Clutch Replacement

Clutch replacement on the E46 requires removing the transmission, exhaust, driveshaft, and heat shields.

When to Replace

• Clutch slipping under load
• Clutch judder (vibration when engaging)
• Difficulty engaging gears
• High clutch engagement point
• Typically at 100,000-150,000 miles

What to Replace

At minimum: clutch disc, pressure plate, release bearing. Also recommended:

• Dual-mass flywheel (if over 80,000 miles)
• Pilot bearing
• Clutch slave cylinder
• Rear main seal (while accessible)
• Transmission mount
• Guibo and center support bearing

Key Points

• Use a quality clutch kit (LuK or Sachs OEM)
• Align the clutch disc with an alignment tool
• Torque pressure plate bolts to 24 Nm in a star pattern
• Torque flywheel bolts to 105 Nm (new stretch bolts required)