DIY: Clutch Pedal Spring Removal DIY

If it was free I'd consider it... But don't really see the point as it's not hard to keep the pedal to the floor without it.

John@BMW wrote

You need to order part number: 35-00-6-769-442

That is the newest updated spring!

I'll check it out! Thanks!!

slammedm3 wrote

you guys think we could get our service department to change this piece without charging? If the original piece sucks?

I hope so. I'm going to see how much it costs first. If it's cheap or expensive, I'm still going to try my local dealer and see if I can get it for free lol

slammedm3 wrote

you guys think we could get our service department to change this piece without charging? If the original piece sucks?

Its possible- Normally warranty only covers things that are 'broken' but you might be able to say, my driveability is very bad and the clutch pedal does not feel right- Say you know there is an updated spring that fixes this issue... worth a shot!

So what's better?

1. No spring or

2. New updated spring

Porteno1 wrote

So what's better?

1. No spring or

2. New updated spring

Well, my take is, it will depend on the cost of the new one!


$10.32 @ www.getBMWparts.com

Hey John, what exactly the spring does to clutch effort?

I noticed the 'updated' spring is actually an EXTRA one, as the larger looks identical to the old one. Does that increase or decrease pedal effort? Or is it just to alleviate pressure at the very bottom of the pedal travel? Inquiring minds want to know.

I have no problem with my clutch so will probably leave it alone, but curious about the change. Thanks man.

So I've put my spring (newer) back in. It was 10 times harder than taking it out.

It definitiely feels smoother with the spring in -- it's feels like a single continuous smooth action, However, it does feel a little squishier through the first half of the travel.

There's also noticeably less lateral and front to back play in the pedal at rest.

I had the newer twin spring design and prefer the feel of the clutch without it. The first half of the travel felt very artificial to me with the spring in. I think I have a better feeling for when the clutch engages without the spring in place. I also just changed my pedals so that may be playing a part in the more direct response.

I have a sedan that was delivered in early April 09, would it have the new spring setup? If you don't know, can I identify it by the color, etc. or do I have to take it apart to see? (I have already spent too much time under the dash )
Is the part you called out the whole assembly with the springs and spring seats/links that you show in the photo or just the part number for one of the springs?

"Part number: 35-00-6-769-442"
Is that only thing I need to order to make my 08 clutch feels like 09? I see total 3 different parts in the picture (one main spring looks exactly the same as 08). I want to make sure I order the correctly. Please help this poor soul. =)

I believe my M3 with a build date of 3/08 has the new spring in it. It doesn't have the increased pressure on the top half of the pedal travel like my 335i does. It's more of a linear feel.


Allen

MVEED3 wrote

I believe my M3 with a build date of 3/08 has the new spring in it.

Doubt it. My 6/08 doesn't have it. It started in '09, I believe. Try the clutch on a new M3 and it feels like a Civic . I must say I prefer it that way than a freaking '08 GT500 (have you tried one of those? They were lightened for '10 too), but the '08 is ideal IMO.

JohnnyRoaster wrote

I had the newer twin spring design and prefer the feel of the clutch without it. The first half of the travel felt very artificial to me with the spring in. I think I have a better feeling for when the clutch engages without the spring in place. I also just changed my pedals so that may be playing a part in the more direct response.

Same here, I've been struggling with the clutch on this car since I got it. Removing the spring (mine was also a twin) made it possible for me to feel the engagement point which has been a huge positive changed. I hated not being able to feel the engagement point and the minor increase in effort is hardly much of a price to pay for being able to drive the car so much better. I can launch much better now too.

That increased pressure at the top of the pedal you guys are talking about is the sweet spot where the engagement action happens. If you're used to pivoting your foot to control the clutch you'll find the absence of this feeling foreign and hard to predict, as I did.

OK, I'll bite. I'm going to try the spring removal. But I am holding you responsible if it sucks worse without the spring.

For those of you that removed your clutch spring, did you put the "piston" assembly back in place?

I wish I had taken some pictures of this. I wrapped a piece of paper and some tape around the middle to hold the two pieces together but still let it extend and contract as designed. This keeps the pedal from wiggling around as some have commented.

JJM335 wrote

For those of you that removed your clutch spring, did you put the "piston" assembly back in place?

I wish I had taken some pictures of this. I wrapped a piece of paper and some tape around the middle to hold the two pieces together but still let it extend and contract as designed. This keeps the pedal from wiggling around as some have commented.

no didn't put it back in place

it does not keep the pedal from wiggling around. Just leave it out.

J08M3 wrote

no didn't put it back in place

it does not keep the pedal from wiggling around. Just leave it out.

Seems to work for me. To each their own. Cheers.

I you look at REALOEM, it seems like the new spring appeared as of build 9/08 (which coincidentally is when my car was built)

wow... did this today and SOOOO much better! i had the single spring

I purchased the new spring and the shop is installing those as we speak (doing suspension and exhaust install same time).

The part # I bought was one complete set (not single spring as I thought) in that gold plastic body (my 08 is in all black plastic) with spring assembly. It looks like both springs are inside (and made them into one complete set) but it's hard to see (and my shop isn't really happy with me right now so I couldn't ask him too much or taking pictures). I'll let you guys know how it feels after I pick up my car.

Installed.
Clutch pedal is slightly softer (not much) but main different feel is that after you press, you have not much pressure/feedback back from clutch pedal to your foot. It's very gentle operation.
I like it for daily drive but I now understand some 09 owners complain that can't feel the engagement point. It's so smooth, I just can't feel the engagement.

But I know I'll love it when I stuck in the LA traffic on 405-S.

Just did this - EXTREMELY HAPPY - My biggest complaints about my e90m3 have been:
1. Servotronic Steering = Awful, cant turn it off, wish it felt like e46m3
2. Shifter = Synchro from 1st to 2nd, Synchro from 2nd to 3rd and sloppy light feel
3. Clutch = lacks feel and feedback

This "mod" solves #3 for me and actually helped with issue #2 -- as I can feel my way into the next gear now.
(waiting for the AutoSoulution's SSK and installing the heavier ZHP knob will hopefully sovle the shifting issue)

Now, ... If I could only retrofit the ZCP or regular e46m3 Steering Rack into this car/


Thanks for the DIY

BTW-- If you get a metal pick and insert into the back of the retaining clip and pull off -- it goes in 2.5 seconds -- its a matter of correct positioning.