ECS Performance Clutch Kits for BMW 3 Series E46 (1999-2005)

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)

From the factory, the E46 M3 featured a dual-mass flywheel and self-adjusting clutch kit. While this provided an easy, comfortable driving experience, it lacks the durability and performance features of an upgraded clutch and flywheel kit. ECS Tuning's all-new S54 performance clutch kit is designed to address these issues. Featuring a full-face clutch disc and heavy-duty pressure plate, this kit offers increased power-holding capability, exceptional pedal feel, and superior durability.

The factory dual-mass flywheel weighs 24.2 lbs. This heavyweight component favors dampened vibrations and smooth gear changes—not performance. The 16.5 lb. E34 M5 flywheel designed by ECS omits the bulky dual-mass design for a single-mass, chromoly steel flywheel. For the performance-minded enthusiast, this translates to quicker RPM changes, easier "heel-toe" downshifts, and improved acceleration.

Engineered in-house with the enthusiast in mind, this is the perfect option for those wanting a lightweight flywheel and performance clutch, without the heavy pedal feel commonly associated with aggressive clutch kits. The ECS S54 performance clutch and lightweight flywheel are designed to accommodate all conditions: from Sunday drives through the country to the abuse of the track. No matter your driving style or ability, this is the flywheel and clutch kit for you.

PART DESIGN

ECS S54 Performance Clutch Kit:

Compatible with any performance flywheel that is designed to accept an E34 M5 architecture clutch Sprung-hub clutch disc Includes ECS performance pressure plate, performance clutch disc, throwout bearing, pilot bearing, alignment tool, and all flywheel and pressure plate hardware ECS Single-Mass Lightweight Flywheel:

Eliminates the factory dual-mass flywheel for: Improved throttle response Improved acceleration Lower replacement cost Hardened 4140 Chromoly Steel for excellent engagement feel and wear resistance Zinc-plated for added corrosion resistance Weighs in at just 16.5 lbs! SFI tested and certified to ensure safe operation under all conditions Why is SFI testing and certification important?

The SFI Foundation, Inc. (SFI) is a non-profit organization established to issue and administer standards for the quality assurance of specialty performance and racing equipment. SFI certification indicates a flywheel has been certified using industry-standard SFI Spec 1.1 standards by an independent testing body to ensure the quality of both design and materials for flywheels utilized in competitive motorsports.

Having successfully passed SFI certification, this flywheel has an individual SFI serial number found in a laser etching, and on an affixed sticker. This certification means the ECS-engineered flywheel is safe and reliable during the rigors of competitive racing; it's also safe and reliable for years and years of street use.

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

This Performance Clutch Kit & Lightweight Flywheel was designed, engineered, tested, and quality inspected by the ECS Research and Development team. ECS Tuning strives for the highest level of precision and quality through leading-edge product development technology, including FARO laser scanning for reverse engineering and quality inspection, SolidWorks 3D CAD modeling, rapid prototyping utilizing an in-house 3D printer, and rigorous long-term product testing.