Hey, just removed the CDV from my 335i today. Very straightforward and much simpler than the CDV removal from my E46 M3. Steps are as follows:

1. Jack the front end up and put it on JACK STANDS. Do not get under a car that is supported by a jack only.

2. Remove the...

damn..can you do mine???

If you ever happen to be in central Missouri, let me know!

Seriously, though, it's pretty easy. If you have jack stands and a good jack, it should only take you 20-30 minutes to perform. Oh, and be sure to have a friend there to help you bleed the clutch.

-Evan

The purpose of the CDV is to prevent shock on the driveline from someone dropping the clutch too quickly. If you'll notice, BMW runs significantly smaller (and therefore less rotational inertia) driveshafts than almost all other car manufacturers. These driveshafts can break if they're abused all the time by a moron. This is also the purpose of the guibo (or flexdisc) that is installed between the transmission and the driveline. Lessen the driveline shock.

-Evan

where can i add the clutch fluid? and how come i can't bleed the air out? i have been tried 30 minutes already, still feels nothing. helppppppppp!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11

The clutch circuit uses the same fluid as the brake circuit, so just add fluid to the brake fluid reservior.

To bleed the clutch, first pump the clutch pedal a few times to work the air through the system. Then, with a friend in the driver's seat, have them start with the clutch pedal fully extended, and open the bleed valve (circled below in red). Be sure to close the bleed valve before he reaches the floor of the clutch travel, and CLOSE THE BLEED VALVE before he pulls the clutch pedal back up. Note that they probably will have to pull it back up by hand.

Repeat this process a few times, and you'll be good. Oh, and the spot where the CDV originally was is pointed to by the green arrow.

Also note that the bleed valve will have a rubber cap over it that is not shownin the photo.

-Evan

Possible problem with warranty claim.

I ahve mine for 9 months now and has not have any clutch related problem. If you are a noob using an MT, do not do this mod!!!!

sh*t, i fully follow the instruction, still not working for me. i have 2 cars in the same shop at the same time now. fu*k. no fun.

finally, my car got fix. will pick up half hour later.

WOW, what can i said?! amazing. so smooth. thx for the help, man btw, this part, looks different in my car. maybe e90 and e92 is different? or maybe is because mine is xi? i didn't take pic of mine...

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Hard to say why they're different. Most likely due to the different motor/tranny combination or (less likely) the all-wheel-drive system.

Honestly though, I'm not sure what all that tubing is doing there in the first place anyhow. Best I can think of is to keep the hot fluid from reaching the rubber clutch line and therefore expanding it. Now that I say that...it actually makes quite a bit of sense.

-Evan

I have a 2006 330xi.

I took a look at my CDV with the intention of pulling it out, but I was concerned about the lack of slack in the hose. I have a picture below of the hose -- looks like a tight turn already leading up to the CDV.

Am I right to assume we pull the two clips that I circled in red, and then pop the plastic part out and reconnect?

I think I will order a cleaned out one and replace rather than remove.

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I would love to do this mod. Where can you purchase the modified CDV for the E90?

I would also need the trusty hands of an experienced CDV-deleter...

have you installed a modified CDV???

I assisted someone install my modified CDV.

It's actually pretty simple, I thought it would be hard. You just have to crimp the rubber hose, so brake fluid doesn't gush out. I got some in my eye. lol

Got my modified CDV and popped it in yesterday. Very easy.

Nice smooth clutch action now!

anyone do this on a e90 without getting a modified CDV? wondering if there is enough slack to stretch without the CDV there

i put nothing there. should be okay.

Evan, nice photos. being a noob manual driver (only 2 years manaual), I like to drive someone's car without the CDV before I terminate my CDV. Anyone in htown that removed their CDV would take me up on a test drive (lol)...

I highly recommend this modified CDV, which will fool all mechanics.

A local dealership voided my friend's (E46) transmission warranty after discovering the CDV was removed. This DIY is apparently very common with many M3's that visit their service station. Many of them probably had a CDV removal meet or something.