If you’ve been following my website, you probably read my detailed post about installing a 335is/550i clutch after my OEM clutch wore out. However, with MMP Stage 3 turbos on the way, I knew the 335is clutch wouldn’t hold as I turned up the boost. With a goal of 700whp, I decided to replace it with a SPEC Stage 3+ clutch and retain my MFactory single mass flywheel.

Since I just installed an MFactory SMFW about 20k miles ago, I decided to reuse it because I knew it was in good condition.  All I had to do was purchase a SPEC Stage 3+ clutch with OEM or MFactory flywheel configuration so it would mate up properly. If I didn’t already have the MFactory flywheel, I probably would’ve bought a SPEC flywheel to go with the clutch. However, I’d rather save some money when possible!

Since the transmission was going to be removed, I wanted to refresh a few things at the same time. I noticed my shifter developed some side-to-side slop so I decided to upgrade the bushings. The car has almost 120k miles and still has the OEM transmission mounts, so I knew those could be replaced. I’ve also never servied the rear differential and noticed it was seeping a tiny bit of fluid. Might as well replace the rear pinion seal and flush/refill the fluid!

Let’s get started. Here’s the parts list:

• SPEC Stage 3+ clutch kit from Top Gear Solutions
  • Throwout bearing
  • Clutch fork lever
• MFactory single mass flywheel (already installed)
• Aluminum bellhousing bolts
• UUC Race transmission mount bushings
• Teflon shifter bushing kit
• Shifter ball bushing
• Rear differential shaft seal
• Rear differential fill/drain plug
• Red Line 75W90 gear oil (1 quart)

As fun as the install might be, I didn’t want to tackle the job myself at the time. I had a BMW technician friend do some work to the car instead. He quickly got to work and removed the transmission.

Look at that 335is/550i clutch! The MFactory SMFW was still in good condition as well. Let’s get that SPEC Stage 3+ on there!

After the new clutch was installed, he remounted the transmission with the upgraded poly transmission mounts and replaced the shifter bushings. He also flushed and refilled the rear differential fluid after replacing the rear pinion seal. It was good peace of mind to know that was taken care of.

I picked up the car and expected the clutch to be a pain to drive. Surprisingly it isn’t much worse than the OEM 335is/550i clutch. Definitely daily driveable! The shifter feels tighter and notchier, I’m very happy. It chatters quite a bit, but that doesn’t bother me. This is a dedicated go-fast car at this point.

I put about 30 miles on the clutch and brought the car home right away to get started on the MMP Stage 3 turbo install!