M3 TO bearing with Non-M pressure plate?

[cj.surr]

Anybody know if it's ok to use an M3 throw-out bearing on a non-m clutch setup? I'm doing a 5-speed swap, and we need to get the car back on the road ASAP. I only have the original TO bearing (which looks worn out, and has some play), but I also have a new M3 throw-out bearing.

I can see that the surface that contacts the pressure plate is a little wider on the M3 one, but when I put it up to the non-m pressure plate, it looks like it will work fine.

[cj.surr]

I installed the assembly with the M3 TO bearing with all non-M parts and the clutch won't disengage. It was bled a ridiculous amount of times. All other parts are new or ruled out by other means.

How likely is it that the larger TO bearing is causing the clutch to not disengage?

Looking forward to some insight. Still need to get this car back on the road soon. :buttrock

[flyfishvt]

Well the M3 and 328 used the same tranny so they used the same TO bearing and Clutch Fork. does that help?

Is it possible your clutch is installed backwards? Ive seen it happen here many times.

[cj.surr]

Well the M3 and 328 used the same tranny so they used the same TO bearing and Clutch Fork. does that help?

Is it possible your clutch is installed backwards? Ive seen it happen here many times.
According to Pelican, the TO bearing is different for the M3 and everything else: http://www.pelicanparts.com/bmw/catalog/shopcart/BE36/POR_BE36_Tclutc_pg3.htm#item19

I would assume that is because of the pressure plate difference, not the transmission. The m3 TO bearing slides and works fine on the guide tube, the only reason I see it not working is how it contacts the PP.

And I originally thought I had the clutch in backwards, too, but it was in correctly. The side that said "getiersite" or whatever was faced towards the gearbox. And that is also the side with more material sticking out in the center of the disc (to contact the pressure plate, I guess).

[orangehatter]

FYI, when I did my ZF transmission swap and swapped from the smaller 228mm 323is/325is clutch setup to the 240mm M3 clutch setup, I took the old throw out bearing and put it next to the M3 throw out bearing and they were dimensionally identical.

[cj.surr]

Are you sure? Because I have the M3 throwout bearing and 325 in front of me, and the M3 one has a clearly larger contact area. I also just realized that it is taller.

http://i1125.photobucket.com/albums/l588/cj_surrusco/IMG_2740.jpg

http://i1125.photobucket.com/albums/l588/cj_surrusco/IMG_2739.jpg