lightweight flywheel

Emory39 · #1 10-16-2020, 12:40 AM

So I am going to change my clutch on the 01 X5 3.0. And I was wondering if a lightweight flywheel kit for a e46 fit on the X. I dont want to break the bank either. The X has 248k miles and i can feel the clutch starting to fail.

I also looked into oem clutch but...do i need the special tool? What will be the condition of the OE flywheel?

I am not going to ask about pros and cons because I already did that research.

tartilla · #2 10-16-2020, 06:28 AM

You'll never know the flywheel condition until you get it exposed.

You'll need to get it surfaced at minimum.

As for a lighter flywheel, it all depends on your driving style. More inertial mass can get you going as well.
There is an RPM acceleration factor with lighter flywheels.

There are formulas to calculate what it would be for your application.

On my 2000 540i M Sport, I removed the hydraulic valve that slowed the clutch release. Made a big difference for shifting.

Emory39 · #3 10-16-2020, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tartilla

You'll never know the flywheel condition until you get it exposed.

You'll need to get it surfaced at minimum.

As for a lighter flywheel, it all depends on your driving style. More inertial mass can get you going as well.
There is an RPM acceleration factor with lighter flywheels.

There are formulas to calculate what it would be for your application.

On my 2000 540i M Sport, I removed the hydraulic valve that slowed the clutch release. Made a big difference for shifting.

Right and because i have 247k on it I'm sure it will need surfaced. Abs because the price difference is not that much between oe and aftermarket I'm not sure wich one to get. I do plan to remove the valve.

Happy · #4 10-16-2020, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Emory39

Do you mind sharing a link for it? Was it specifically for X5? The reason I ask is because there is a lot for the e46 and few for the x5. That said the prices for the e46 are cheaper.

http://store.uucmotorwerks.com/light...dels-p285.aspx

It appears UUC has done away with all E53 products. What a bummer! It’s getting harder and harder to find anything for these vehicles.

The link that I sent you, I believe, is the kit they used in my E53. I would definitely double check. But I believe it is a proper fit. You will need to delete CDV with this type of kit. If this kit is indeed compatible with the E53, then you may be able to use other brands and products with different specs and different prices to meet your need.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Emory39

Right and because i have 247k on it I’m sure it will need surfaced. Abs because the price difference is not that much between oe and aftermarket I'm not sure wich one to get. I do plan to remove the valve.

I was told by a BMW repair facility general manager, in whom I highly trust, that the dual mass flywheel is not a serviceable item and needs to be replaced. He followed up that, although surfacing will give you a clean surface again, the springs in the dual mass setup are worn, and not replaceable.

I am actually surprised that you were able to get 247k on that flywheel. I was only able to get around 140k. It’s possible that it is broken and replacing may change your driving experience completely. I was surprised by the impact the dual mass flywheel had on the shifting and driving experience of my E53. Changing out my broken one not only made shifting smoother, it removed stalls between shifting and deceleration that I was experiencing.

Emory39 · #5 10-16-2020, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Happy

I am actually surprised that you were able to get 247k on that flywheel. I was only able to get around 140k. It’s possible that it is broken and replacing may change your driving experience completely. I was surprised by the impact the dual mass flywheel had on the shifting and driving experience of my E53. Changing out my broken one not only made shifting smoother, it removed stalls between shifting and deceleration that I was experiencing.

Good to know... mine feels weird...like I drove an auto x5 3.0 and that one feels stronger than mine...Thanks for the link I am checking it out now.

Bdc101 · #6 10-16-2020, 10:57 AM

$1200 for a new clutch and lightweight flywheel is not as bad as I thought (long as it actually fits).

I would like to do this if my clutch ever wears out too. Thanks for sharing.

Happy · #7 10-16-2020, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bdc101

$1200 for a new clutch and lightweight flywheel is not as bad as I thought (long as it actually fits).

I would like to do this if my clutch ever wears out too. Thanks for sharing.

That is the reason I went this route. It was cheaper than OEM BMW, and the results are amazing!!!

Happy · #8 10-16-2020, 08:31 AM

I have an 8 pound flywheel in my E53. I would never go back to stock. I also highly recommend CDV delete.

Emory39 · #9 10-16-2020, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Happy

I have an 8 pound flywheel in my E53. I would never go back to stock. I also highly recommend CDV delete.

Do you mind sharing a link for it? Was it specifically for X5? The reason I ask is because there is a lot for the e46 and few for the x5. That said the prices for the e46 are cheaper.

Happy · #10 10-16-2020, 10:57 AM

If you were to use that kit, I would use the E34 M5 stock clutch. It will be more than sufficient, and keep cost down.