Aluminum Flywheel for E89 Z3 35i? Where to find and experiences?

[Valor1]

Hi!
I find the clutch / flywheel feel on this car to be the main detractor from a more direct feeling sports car feel. I want to replace the dual mass boat anchor with lightweight clutch and flywheel assembly. I'm surprised there does not seem to be anything out there for this car (I have a 2009 SDrive35i).

Anyone know of a good one? Has anyone tried tried it? Thanks!

 

[Nictrix]

Have you already had the CDV removed?
If not it might be an idea to get this removed first to see if you find it any better.
Oh, your car is a Z4 by the way.

 

[GuidoK]

I'm sure there's loads out there. The tuning market for these engines is MASSIVE.
Just do a good search for manual n54 engine hop up parts. It doesnt have the be e89 specific...
Just be sure when you go smf you also get a compatible spring clutch disk in order to make it work.

Be prepared for some diesel like noises though.

 

[Maniac]

TBH it's not the flywheel... it's the turbos. Turbo engines and direct response don't exactly go hand in hand.

 

[Valor1]

TBH it's not the flywheel... it's the turbos. Turbo engines and direct response don't exactly go hand in hand.

Nope...it's not the turbos. I've had turbo cars for years and even when mated to a tiny four banger there's a difference between a shift and clutch feel that is direct and one that is overly insulated.

 

[Valor1]

I'm sure there's loads out there. The tuning market for these engines is MASSIVE.
Just do a good search for manual n54 engine hop up parts. It doesnt have the be e89 specific...
Just be sure when you go smf you also get a compatible spring clutch disk in order to make it work.

Be prepared for some diesel like noises though.

That's what I thought but still slim pickings and there does seem to be variations...hence my hope of finding someone here with a Z4 twin turbo six who has done this modification.

 

[GuidoK]

I've never read that anyone did this on the e89 here.
But I find multiple suppliers on smf's or spring clutches when I do a search so it cant be that hard. You might have to shop in the US.
What variations do you mean? N54 is N54, and I think they all have the same gearbox. e89 and 135i for sure.
Do some part research in the ETK

 

[Valor1]

Have you already had the CDV removed?
If not it might be an idea to get this removed first to see if you find it any better.
Oh, your car is a Z4 by the way.

Can you remove it or do you have to buy a modified replacement Valve?

 

[Nictrix]

Have you already had the CDV removed?
If not it might be an idea to get this removed first to see if you find it any better.
Oh, your car is a Z4 by the way.

Can you remove it or do you have to buy a modified replacement Valve?

It can just be removed and both ends reconnected then bled.

 

[Machine monkey]

Have you already had the CDV removed?
If not it might be an idea to get this removed first to see if you find it any better.
Oh, your car is a Z4 by the way.

Can you remove it or do you have to buy a modified replacement Valve?

It can just be removed and both ends reconnected then bled.

The CDV delet won't give you what you I don't think. Try it it's a free mod! I have a UUC aluminium flywheel and SMC it really let's the engine rev freely but I haven't driven with it yet. As I am in the middle of a project.

 

[Valor1]

Have you already had the CDV removed?
If not it might be an idea to get this removed first to see if you find it any better.
Oh, your car is a Z4 by the way.

Can you remove it or do you have to buy a modified replacement Valve?

It can just be removed and both ends reconnected then bled.

Thank you! Is bleeding access a pain in the butt with the Z4?

 

[Valor1]

Can you remove it or do you have to buy a modified replacement Valve?

It can just be removed and both ends reconnected then bled.

The CDV delet won't give you what you I don't think. Try it it's a free mod! I have a UUC aluminium flywheel and SMC it really let's the engine rev freely but I haven't driven with it yet. As I am in the middle of a project.

Were the parts expensive? You have already fit them? Was in a PITA or pretty straightforward? What's the weight of the flywheel?

 

[Nictrix]

Can you remove it or do you have to buy a modified replacement Valve?

It can just be removed and both ends reconnected then bled.

Thank you! Is bleeding access a pain in the butt with the Z4?

It was a couple of years ago that I had it removed.
From what I remember though there is a panel under the engine that gives access to the CDV and a bleed nipple there also.

 

[Machine monkey]

It can just be removed and both ends reconnected then bled.

The CDV delet won't give you what you I don't think. Try it it's a free mod! I have a UUC aluminium flywheel and SMC it really let's the engine rev freely but I haven't driven with it yet. As I am in the middle of a project.

Were the parts expensive? You have already fit them? Was in a PITA or pretty straightforward? What's the weight of the flywheel?

I brought mine off hear it was second hand but not fitted. Not sure on the weight as it wasn't a big issue for me. I just needed rid of the soggy feeling DMC and mine was on the way out. And I also needed something a bit stronger.

Not the easiest of jobs, gearbox needs to come out and some of the bolts are a bit tricky to get to. It is about a days work and I wouldn't fancy doing without a lift.

 

[Valor1]

The CDV delet won't give you what you I don't think. Try it it's a free mod! I have a UUC aluminium flywheel and SMC it really let's the engine rev freely but I haven't driven with it yet. As I am in the middle of a project.

Were the parts expensive? You have already fit them? Was in a PITA or pretty straightforward? What's the weight of the flywheel?

I brought mine off hear it was second hand but not fitted. Not sure on the weight as it wasn't a big issue for me. I just needed rid of the soggy feeling DMC and mine was on the way out. And I also needed something a bit stronger.

Not the easiest of jobs, gearbox needs to come out and some of the bolts are a bit tricky to get to. It is about a days work and I wouldn't fancy doing without a lift.

Thanks everyone for the info. Seems accessing the bleed screw is a PITA! As for fitting the flywheel, perhaps that's why they put it up for sale? Too daunting an undertaking for them

 

[GuidoK]

As for fitting the flywheel, perhaps that's why they put it up for sale? Too daunting an undertaking for them

I think I know who he bought it from and for that person (kristian).... its definately not too daunting, as he has a build motor.
Fitting a flywheel or clutch is all in a days work for an average mechanic, so it requires average mechanics skills.

If you think the bleedscrew will be a pita, you're in for a surprise to remove the gearbox itself..

 

[Valor1]

As for fitting the flywheel, perhaps that's why they put it up for sale? Too daunting an undertaking for them

I think I know who he bought it from and for that person (kristian).... its definately not too daunting, as he has a build motor.
Fitting a flywheel or clutch is all in a days work for an average mechanic, so it requires average mechanics skills.

If you think the bleedscrew will be a pita, you're in for a surprise to remove the gearbox itself..

Well, actually, when you remove the gearbox you prepare yourself for a job that is going to take hours and involve heavy lifting. I've done them before on other cars. However, when you think of bleeding a slave cylinder you approach that sort of job thinking its pretty quick and easy....which it is except from other forums it is apparently nearly impossible to get a wrench on it.

I'm surprised there aren't more hardcore enthusiasts that would have done such a straightforward modification already. I have had several cars where we installed Fidanza and other aluminum flywheels (Porsche 993 Twin Turbo, Z8, etc.)

 

[GuidoK]

Well, actually, when you remove the gearbox you prepare yourself for a job that is going to take hours and involve heavy lifting.

I dont know about the heavy lifting, I always use a transmission jack :roll:

However, when you think of bleeding a slave cylinder you approach that sort of job thinking its pretty quick and easy....which it is except from other forums it is apparently nearly impossible to get a wrench on it.

Its in a normal spot for a rwd roadster. Its nearly impossible on other forums because they are filled with non professionals that lack any hands on experiece. Its not ment as a non technical end user adjustment.
This bleedscrew is the least of your problems if you're swapping clutches.

I'm surprised there aren't more hardcore enthusiasts that would have done such a straightforward modification already.

Those hardcore enthusiasts here drive e85, not e89

 

[Valor1]

GuidoK....all good points. I've actually had to muscle transmissions before....transmission jack is not something I have at home

According to other forums, it's a real PITA....here's a video where a young guy actually cut a wrench to create his own tool. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGlt_NtPzp0&t=2s

I guess I am not hardcore anymore...I really appreciate the SL quality interior of the E89 Z4 and that for about a grand or so I can get well over 400 hp and still have a six speed manual gearbox.

 

[GuidoK]

I'm having a hard time to believe that the required size is 7/16" what he says tbh on a german car, and the way he describes bleeding a clutch is also not correct. That is the correct bleeding procedure for a brake caliper.
On a clutch slave cylinder you let the clutch spring remove the fluid and not the pedal. He's now only removing air from the line but any air in the cylinder if present wont be removed.
These are basics you have to understand if you want to do a job like this.

I also dont understand why he didnt use a socket to open up that bleeder if he didnt have a flexhead wrench or crowfoot. I mean he doesnt use a bleederhose to collect the fluid. There are multiple options to tackle this minor problem....
He doesnt strike me as the most competent mechanical genius tbh.
At least he didnt waste a good tool. A 7/16 wrench is best destroyed if you're in to bmw's
those yanks.... :roll:


and if you dont have a transmission jack you shouldnt be changing gearboxes. Sure it can be done but its far too heavy to even come near any H&S regulations to lift it that high. Especially a 6 speed (and with an automatic or dsc its sheer impossible unless youre hulk hogan).
A transmission jack costs 80 quid or so. Thats nothing compared to the price of your tools or carlift or garage/workshop.