2008 M3 Clutch Flywheel Replacement Cost?

[auggiem3]

I've searched a few threads on the topic but could not find an answer to the cost question so I apologize if this is a repeat.

Has anyone had to replace the clutch on an '08 M3 (which I understand requires a flywheel replacement as well because the clutch/flywheel setup was changed in the '09 models)?

Most jabber on the topic centers around the debate of clutch life - although interesting, I'm more concerned with expense given I'm noticing some early indicators that a replacement may be eminant.

If you have gone through the process, did you use the dealer or indy shop? What was the parts/labor breakdown?

Thanks in advance

[Snig]

I would use an Indy shop... you will get raped at a dealership.

[robbiedawg]

i had my transmission replaced under warranty at about 36k,and checked on the price of a clutch and flywheel since they could be replaced with no labor charge while doing the new trans.iirc it was about $3000 for the parts,and the ones i had were in good shape,so i didn't do it.if the parts had been relatively cheap,i would have gone ahead while the trans was out.

[baba louey]

I don't understand your statement about why the flywheel has to be changed. Something about '08 being different from '09? Why not just get a new '08 clutch disk and pressure plate and keep the same flywheel? I've replaced several clutches on the various vehicles that I've owned and I've never felt it necessary to replace the flywheel. Of course I made the decision to not replace the flywheel after checking its condition thoroughly.

[Xcelrrate]

a simple Google search for 2008 BMW M3 clutch kits brings up 3 different website that seems to sell a clutch kit for our cars called "Spec" Stage 5. for around $1700.xx blah blah.. I wouldn't buy that and Hope UUC comes out with a clutch kit before my ///M needs it..

I would do my own clutch when that time comes..... But I must ask, what early indicators are you feeling or getting that says a replacement may be needed ?

I track my car at the minimum once a month and I have yet to feel any difference in my clutch compared to day 1. And I easily Easily out drive my stock brakes each time.. (my brake search has begun) sorry

With that said, I drive my car Properly Hard and she pushes back and wants and takes more... and my Clutch is still Solid.

Hope you car is ok.. GL

[m3an]

Originally Posted by Xcelrrate

a simple Google search for 2008 BMW M3 clutch kits brings up 3 different website that seems to sell a clutch kit for our cars called "Spec" Stage 5. for around $1700.xx blah blah.. I wouldn't buy that and Hope UUC comes out with a clutch kit before my ///M needs it..

I would do my own clutch when that time comes..... But I must ask, what early indicators are you feeling or getting that says a replacement may be needed ?

I track my car at the minimum once a month and I have yet to feel any difference in my clutch compared to day 1. And I easily Easily out drive my stock brakes each time.. (my brake search has begun) sorry

With that said, I drive my car Properly Hard and she pushes back and wants and takes more... and my Clutch is still Solid.


Hope you car is ok.. GL

FYI Spec makes excellent clutches

[auggiem3]

Originally Posted by baba louey

I don't understand your statement about why the flywheel has to be changed. Something about '08 being different from '09? Why not just get a new '08 clutch disk and pressure plate and keep the same flywheel? I've replaced several clutches on the various vehicles that I've owned and I've never felt it necessary to replace the flywheel. Of course I made the decision to not replace the flywheel after checking its condition thoroughly.

In 2009, BMW replaced the '08 clutch/flywheel setup and discontinued production of the '08 OE clutch plate. Hence, if you want an OEM replacement for an '08, the only e90/e92 M3 clutch currently in production is a larger setup requiring a pairing to the '09 flywheel.

If you wanted to go aftermarket or source one from a junked M3, those alternatives are obviously still possible.

[auggiem3]

Originally Posted by Xcelrrate

a simple Google search for 2008 BMW M3 clutch kits brings up 3 different website that seems to sell a clutch kit for our cars called "Spec" Stage 5. for around $1700.xx blah blah.. I wouldn't buy that and Hope UUC comes out with a clutch kit before my ///M needs it..

I would do my own clutch when that time comes..... But I must ask, what early indicators are you feeling or getting that says a replacement may be needed ?

I track my car at the minimum once a month and I have yet to feel any difference in my clutch compared to day 1. And I easily Easily out drive my stock brakes each time.. (my brake search has begun) sorry

With that said, I drive my car Properly Hard and she pushes back and wants and takes more... and my Clutch is still Solid.

Hope you car is ok.. GL

I think tracking a car tends to put more pressure on the brakes and tires than the clutch but lots of folks quote track days as the barometer for heavy clutch wear so maybe i'm wrong.

I too track my car a few times a year - usually 3 or 4 BMW CCA HPDEs per annum but, again, I really don't think those weekend sessions kill the clutch as much as the city miles I have on the car. I live in downtown DC and use my M3 as a daily commuter car. I bought the car new - its an '08 with 56,000 miles. Aside from NY and LA, we have some of the worst traffic in the country - my 13 mile drive to work takes between 30 minutes and an hour with a lot of stop and go and traffic lights.

I tend to be hard on the clutch on a regular basis - besides stop and go, I typically start in 2nd gear. I also like to play in the rain a bit and maximize my skidpad time at the track so I will occasionally let the clutch out a little higher on the revs (2.5 - 3.5k) to get the back end out rather than wait for the opportunity to employ throttle off oversteer. Not common but it all adds up to to premature wear.

To finally answer your question - I'm noticing some slipping in 1st and 2nd gear - especially when pulling away from a stop.

[baba louey]

Originally Posted by auggiem3

In 2009, BMW replaced the '08 clutch/flywheel setup and discontinued production of the '08 OE clutch plate. Hence, if you want an OEM replacement for an '08, the only e90/e92 M3 clutch currently in production is a larger setup requiring a pairing to the '09 flywheel.

If you wanted to go aftermarket or source one from a junked M3, those alternatives are obviously still possible.

There must have been a weakness of some sort with the older set up for BMW to cease production of those parts. It sounds like the aftermarket have picked up where BMW left off.

I tend to agree with your comment that tracking is not particularly hard on the clutch unless one is 'speed' shifting all the time. One problem I had with my old RX7's clutch at the track was that it would get too hot and start to shudder when leaving the pits from a dead stop. A switch to an aftermarket disk/plate fixed that problem.

[auggiem3]

Originally Posted by baba louey

There must have been a weakness of some sort with the older set up for BMW to cease production of those parts. It sounds like the aftermarket have picked up where BMW left off.

I tend to agree with your comment that tracking is not particularly hard on the clutch unless one is 'speed' shifting all the time. One problem I had with my old RX7's clutch at the track was that it would get too hot and start to shudder when leaving the pits from a dead stop. A switch to an aftermarket disk/plate fixed that problem.

From what I heard, the decision to dump the '08 setup in favor of the bigger '09 option was derived primarily from owner complaints around noise from the setup - especially out of gear at idle and at low speed. Mine makes a little noise but, since I know why, its never really bothered me.

Not sure if you remember but back in '08 / '09, folks were getting fluid swaps in the tranny and diff because of noises. Either BMW got sick of fluid swaps under warranty or thought a bigger clutch/flywheel would make a real difference in performance and noise.

[SHADY1]

I have a 2008 E92 M3 with 85,000+ miles on it, I am told by friends and people I have asked think I might have a glaze spot in my fly wheel. I do not track my M3 the glaze spot is in the very high RPM area around 5500- 6000 RPM. If I press the M button with my setting being Sport Plus and I really get on it, as soon as I shift to 4th gear around 5500 RPM the clutch will slip and the RPM's would just max out , I tried to swift to 5th gear max out, 6th gear max out. The clutch pedal will get really stiff and stick until I let off the gas. If I drive the car normal without pressing the M button and get on it, no problem in the high RPM's the car drives normal no problem. As long as I don't hot rod the car with the M button pressed there is no problem it just drives normal with no slip in the clutch or RPM. I called my service rep ask about a new clutch repair and he said $3400.00+ including labor, parts, clutch and he said that is not even including the fly wheel if it needs to be replaced . I know I am driving on borrowed time I am in no rush to fix this problem because, I don't daily drive my M3. I know it is going to cost $$$$ and the problem is only when I press the M button when I hit the high RPM's in 4th gear. If you are a E9X M owner you know if you are at the high RPM's in this gear you are driving pretty fast for a quick spirit run on a empty back road or at the track . I never notice this problem by normal driving, and it was hard to notice the problem at first. I thought I shift the gears to late because when it slip at 5500-6000 RPM it would happen so fast no time to react, I would be like WTF just happened. Sorry for the OP I just wanted everyone to know what they might start seeing when the 08 M3 start getting into the high miles. Still not looking forward to getting a new fly wheel and stuff at Stealership cost but I miss being able to get up on it . I also don't trust just any shop to work on my M3 since most people clutch and flywheels have not started going out yet .

[Vic311]

Originally Posted by baba louey

I don't understand your statement about why the flywheel has to be changed. Something about '08 being different from '09? Why not just get a new '08 clutch disk and pressure plate and keep the same flywheel? I've replaced several clutches on the various vehicles that I've owned and I've never felt it necessary to replace the flywheel. Of course I made the decision to not replace the flywheel after checking its condition thoroughly.

+1 the only time a flywheel needs to be resurfaced or replaced is if there is scoring or damage and/or the ring gear teeth are not meshing..other than that a quick scuff with an abrasive pad and new clutch is all you need