E30 325i Clutch Replacement ??

[SA E30]

Would anybody here, know how to change their clutch, I'm figuring I need to drop the gear box out, but how do I do this, and I was thinking seeingas I'm doing this, what would be a good short shifter, from BMW, bearing in mind we didn't get the Z3 1.9 here.

Thanks in advance

[Jon325i]

First, I suggest you have an E30 shop manual close at hand in case you need a bit of guidance.

As for changing the clutch, you will have to remove the gearbox from the car.....no other way to do this. You will also find yourself having to take a few other things out in order to make this all possible. Most noteable items include...

Cat-back exhaust
Heat/deris shields
Driveshaft (this won't have to be 'removed', but detached from the rear of the gearbox)
Shift linkage

The transmission itself is bolted to the engine via eight (I think its eight) bolts. You will also need to remove the clutch slave cylinder which is located on the drivers side of the bellhousing and is attached with two bolts. There's the shift linkage to deal with....including the infamous "bitch clip" which attaches the forward end of the linkage to the gearbox. The rest of the linkage is easy to remove. Also, don't forget about the reverse switch located at the back of the gearbox.

I won't mince words....this is an involved task. With everything to be removed/re-installed, you could spend a good chunk of a day doing this. Although its a lot of work, its an ideal time to make other necessary repairs or desired upgrades. Things like....

Guibo
Rear seal of gearbox case (if its leaking)
Short shift kit
Lightend flywheel
Rear main seal on engine
Poly gearbox mounts

There may be some others as well....I just can't think of them at the moment.

Jon

[SA E30]

Thanks, I did that and got the gear box off, now I'm just waiting for my clutch to arrive. :(