Why would a shop say you would need a new flywheel

[rph]

..when you take it in for an estimate for a clutch kit? Can a bad clutch damage the flywheel? I've never heard of it before, but I'm not a mechanic.

[632 Regal]

well in all honesty you may not need one...BUT if it lasted this long wouldnt you just want the whole situation done for the same length of time it lasted so far? It's kinda a preferance deal, maintenance item kinda thing. Its like replacing one light in the dash cause its burnt so someone pulls the whole thing and you dont want to replace the others...2 days later you have to pay to do it all again. I know it dont really make sence to you as it didnt to me either when I first got this BMW thing. Kinda like peridocly replacing hoses. water pumps, thermostats etc even when theres absolutly nothing wrong with what is in there right now. I hope in some insignificant way this can penetrate and cause you to think about your BMW "outside the box"

[rph]

I understand what you're saying. I'm just wondering how often a flywheel wears out. I've had a clutch job done before on another BMW but there was no talk about a new flywheel that's all.

[Omega]

I understand what you're saying. I'm just wondering how often a flywheel wears out. I've had a clutch job done before on another BMW but there was no talk about a new flywheel that's all.

The clutch plate friction material is usually rivited to the clutch. If you completely wore the clutch down the the rivits it is possible that you've scrapped the flywheel.

I once did this on a non-BMW. I was a poor student and wore the clutch so low that the heads of the rivits were ground off. Needless to say the heads had ground a groove in the flywheel to a depth of about 1/4 inch.. A DIY performance upgrade - less metal = more speed

Judging by the sounds of it you can't skim the flywheel due to the twin mass bit. Depending on finances and how long you intend to keep the car I'd change it. A grooved flywheel will eat the clutch pretty quickly.

[winfred]

e34s have a piece of **** springloaded twin mass flywheel that wears out and rattles, i've not seen one come apart but i think it's totally possible, the clutch can also dammage the surface and not every machine shop can do a resurface without destroying the flywheel as the two halfs can move independently of one another a inch or two

[Rory535i]

don't mean to hijack the thread, but while we're on the subject, what's a suitable upgrade from the dual mass flywheel? one from an E28 or are there other ones that will fit?

[winfred]

that'd do nicely, just remember what it came from so future clutch replacements don't get screwed up

don't mean to hijack the thread, but while we're on the subject, what's a suitable upgrade from the dual mass flywheel? one from an E28 or are there other ones that will fit?

[Derek A.]

The e28 setup is a true bolt in - no other modifications needed and it works well. I have been running one now for about 60,000 miles without any problems. You may even be able to find a used one reasonably inexpensive. Just remember BMW flywheels do not like to be refinished.

[Rigmaster]

The e28 setup is a true bolt in - no other modifications needed and it works well. I have been running one now for about 60,000 miles without any problems. You may even be able to find a used one reasonably inexpensive. Just remember BMW flywheels do not like to be refinished.

Derek, care to elaborate on this statement??


I have had a few BMW flywheels resurfaced over the years, and they have always turned out just fine. With the exception of the dual mass flywheel, it's just a big hunk of solid metal.......


Bret.

[Robin-535im]

..when you take it in for an estimate for a clutch kit? Can a bad clutch damage the flywheel? I've never heard of it before, but I'm not a mechanic.

At 70k I wouldn't think you need one yet unless it had been driven really hard. Does the shop understand about the dual mass FW, that it makes noise even when it's not broke?

They may just recommend it to everyone... did they look at it personally, or just listen / pontificate / see a fat wallet in your pocket?

OTOH, it's a good excuse to upgrade to a lighter flywheel. I have an e28 and I really notice the reduced inertia of the drive train. Not hard to drive with at all, in fact, I don't even notice that it's not stock until I drive a stock one and feel how slow the engine revs to match on downshifts.