Difference between e36 and e46 flywheels?

[DeltaDConstruct]

Does anyone have spec differences between the flywheels for a 95 325i (should be the same for all e36 variants) and the 03 330i. I went to install my clutch kit for the 325i and the flywheel splines are past the end of the splines on the starter by about half an inch. I'm in contact with the company I bought the clutch kit from to see if they'll swap the e36 flywheel for the e46 330i one, but if I can't get them to agree to that I need to know what to look for as a replacement.

[tjm3]

Start here:

https://www.schaeffler.us/us/product...MaAjnMEALw_wcB

[blckstrm]

Does anyone have spec differences between the flywheels for a 95 325i (should be the same for all e36 variants) and the 03 330i. I went to install my clutch kit for the 325i and the flywheel splines are past the end of the splines on the starter by about half an inch. I'm in contact with the company I bought the clutch kit from to see if they'll swap the e36 flywheel for the e46 330i one, but if I can't get them to agree to that I need to know what to look for as a replacement.

There are huge differences depending on the year. The 6 speed 330 clutch plates will have lots more / thinner splines, and will not fit on the transmission input shaft. The flywheel that goes with that 6 speed holds the pilot bearing in the flywheel itself, not in the crank.

I had about 15 different kinds of trouble when doing my 6 speed swap, but I did NOT experience trouble with the starter - and I'm kind of curious how you did given the starter bolts to the transmission. You know the first step to activating the starter is that it throws the starter gear rearward into the teeth of the flywheel, right? At rest, there SHOULD be a half inch gap or so...

[DeltaDConstruct]

There are huge differences depending on the year. The 6 speed 330 clutch plates will have lots more / thinner splines, and will not fit on the transmission input shaft. The flywheel that goes with that 6 speed holds the pilot bearing in the flywheel itself, not in the crank.

I had about 15 different kinds of trouble when doing my 6 speed swap, but I did NOT experience trouble with the starter - and I'm kind of curious how you did given the starter bolts to the transmission. You know the first step to activating the starter is that it throws the starter gear rearward into the teeth of the flywheel, right? At rest, there SHOULD be a half inch gap or so...

My issue isn't the number of teeth on the flywheel it is the distance of the teeth on an m50 single mass flywheel from the splines on the starter. I'm wondering if the offset between the m54 and m50 flywheels is different or something because I didn't have any issues when I did a manual swap on my 2000 328i.

[blckstrm]

My issue isn't the number of teeth on the flywheel it is the distance of the teeth on an m50 single mass flywheel from the splines on the starter. I'm wondering if the offset between the m54 and m50 flywheels is different or something because I didn't have any issues when I did a manual swap on my 2000 328i.

So, pictures maybe? Where are you measuring from?

I don't get how you're making this call that the starter won't engage. The starter bolts to the transmission. The gear on the starter slides back and forth to engage the flywheel and then it slides forward again to get out of the way. So there SHOULD be a gap when you're not starting the car.

...

Are you talking flywheel diameter or fore / aft positioning?

[DeltaDConstruct]

The gear on the starter slides back and forth to engage the flywheel and then it slides forward again to get out of the way. So there SHOULD be a gap when you're not starting the car.

...

Are you talking flywheel diameter or fore / aft positioning?

You know how many hours I have searched for an answer to that question, if the gear moves when engaged? You just saved me $150 on a used flywheel, thanks!

Just to explain why I didn't know this. When I did my manual transmission conversion on my e46 I didn't even look at the starter aside from the body and the bolts. I pulled the trans, let the starter hang until after everything was back together, got the starter back in place, and bolted it back up. Not once did I look at the gear or even think about function since it was a like (generation) for like swap.

[blckstrm]

You know how many hours I have searched for an answer to that question, if the gear moves when engaged? You just saved me $150 on a used flywheel, thanks!

Just to explain why I didn't know this. When I did my manual transmission conversion on my e46 I didn't even look at the starter aside from the body and the bolts. I pulled the trans, let the starter hang until after everything was back together, got the starter back in place, and bolted it back up. Not once did I look at the gear or even think about function since it was a like (generation) for like swap.

I figured. I mentioned this a little in my first post, but since you didn't know how it works, my vague mention of the starter gear moving probably didn't jump out at you.

Anyway - you're good!!