Performance Clutch Kits for BMW 5 Series E39 (1996-2003)

Requires shorter flywheel bolts - 8x (P# 11227805885) - T#12322

Lightweight flywheels have proven themselves to be a worthwhile performance enhancement. But with the quicker throttle response and horsepower improvement comes one serious drawback: flywheel chatter. Without the dual-mass flywheel's rubber isolators, a lightweight aluminum flywheel has more rattle than stock. ECS has designed this flywheel using chrom-moly steel and it weighs almost ten pounds less than the stock DMF but not as extreme as full aluminum flywheels. The steel helps dampen vibration and noise so you get near-factory refinement and most of the benefits of a lightweight flywheel: quicker throttle response, better reliability, and more power to the wheels. This flywheel requires the E34 M5 sprung hub clutch kit.

Modern flywheels are built with additional components that are designed to dampen and minimize vibrations from the engine and transmission. Weight has increased and reliability has decreased. With additional weight more energy is required for it to move. A lightweight flywheel does away with the dual mass design and its additional mass so more energy can be diverted to where it counts most - moving the car. The flywheel and clutch is one of the first areas that engine builders address when making the rotating assembly lighter for race engines. The dampening effect is just not needed on cars that are focused on performance. And with a single-mass flywheel the unreliable DMF design is eliminated.

Stock flywheel weight - 25.0lbs
ECS flywheel weight = 16.55lbs

This item fits the following BMWs:
1992-1999 E36 BMW 323is 323ic 325i 325is 325ic 328i 328is 328ic M3
1999-2002 E46 BMW 323i 323ci 325i 325ci 328i 328ci 330i 330ci (5-speed)
1997-2002 Z3 BMW Z3 2.3 Z3 2.5i Z3 2.8 Z3 3.0i M Roadster M Coupe
2003-2005 E85 BMW Z4 2.5i Z4 3.0i (5-speed)

Pair with T#363031 or any flywheel designed to be used with the E34 M5 clutch.

Upgraded clutch kit to be used with E34 M5 architecture flywheels. Designed for factory and upgraded street car applications to handle up to 375 Ft/lbs at the crank.

Whether you're replacing a worn-out clutch or upgrading for increased power handling, this E34 M5 clutch kit offers a reliable solution for enhanced pedal feel, power capacity, and overall driving satisfaction.

Paired with a modified geometry flywheel, the E34 M5 style clutch is ideally suited for most E36, E46, and others using the same powertrain. It checks all the boxes for essential clutch replacement features. While some aftermarket options may address slipping issues and worn-out clutches, they often sacrifice pedal feel, providing little to no resistance. A soft clutch not only kills the driving experience of your BMW but also reduces confidence when pushing the car to its limits.

On the contrary, you might be in the market for an upgraded clutch to handle your modified engine/forced induction builds. You go from an OE or aftermarket clutch option that has a lackluster and soft pedal feel to the complete opposite side of the spectrum, a very stiff clutch that grabs like an on-and-off switch making the clutch a pain almost undrivable on the street resulting in your favorite car turning into your least favorite car to drive.

The E34 M5 clutch kit balances performance with practicality, ensuring a satisfying driving experience whether you're maintaining your BMW or preparing it for increased power demands.

Kit Contents:

Performance Clutch Disc and Pressure plate
Throw-out Bearing
Clutch Alignment Tool
Pilot Bearing
Clutch features:

Torque Capacity (Crankshaft):
375 Ft / Lbs
Clutch Disc:
240mm Full face, performance organic friction material with integrated copper for enhanced heat dissipation and a long component life
OE-like friction backing plate design for smooth engagement with dual-stage damping springs to reduce gear noise and driveline chatter, and for smooth engagement
Pressure Plate:
Increased clamp force over OEM, rated at 1,729lbs of pressure
Throw-out Bearing:
OE spec for ease of installation and reliable operation
Clutch Alignment Tool:
BMW small 10 spline design, made for perfect fitment into the crank bore
Perfect clutch disc spline and size, easy removal with pull tab
​Not all aftermarket clutch kits include this proper alignment tool! We ensured you received the proper tool for trouble-free installation!
Fitment:
1992-1999 E36 BMW 323is 323ic 325i 325is 325ic 328i 328is 328ic M3
1999-2002 E46 BMW 323i 323ci 325i 325ci 328i 328ci 330i 330ci (5-speed)
1997-2002 Z3 BMW Z3 2.3 Z3 2.5i Z3 2.8 Z3 3.0i M Roadster M Coupe
2003-2005 E85 BMW Z4 2.5i Z4 3.0i (5-speed)
1977-1989 E24 BMW M6
1982-1988 E28 BMW M5
1987-1995 E34 BMW M5

Boost your BMW E39 M5's performance with the South Bend Clutch Stage 2 Daily Clutch, designed to handle increased horsepower and torque demands while maintaining everyday drivability. Engineered with high-quality materials and advanced technology, this clutch kit ensures durability and reliability for both street and moderate racing applications.

• Enhanced clutch disc materials for increased friction and durability.
• Improved clamp load for better power transmission.
• Maintains stock-like pedal feel.
• Designed for daily driving and occasional track use.

Upgrade your BMW E39 M5 with the South Bend Clutch Stage 2 Daily Clutch and experience improved performance without compromising on drivability.

This clutch package is built to handle heavily modified cars and designed to function according to the specific needs of the 1/4 and 1/8 mile track. The pressure plate for this kit is SFI approved Race Cover engineered to disengage with less pedal travel shortening the shift time. Discs are a puck design, which reduces rotational mass and are assembled with all high carbon component pieces for maximum strength. The friction material used is Graphite impregnated Ceramic perfectly suited for drag racing because of its maximum friction co-efficient, rapid heat dissipation and abrupt engagement characteristics.

Stage 3 Drag/Drift Clutch Kits:

Recommended uses are drag, pulling, drifting

Conservatively rated to hold 650lbs/ft of torque

Featuring a solid-hub center section for use with an OE dual-mass flywheel

BMW E39 M5 Stage 3 Daily Clutch Kit is engineered for high-performance demands and daily driving needs. This clutch kit is designed to handle increased power and torque while maintaining smooth engagement and pedal feel. Ideal for BMW enthusiasts seeking enhanced durability and performance without sacrificing daily drivability.

• Designed for high-performance and daily driving
• Handles increased power and torque levels
• Maintains smooth engagement and pedal feel
• Enhances durability and performance
• Suitable for BMW E39 M5 models

BMW E46 E39 Stage 2 Daily Clutch Kit is designed for high-performance modifications with a focus on durability and strength. This clutch kit features a Heavy Duty Pressure Plate that increases clamp load without significantly raising pedal pressure. The Organic disc material enhances friction coefficient and rotational strength, making it suitable for up to 12,000 RPM. It maintains a stock-like feel while offering enhanced performance and reliability.

• Ideal for daily driving, street, and moderate racing applications
• Conservatively rated to hold 385 lbs/ft of torque
• Features a solid-hub center section compatible with OE dual-mass flywheel

Upgrade your BMW E46 or E39 with the Stage 2 Daily Clutch Kit for improved performance and durability.

This clutch package is designed for high HP vehicles desiring a start performance similar to O.E. The pressure plate is Race Engineered (SS) and SFI approved with significant load increase over stage 1,2 pressure plates (+600-800 lbs.). Expect a pedal effort increase of 20%-25%. Discs are assembled with heat-treated wear resistant hubs; drive plates and springs for high load transfer and dependable operation. The sprung centers on the disc in conjunction with the marcel fin between the linings create a dual dampening effect that simulates O.E. start performance. A Performance Organic friction material with a high metal content increases torque and RPM capability and maintains low operating temperatures which reduces wear and glazing.

Stage 3 Daily Clutch Kits:

Recommended usages are daily, spirited street and occasional track

Conservatively rated to hold 400lbs/ft of torque

Featuring a sprung-hub center section for use with a single-mass flywheel