The semi-Comprehensive M60b40 into E30 swap Q&A

[bmwmech1]

I'll take a couple of pictures of it when I get to the shop this morning...

Garey

[JGood]

Is this it?

$43 from Pelican.

http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/smart/more_info.cgi?pn=TOL-BMW3048&catalog_description=Flywheel%20Bolt%20Tool%2C%20Special%20T60%20Torx%20Socket%2C%20fits%20E34%20and%20E39%204.0L%20and%204.4L%20V-8s

[Jean]

Yep.

[bmwmech1]

Here are 3 pics... the most important part is the thin neck after the hex shape, which allows it to go into the flywheel opening and then offset slightly to reach the head of the bolt...







It is a T60 and this one is made by Stahlwille

Garey

[mkcman17]

So on the 5-speed, from another thread on the subject, here is what we came up with, and it *works*:

"Basically, there are three models of BMW that used this clutch kit - e36 328i (all body styles), E39 528i Sedan, and Z3 2.8 Roadster. The OEM clutch kit is part #21211223602, but again, we used the Clutchmasters upgrade for the application. Given the torque differences between the 2.8L six, and 4.0L V8, I would be very hesitant to use a stock clutch kit. We chose a lightweight flywheel, but it is dimensionally identical to a stock flywheel, so the stocker should work (just don't drop it on your foot)."

Flywheel is e39 540i. We used a JB Racing unit.

So now, when you do a search on "5-speed clutch", there will be yet another hit :-)

-Bruce

i'm pretty sure that a few e36 m52 guys run e36m clutch setups on their cars, which are also 240mm and share the same trans.

any input as to whether we can expand the 5spd-240mm flywheel combo to include e36m clutch kits?

it would open up the availability of aftermarket clutches pretty nicely.

[bmwmech1]

i'm pretty sure that a few e36 m52 guys run e36m clutch setups on their cars, which are also 240mm and share the same trans.

any input as to whether we can expand the 5spd-240mm flywheel combo to include e36m clutch kits?

it would open up the availability of aftermarket clutches pretty nicely.

I believe and correct me if I'm wrong here Bruce, that the issues are the stack height of the components and the mounting locations of the PP, not the diameter of the friction disc. I'm not sure how many different clutch kits Bruce actually purchased and tried in his R&D. If an E36, 328i owner is swapping into an M3 clutch setup with no mods and no ill effects, I would assume that the same would hold true for us 5 speed/V8 guys...

Garey

[mkcman17]

according to metric mechanic, the e34 535, e36m and 328 all share the same lightweight flywheel option. UUC lists their 6-puck compatible with m3/328...

[bmwmech1]

according to metric mechanic, the e34 535, e36m and 328 all share the same lightweight flywheel option. UUC lists their 6-puck compatible with m3/328...

Well, that's good info. If there is crossover compatibility, as you said, it really opens up the HP clutch options and makes the 5 speed a pretty damn good choice for this swap... Now we just need it verified...

Garey

[JGood]

Came across this BMW document, thought some of you might find it useful. It's just a brief 15-page overview of the m60 engine.

http://bmwv8capri.yolasite.com/resources/bmw-m60-engine-specs.pdf

[BruceBe]

I believe and correct me if I'm wrong here Bruce, that the issues are the stack height of the components and the mounting locations of the PP, not the diameter of the friction disc. I'm not sure how many different clutch kits Bruce actually purchased and tried in his R&D. If an E36, 328i owner is swapping into an M3 clutch setup with no mods and no ill effects, I would assume that the same would hold true for us 5 speed/V8 guys...

Garey

Correct, as to what I checked. If I recall, the M3 clutch setup had a different pressure-plate bolt-circle diameter than the E39 flywheel (which is obviously compatible with the M52 pressure plate). So, I would guess that any M52->M3 clutch swap would involve a flywheel change. And if that's the case, what flywheel would you use with the V8? (don't expect the 6-cylinder flywheel to bolt-up :-) ).

-Bruce

[mkcman17]

was this ever followed up? if a b30 pp could be verified to bolt onto an s52 flywheel, couldn't the reverse also be applied?

The M60B30 pressure plate will *not* bolt up to the e39 JBR flywheel. Once again, the locating dowels are spaced too far apart. I don't have an e36m3 flywheel, but I would bet that the M60B30 pressure plate would bolt right up to it. For those interested in the actual numbers, the M60B30 dowel holes are on a ~276mm BCD, while the e39 has dowel holes on a ~262mm BCD. Both e39 and e34 dowels seem to be nominally 10mm in diameter.

[BruceBe]

Nope. I had no interest in using a stock M60B30 flywheel, and no one makes a lightweight replacement.

-Bruce

[bmwmech1]

Yup, the use of the E39 lightweight flywheel was the determining factor here. If someone has access to an M60B30 OEM flywheel and wants to try different PP options, then there might be some info to be learned and other possibilities to be explored. I wouldn't expect everyone to want or be able to afford a lightweight flywheel. Other avenues could be investigated and options uncovered. Bruce did a favor for all of us in his trailblazing of the 5 speed install. Others can follow suit, if they are inclined. That's why we're all here.;)

Garey

[mkcman17]

I have access to a b30 flywheel, but no bolt tool. my buddy is a moderator at e36tech - I could probably get a used m3 pp to test fit easily.

[Wanganstyle]

the M60b30 will be a ZF 240 type pp. shows 6 bolts mounting the pp to the flywheel. Just like S52.

v8/v12 flywheels of m60/62 era seem to all be 9 bolt pattern to crankshaft.
I6 flywheels of m50/m52 era are 8 bolts to crankshaft.

e39m and e46m share friction disc compatibility. 10 spline biggie sized
m52 and e34 530i use 10 spline small imput shaft for transmission. Shared between big displacement I6 and small V8.

I would speculate that a ZF 320 5 speed clutch set for an s52 would be directly compatible.

if you ran a 5 speed e34 530i gearbox I would bet that with its original dual mass fly any S52 compatible pressure plate and clutch would work.

if one finds a e39 540i dual mass flywheel (240mm self adjusting) the pressure plate from a e60 545i or 550i / e90/92 335i turbo would most likely be a compatible choice with a 10 spline center friction disc for small ZF5 speed.

the S62 OEM clutch and flywheel may also be a worthwhile option as it is 240mm standard, pair with v8 5 speed zf friction disc for 5mt use.

One can probably build 400rwhp worth of clutch from OEM bits.