its very hard to find kits for 6 speed non-M models and if they is its more than $1,000 VS the m3 or non-M models that are about half the price or less... can I just use a 5 speed kit or what is a less expensive alternative for a kit between $400-$500

 

[YoitsTmac]

You can’t put 5spd clutch on a 6spd. Here’s what seems to be the cheapest option

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-valeo-parts/single-mass-flywheel-conversion-kit/835101~val/

 

[tej98]

I've recently done a good bit of reading on this subject since my clutch is original at ~253k miles so I'm trying to weigh all my options.

I've come across a few different options that I am considering when the time comes:

The OEM clutch kit with the OEM LUK dual mass flywheel would likely be the cheapest way to retain the factory clutch system on the E46. The benefits are a very long lifespan (many E46s with well over 200k miles on original clutch) and factory performance/driving characteristics.

The second option that I came across was the Valeo single mass flywheel conversion kit, but I have read a few reviews on this that claim it did not last very long (hard to judge since everyone drives differently). It seems as if this option is also slightly cheaper than going the OEM route. I've also read that the Valeo kit also chatters which is not something I would have expected since it is supposed to weight the same as the OEM dual mass flywheel.

The third option I have also seen was a "Gripforce" lightened single mass flywheel conversion that was originally sold on eBay, but it seems that the company now has their own website. From what I have read (all pretty old threads) not many of these clutches made it past 30k miles, or the cars were sold. The benefits of this would be a "free" revving engine. The downside is the transmission chatter that comes along with the lightened flywheel and the possible reliability issue.

I would guess it all depends on what you intend to use the car for and how long you are planning to keep it.

 

[markusmarkus]

I’d stick with what BMW put in the car. The engineers specified this clutch set up fir good reasons. Also, replace the guibo and the center support bearing. At that mileage you might consider a rebuilt driveshaft. I have a good friend who’s a top notch bimmer tech. He gets customers’ driveshafts from http://www.driveshaftspecialist.com only.