BMW Drivetrain Parts for BMW 5 Series E39 (1996-2003)

Clear BMW chassis

Please ensure your correct model is selected

Building your perfect BMW is more than just adding horsepower and stiff suspension. Your drivetrain needs attention in order to deliver power effectively. Most BMWs feature comfortable clutch discs, heavy flywheels, long shifter throws, and open differentials. The drivetrain transmits power to the wheels, but can also be a source of power loss when it is designed for comfort rather than performance. Everything on this page will help you improve your power delivery and driving experience by providing custom Limited Slip Differentials, Short Shift Conversions, Performance Clutch Discs, Lightweight Flywheels, and anything else your BMW needs to be the perfect driving experience.

Sub-Categories

Sort By:

CTA Tools - Corporate Logo
T#:640935
Part#: CTA7074
Ships on Oct 28, 2026
$ 97.57 USD
Free Shipping
$ 97.57 USD
Free Shipping
Transfer oil or fluid with this Extractor/Filling Pump Kit
JB Racing - Corporate Logo
T#:1339
Part#: 520-150-240
In Stock
$ 903.00 USD
Free Shipping
$ 903.00 USD
Free Shipping
Aluminum flywheels are much lighter than the stock steel flywheel and that produces better throttle response and more available horsepower to the wheels for faster acceleration. The JB Racing aluminum flywheels are a direct replacement for the stock flywheel and work with stock clutch components for an easy upgrade with very little downside.

Modern flywheels are built with additional components and features that are designed to dampen and minimize vibrations from the engine and transmission. As a result they have become bloated in weight and that means more energy is used up just making the flywheel spin. The weight difference between an aluminum and steel flywheel is huge - sometimes more than 50% less. Without the additional mass, 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.

In addition to releasing more power to the wheels, the lighter flywheel allows the engine to spin more freely, which improves throttle response. Again, the difference is huge as you watch the revs build faster than before. With the engine spinning easier the power band comes up much sooner. The stock steel flywheel feels lazy in comparison. There is a driving adjustment required to get used to how much faster the engine revs but that's not really a downside.

The JB lightweight flywheel is designed to be used with a factory organic clutch - the same clutch kit that you would get from any BMW dealer. This makes replacement clutch components easy to source and inexpensive when compared to specialized racing clutches. By using the factory BMW clutch, JB has also made the whole assembly easy to live with when used on the street. The clutch behaves the same as it originally did - just with better throttle response and more power! The JB flywheel can also be rebuilt with a new clutch contact surface - you don't have to buy a new flywheel.

Aluminum flywheels are considered 'single-mass' flywheels because they do not have the same dampening designs as an original 'dual-mass' flywheel. With a single-mass design more noise and vibration may be noticeable. There are steps you can take to minimize the noise - heavier weight transmission oil and clutch discs with anti-rattle springs (sprung-hub clutch).

Stock Flywheel Weight = 33.0lbs
JB Flywheel Weight = 13.0lbs

This item fits the following BMWs:
1997-2003 E39 BMW 540i
Show More Show Less
Valeo - Corporate Logo
T#:3578
Part#: 21207531843
Ships in 1 Business Day
$ 896.33 USD
Free Shipping
$ 896.33 USD
Free Shipping
Single mass flywheels can be resurfaced while it is recommended that dual mass flywheels are not.
Dual mass flywheels contain a rubber damper that will wear out, single mass flywheels do not have this and are inherently easier to maintain
Single mass flywheels also provide more consistent clutch feel when compared to the dual mass "self-adjusting" clutch that is notorious for inconsistency.
Valeo's single mass flywheel conversion is designed to be a similar weight and mass to OEM, making it an ideal choice for a daily driver
Show More Show Less

JB Racing - Corporate Logo
T#:16606
Part#: 520-160-240
Ships in 8 Business Days
$ 903.00 USD
Free Shipping
$ 903.00 USD
Free Shipping
Aluminum flywheels are much lighter than the stock steel flywheel and that produces better throttle response and more available horsepower to the wheels for faster acceleration. The JB Racing aluminum flywheels are a direct replacement for the stock flywheel and work with stock clutch components for an easy upgrade with very little downside.

Modern flywheels are built with additional components and features that are designed to dampen and minimize vibrations from the engine and transmission. As a result they have become bloated in weight and that means more energy is used up just making the flywheel spin. The weight difference between an aluminum and steel flywheel is huge - sometimes more than 50% less. Without the additional mass, 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.

In addition to releasing more power to the wheels, the lighter flywheel allows the engine to spin more freely, which improves throttle response. Again, the difference is huge as you watch the revs build faster than before. With the engine spinning easier the power band comes up much sooner. The stock steel flywheel feels lazy in comparison. There is a driving adjustment required to get used to how much faster the engine revs but that's not really a downside.

The JB lightweight flywheel is designed to be used with a factory organic clutch - the same clutch kit that you would get from any BMW dealer. This makes replacement clutch components easy to source and inexpensive when compared to specialized racing clutches. By using the factory BMW clutch, JB has also made the whole assembly easy to live with when used on the street. The clutch behaves the same as it originally did - just with better throttle response and more power! The JB flywheel can also be rebuilt with a new clutch contact surface - you don't have to buy a new flywheel.

Aluminum flywheels are considered 'single-mass' flywheels because they do not have the same dampening designs as an original 'dual-mass' flywheel. With a single-mass design more noise and vibration may be noticeable. There are steps you can take to minimize the noise - heavier weight transmission oil and clutch discs with anti-rattle springs (sprung-hub clutch).

Stock Flywheel Weight = 40.0lbs
JB Flywheel Weight = 13.0lbs

This item fits the following BMWs:
1999-2003 E39 BMW M5
Show More Show Less

Valeo Single Mass Flywheel Conversion Kit - E36, E39, Z3
For vehicles with production date up to 09/1997
We Price Match - Give Us A Call or Chat!
Valeo - Corporate Logo
T#:377152
Part#: 52401210
Ships in 1 Business Day
$ 969.21 USD
Free Shipping
$ 969.21 USD
Free Shipping
Upgrade from your failure prone dual mass flywheel with this kit. Includes single mass flywheel, clutch kit and hardware.
CTA Tools - Corporate Logo
T#:641253
Part#: CTA8077
Ships on Oct 28, 2026
$ 78.99 USD
Free Shipping
$ 78.99 USD
Free Shipping
Pilot Bearing Puller

Valeo - Corporate Logo
T#:380538
Part#: 52401225
Ships on Nov 4, 2026
$ 1,016.99 USD
Free Shipping
$ 1,016.99 USD
Free Shipping

This kit from Valeo is a simple way to easily convert your stock dual mass flywheel clutch system to a single mass system.

Dual mass flywheels allow for fluid-feeling clutch engagements and offer a more luxurious feel than single-mass flywheels. However, with these benefits come significant drawbacks. Why convert from a dual-mass flywheel to a single-mass flywheel?

Cost: Dual-mass flywheels are expensive, with the cost of replacement often times being double or triple than that of converting to a single-mass flywheel.
Serviceability: Single-mass flywheels can be resurfaced, eliminating the need to replace with the next clutch service. - something that is not recommended with dual-mass flywheels, as they contain a rubber section that is more failure-prone in high mileage application.
Simplicity: Single-mass flywheels lack the complexity of dual-mass flywheels, making them inherently more reliable. Dual-mass flywheels contain a rubber damper or hub that will, like all rubber components, wear out with time.
Pedal Feel: Many enthusiasts prefer to eliminate BMW's "Self Adjusting Clutch", which has been known to provide an unpredictable, inconsistent engagement point.
Driveability: Valeo's conversion kit has been designed to maintain nearly identical clutch and flywheel weight, ideal for keeping the clutch quiet and easy to drive.
Kit contents:

Single-mass flywheel
Non-Self Adjusting Clutch and pressure plate
Throw out bearing
Pressure plate bolts
Flywheel bolts
Clutch alignment tool

Show More Show Less
Valeo - Corporate Logo
T#:580071
Part#: 828093
Ships on Nov 4, 2026
$ 606.99 USD
Free Shipping
$ 606.99 USD
Free Shipping
Replacement clutch kit from Valeo for the single mass flywheel conversion kit (ES2702806)

Valeo Clutch Kit - E39, E46, Z3
For vehicles with production date from 09/1997
We Price Match - Give Us A Call or Chat!
Valeo - Corporate Logo
T#:378253
Part#: 52401223
Ships in 6 Business Days
$ 526.99 USD
Free Shipping
$ 526.99 USD
Free Shipping
Includes pressure plate, throw out bearing, and friction disc

CTA Tools - Corporate Logo
T#:1150734
Part#: CTA8809
Ships on Oct 28, 2026
$ 78.60 USD
Free Shipping
$ 78.60 USD
Free Shipping
Locks the flywheel while the transmission is removed for service
Valeo - Corporate Logo
T#:580072
Part#: 828484
Back Ordered
$ 906.99 USD
Free Shipping
$ 906.99 USD
Free Shipping
Replacement clutch kit from Valeo for the single mass flywheel conversion kit (ES2702807)
Valeo Clutch Kit - E39
For vehicles with production date from 06/1996
We Price Match - Give Us A Call or Chat!
Valeo - Corporate Logo
T#:379441
Part#: 21217528209
Back Ordered
$ 491.99 USD
Free Shipping
$ 491.99 USD
Free Shipping
Comprehensive clutch kit including clutch disc, pressure plate, throw out bearing, pilot bearing, and clutch alignment tool.