BMW E90 3-Series Clutch Replacement

The BMW clutch is activated using hydraulics. The clutch hydraulic components consist of a master cylinder at the clutch pedal and a slave cylinder at the transmission bellhousing. Fluid from the brake fluid reservoir is shared with the clutch system. Depressing the clutch pedal forces fluid in the clutch master cylinder to travel through the fluid line to the clutch slave cylinder. This activates the clutch release lever, forcing the clutch release bearing against the clutch pressure plate to disengage the clutch.
Keep in mind the following:
If brake fluid is lost for any reason and the level in the brake fluid reservoir drops below the level of the clutch master cylinder shunt hose, clutch hydraulic failure may follow.
Clutch hydraulic failure causes a softness in the clutch pedal. The lack of resistance means that the clutch is not becoming fully disengaged when the pedal is depressed to the floor. As a result, gear shifting becomes difficult; the transmission gears clash and grind during shifts. Damage to transmission synchronizers and gears will result.
If experiencing grinding gears and difficult shifting:
Check brake fluid reservoir level. Top off if necessary.
Check clutch fluid lines for leakage. Repair as necessary.
Check clutch master cylinder for leakage. Replace if necessary.
Check clutch slave cylinder for leakage. Replace if necessary.
Bleed clutch system.
Failure Summary
Faulty transmission of power to the wheel is caused by a worn out clutch. If the engine revs up without a corresponding increase in vehicle speed, clutch mechanical components are at fault.
Grinding gears when shifting, or difficult shifting up or down the gears, is caused by a failure in clutch hydraulics.
Clutch Replacing
Have a new clutch kit and new transmission bolts on hand before beginning. Always replace aluminum bolts. See our tech article on non-reusable fasteners. Read through procedure to be sure you have all the tools required and the job is not beyond your skill set.
Jack up your vehicle and support using jack stands. See our tech article on jacking up your vehicle. :www.pelicanpar...
Remove transmission splash shields. See our tech article on engine splash shields removing. :www.pelicanpar...
Read the Full Article: www.pelicanpar...
Time: 9 hours
Tools: Socket set :www.pelicanpar..., transmission jack :www.pelicanpar..., Inverted Torx sockets, E10, E12, E14, :www.pelicanpar...
Parts Required: Clutch kit, transmission bolts
Hot Tip: Set aside a day and read procedure through before beginning
Performance Gain: New clutch :www.pelicanpar...
Complementary Modification: Replace driveshaft flex-disc
Applicable Models:
BMW 325i Sedan (2006)
BMW 328i Coupe (2007-13)
BMW 328i Sedan (2007-11)
BMW 328i Wagon (2007-12)
BMW 328i xDrive Coupe (2009-13)
BMW 328i xDrive Sedan (2009-11) :www.pelicanpar...

[@slitherdurant]

Y’all are the Goat❤️

[@pelicanparts]

Thank you!!!!

[@wesleyabrams1817]

When changing gears on my 2007 BMW 320i, sometimes the first gear won't go in and I will have to go 2nd,3rd,4th,5th, and back to 1st for it to go in or I let the car-free fall until it slips in....I took it in to a local mechanic who insisted its the clutch disks but when looking up the symptoms of a bad clutch disk, this isn't on of the issues listed but does sound like the Clutch master cylinder
Not really knowledgable about cars so i wouldn't know, is there anyway to tell other than taking the car in?

[@pelicanparts]

If you push in the clutch pedal with the engine running and it will not into first, but does go into other gears, try going into second then first gear. If that works it could be an internal issue. Especially if the clutch does not slip when accelerating.

[@megatronsly]

Finally, what solves your problem?

[@VideoCreator22]

Same issue here sometimes. What was the issue

[@carsonblinn485]

For the bell housing bolts, is it a mix of aluminum and a different kind of bolt that doesn’t need to be replaced? All of the bell housing bolt kits only have 5 bolts in them

[@pelicanparts]

Yes. It is a mix.

[@zuppowert]

The aluminum bolts have blue painted heads from factory for easy identification

[@mechanicalman8048]

Question: wouldn't you want to torque the bolts on pressure plate first before removing the center lock?

[@pelicanparts]

Yes, normally.

[@ssss-df5qz]

That's literally what he did in the video

[@lifeofkan]

Question, is this guide applicable to the E9X M3 as well?

[@pelicanparts]

It will be similar, but not exact.

[@lifeofkan]

@@pelicanparts Thanks for the response!

[@jacobgravel3]

Question, at 4:19 I have two smaller bolts that aren't aluminum but are there in the bellhousing, where do I put them, I've put one that fit all the way at the top and the second won't go in the second highest point

[@pelicanparts]

Into the mounts or brackets that don't require aluminum? Hard to say, as I didn't pull them out. if you don't see them in the video, check this article here: www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/techarticles/BMW-3-Series-E90/TRANS-Clutch_Replacing/TRANS-Clutch_Replacing.htm

[@jacobgravel3]

What do I do if the clip that rotates onto the transmission brace breaks?

[@pelicanparts]

Replace it. Give The Pelican Parts parts specialists a call at 1-888-280-7799. They can figure out what part or repair kit you need.

[@osamadavid9727]

I have the 08 e90 xi is it a different procedure

[@pelicanparts]

Thanks for the Info. We appreciate it.

[@Mr.JuneBugz]

Clips are seized… thanks for the video though….

[@pelicanparts]

Sorry about that, thank you!