New Clutch Recommendations

Bobby_Sardells · 05-22-2018, 09:43 AM

Hello, I recently installed a JB4 on my 2011 335 xDrive with full bolt-ons and after some pulls the clutch started to slip in the power band (5500-7000rpm)!

Any recommendations for a nice strong clutch that doesn't involve any other modifications? My apologies if this has been discussed before

Jerain · 05-22-2018, 10:01 AM

550i Clutch (+SMFW)

SnapCoupe · 05-22-2018, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jerain

550i Clutch (+SMFW)

+1 on this, very reasonably priced for OEM BMW fitment and warranty. Holds power like crazy while keeping the feel and weight relatively the same. My clutch pedal only got a hair heavier, but the engagement point feels worlds better too.

Ozzie335i · 05-22-2018, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jerain

+SMFW

OP, unless you have loftier power goals such as a bigger turbo and maybe PI stick with a dual mass flywheel. Only go single mass if you intend on going further. Should you want to do so you would then want a Spec 2 +, not the BMW clutch.

DMFW and 335Is clutch < 500 whp
SMFW and Spec 2+ > 500 whp

Jeff@TopGearSolutions · 05-22-2018, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ozzie335i

OP, unless you have loftier power goals such as a bigger turbo and maybe PI stick with a dual mass flywheel. Only go single mass if you intend on going further. Should you want to do so you would then want a Spec 2 +, not the BMW clutch.

DMFW and 335Is clutch < 500 whp
SMFW and Spec 2+ > 500 whp

I agree people are too quick to jump on the SMFW bandwagon when it's not needed if you are under 500WHP.

That being said. I do prefer to recommend the Spec Stage 2+ because we see many folks with 335is clutches coming back after a short while needing to upgrade again.

The 335is/550i clutch is rated just shy of 400WTQ where as a Spec Stage 2+ is rated for 545 TQ (approx 470WTQ) and it's considered conservatively rated. The 2+ also drives much like stock and can handle a lot more abuse.

tmick5jr · 06-04-2018, 10:03 AM

i went with the 335is clutch on my n54 with full bolt ons. my car had 120k miles on it and the flywheel looked good so i left it. worked great for me and had zero issue. ECS Tuning has the kit on there website for a very reasonable price, the only other thing you need is a clutch allignment tool thats around 30 bucks (atleast i needed it for my 07')

1nityrider · 06-05-2018, 08:00 AM

I think my clutch is starting or is slipping. I started doing research on what to buy and I am reading that I also have to buy a new DMFW too?

From what I am seeing the DMFW is more expensive than the SMFW. Why is not recommended to use a SMFW if you plan on staying under 500whp?

Kevin39 · 06-05-2018, 08:18 AM

If you don't mind the noise, there's no reason you can't go with a smfw and stay under 500hp. It's just that if you want more than 500, the dmfw starts to cause issues apparently and then you have to go smfw.

Jeff@TopGearSolutions · 06-05-2018, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1nityrider

I think my clutch is starting or is slipping. I started doing research on what to buy and I am reading that I also have to buy a new DMFW too?

From what I am seeing the DMFW is more expensive than the SMFW. Why is not recommended to use a SMFW if you plan on staying under 500whp?

When switching to a SMFW, there will be an audible rattle noise at idle.

You can get rid of most of the rattle noise by raising your idle with tunes that are capable, like MHD.

If you want to avoid the noise and don't plan on going over 500WHP (or MHD) consider the DMFW.

Over 500WHP, the DMFW becomes imbalanced, causing chronic misfires.

1nityrider · 06-05-2018, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff@TopGearSolutions

When switching to a SMFW, there will be an audible rattle noise at idle.

You can get rid of most of the rattle noise by raising your idle with tunes that are capable, like MHD.

If you want to avoid the noise and don't plan on going over 500WHP (or MHD) consider the DMFW.

Over 500WHP, the DMFW becomes imbalanced, causing chronic misfires.

Thanks for the infos.
So regardless of my power goals, when I do change my clutch I also have to buy a new flywheel right?

I am currently working on a 450-480whp street car. I think that's plenty of power to have fun with on the streets and still be a "good" daily. So high durability from the clutch though not a must will be highly welcome. Any in particular you can recommend?

Jeff@TopGearSolutions · 06-05-2018, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1nityrider

Thanks for the infos.
So regardless of my power goals, when I do change my clutch I also have to buy a new flywheel right?

I am currently working on a 450-480whp street car. I think that's plenty of power to have fun with on the streets and still be a "good" daily. So high durability from the clutch though not a must will be highly welcome. Any in particular you can recommend?

For that power level I would go with the Spec Stage 2+

We always recommend changing the flywheel, especially if you want to stay with the DMFW.

The stock one as it ages becomes worn and imbalanced so although the surface may be fine, the internals will be out of wack eventually.

neilvan · 06-05-2018, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff@TopGearSolutions

When switching to a SMFW, there will be an audible rattle noise at idle.

You can get rid of most of the rattle noise by raising your idle with tunes that are capable, like MHD.

If you want to avoid the noise and don't plan on going over 500WHP (or MHD) consider the DMFW.

Over 500WHP, the DMFW becomes imbalanced, causing chronic misfires.

Is there a reduction of noise with the spec clutch from the 550i? Id like as little noise as possible and I'd mostly be doing it for feel vs power capability.

Coming from SMFW cars; DMFWs feel like poo.

Jeff@TopGearSolutions · 06-05-2018, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by neilvan

Is there a reduction of noise with the spec clutch from the 550i? Id like as little noise as possible and I'd mostly be doing it for feel vs power capability.

Coming from SMFW cars; DMFWs feel like poo.

The noise is not caused by the clutch kits, it's from the SMFW.

The Spec clutch has more holding capacity (higher torque rating) then the 335is/550i clutch kit.

neilvan · 06-08-2018, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff@TopGearSolutions

The noise is not caused by the clutch kits, it's from the SMFW.

The Spec clutch has more holding capacity (higher torque rating) then the 335is/550i clutch kit.

Is it from the gear lash in the transmission? As cars have had SMFWs forever and never had any noise. So what changed here; So odd to me.

Jeff@TopGearSolutions · 06-18-2018, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by neilvan

Is it from the gear lash in the transmission? As cars have had SMFWs forever and never had any noise. So what changed here; So odd to me.

The DMFW reduces harmonic vibrations.

Raising the idle reduces that rattle noise caused by going to a SMFW.

05-22-2018, 09:43 AM	#1
Bobby_Sardells First Lieutenant 11 Rep 371 Posts Drives: 2017 BMW M3 30 Jahre Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Toronto, Ontario iTrader: (0) Garage List 2017 BMW M3 30 Jahre [0.00] 2011 BMW 335i xDriv ... [10.00]	New Clutch Recommendations Hello, I recently installed a JB4 on my 2011 335 xDrive with full bolt-ons and after some pulls the clutch started to slip in the power band (5500-7000rpm)! Any recommendations for a nice strong clutch that doesn't involve any other modifications? My apologies if this has been discussed before
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

05-22-2018, 10:01 AM	#2
Jerain Second Lieutenant 72 Rep 202 Posts Drives: E92 335i 6MT Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Europe iTrader: (0)	550i Clutch (+SMFW) __________________ ____________________________________________ 2007 BMW E92 335i 6MT lightweight - OS GIKEN Superlock LSD - FBO STAGE 2+ ETHANOL - TRACK/DRIFT/NÜRBURGRING
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-04-2018, 10:03 AM	#6
tmick5jr Second Lieutenant 84 Rep 244 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Jersey iTrader: (0)	i went with the 335is clutch on my n54 with full bolt ons. my car had 120k miles on it and the flywheel looked good so i left it. worked great for me and had zero issue. ECS Tuning has the kit on there website for a very reasonable price, the only other thing you need is a clutch allignment tool thats around 30 bucks (atleast i needed it for my 07')
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-05-2018, 08:00 AM	#7
1nityrider Second Lieutenant 59 Rep 291 Posts Drives: 2023 X4MC Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: St Paul iTrader: (0)	I think my clutch is starting or is slipping. I started doing research on what to buy and I am reading that I also have to buy a new DMFW too? From what I am seeing the DMFW is more expensive than the SMFW. Why is not recommended to use a SMFW if you plan on staying under 500whp?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-05-2018, 08:18 AM	#8
Kevin39 Lieutenant 164 Rep 411 Posts Drives: 2011 E90 N55 Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Indiana iTrader: (0)	If you don't mind the noise, there's no reason you can't go with a smfw and stay under 500hp. It's just that if you want more than 500, the dmfw starts to cause issues apparently and then you have to go smfw.
	Appreciate 0 Quote