Best Clutch for E30s?

[RobertK]

About to purchase a clutch replacement kit for my E30 and I wanted to get some experience opinions on the best bang for the $ when it comes to what clutches are out there for our cars.

[Mike 91 318ic]

I have a Sachs sport clutch in my car which I'm very pleased with. Most say it's over kill but I got such a good deal on it I couldn't pass it up.

M

[RobertK]

What's the difference between the Sachs Sport Clutch and the regular Sachs Clutch kit?

[robweenerpi]

Probably just friction material with a slightly higher temp range and a stiffer pressure plate.

[RobertK]

Where is the best place to find the Sachs sport clutch?

[AdamF 88iS]

The Sachs Sport is very expensive, and has a light weight aluminum core with a higher clamping force.

Standard 325 clutchs last forever, and should be fine. If you're really worried about it you can use an M3 pressure plate which has a little more clamping force.

[Rob]

hmm, this seems like a technical question, maybe it belongs in the TECHNICAL FORUM

[RobertK]

Where is the best place online to purchase a clutch?

[robweenerpi]

https://www.bimmerworld.com

[Jon325i]

Just for the record, the stock clutch BMW put in the 6 cylinder E30s is robust for the cars' output potential. I've talked to veteran BMW mechanics and they feel the stock clutch is good for approx. 220 horsepower. If your motor is stock or even a 2.7/2.8L stroker, an OEM clutch should work just fine for your needs. If anything, spend the money towards a lighter flywheel. You could probably have your stock flywheel machined down a few pounds for under a $100. I have used a Metric Mechanic flywheel (stock unit shaved to ~13lbs.) and it will set you back $250.

Here's a new clutch laundry list:
clutch
pressure plate
throwout bearing
rear engine main seal
flush tranny fluid
Guibo (flex disk)

Options:
lightend flywheel
short shift kit

Sounds like a lot, but my logic is: if you have it all apart, why not address other things while you are at it (unless you like dropping the gearbox every weekend).

Jon

[onenicebimmer]

I have the following set-up, and I like it:
Sachs HD clutch disk
SPEC stage 1 pressure plate (slightly stiffer than stock)
OEM throw out bearing and seals
Redline fluid