Worth it or not?

[WVMTNBIKER]

How many out there with manual tranny's have done away with the factory OEM clutch restrictor valve? Man, I've shifted cars all my life but I just can't get onto this clutch in my '03 X5 3.0i. It's like I'm slipping the clutch to get a smooth take off. I see alternate valves out there that have the restrictor out but does it "really" help the clutch life etc?

I know the search routine but I wanted to see how many folks actually changed their OEM version out.

[JCL]

Didn't you already ask this question?

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...ter-valve.html

I changed it out in our 325xi, and in our X3. We had a steptronic X5. I didn't change it out in my 535i, as that clutch displays no perceptible impact of having the CDV.

You won't get many responses relating to the X5, simply because there are so few manual transmission X5s out there.

It doesn't change clutch life IMO, but it does allow you to drive much more smoothly on start-off and on the 1-2 shift.

[motordavid]

I've debated getting a CDV replacement; just never got to it, and don't care at this point. I am probably keeping our '01 5 spd manual until something really serious goes "boom",
and maybe even after that ...I have become used to the clutch feel, (though very diff feel than my Vette), and it's low on my list of things to worry about.

Your ride, do as you choose, Zeckhausen has them for your X...I agree with JCL: it will be like polling vegans at a BBQ cook off, waiting for responses, ;>)
GL, mD

[admranger]

I have removed it on two cars, but my X is an auto. It made a difference on the cars, but they were performance oriented and driven harder than the X. I just pulled it out and reconnected the clutch lines, then bled the clutch slave cylinder (best to have two people for the slave cylinder bleed).

For the X, unless you have problems, I'd leave it in.

[JCL]

Originally Posted by admranger

For the X, unless you have problems, I'd leave it in.

His first post said he does have problems.

OP, if you notice it, and it bothers you (as it does many owners) just change it out for one of the modified valves from www.zeckhausenracing.com It takes about 15 minutes if you are handy with tools (and pinch off the line so you don't need to bleed it), or an independent shop will likely charge you a half hour labour.

If you don't want to do it, and can live with the clutch the way it is, then that is fine too. It is operating as BMW designed it. It isn't necessarily smooth on start-off or on the 1-2 shift, but it is what it is.

It is just that you have spent as much time posting as it would take to change it.

[fmk]

wasnt even a listed part number in other bmw's.. e46 m3 for example. waste of money to install a zeckhausen modified CDV as the part doesnt even show on the dealers parts schematic. not sure if thats the case for the x3 or not. was mainly to prevent driveline shock i believe.

[m5james]

Deleted the CDV in my sold E39 M5. Installed a single mass flywheel in my moms (mine one day) E36 328ci. Both gave complete change and instant grab from the clutch pedal. CDV and dual mass flywheels are for those who simply don't know how to feather a clutch properly.

[JCL]

Originally Posted by fmk

Wasnt even a listed part number in other BMWs.. e46 m3 for example. Waste of money to install a zeckhausen modified CDV as the part doesnt even show on the dealer's parts schematic. Not sure if that's the case for the X3 or not. Was mainly to prevent driveline shock I believe.

It wasn't a listed part number on the M3 because BMW didn't install it on those M models. They may have on some years, but not the ones I checked. The parts book shows a picture of it for a 2003 M3 in the generic diagram, but the parts list doesn't include it for that model. The same diagram is used on a 325xi, and the parts list does include it for that model.

I suspect that BMW knew that M3 purchases would object to the delay in clutch engagement, and so just left it off that and other M models.

I bought the zeckhausen modified CDV (for an E46 and an E83) because it was so cheap, and it saved me reforming the hydraulic line. I wasn't worried about the dealer seeing it or not, I just wanted the easiest 15 minute job. If the $20 or so is going to break the bank then yes, just take it out, throw it away, and reshape the hydraulic line to reach the fitting.

For the OP's 2003 X5, it is item #13, below.