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Aluminum Flywheel for E89 Z3 35i? Where to find and experiences?

Specific discussion about the E89 2009 Z4 (sDrive35is, sDrive35i, sDrive30i, sDrive23i)
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Valor1
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Aluminum Flywheel for E89 Z3 35i? Where to find and experiences?

Post by Valor1 » Mon May 22, 2017 4:58 pm

Hi!
I find the clutch / flywheel feel on this car to be the main detractor from a more direct feeling sports car feel. I want to replace the dual mass boat anchor with lightweight clutch and flywheel assembly. I'm surprised there does not seem to be anything out there for this car (I have a 2009 SDrive35i).

Anyone know of a good one? Has anyone tried tried it? Thanks!

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Aluminum Flywheel for E89 Z3 35i? Where to find and experiences?

Post by Nictrix » Mon May 22, 2017 6:16 pm

Have you already had the CDV removed?
If not it might be an idea to get this removed first to see if you find it any better.
Oh, your car is a Z4 by the way. :)
E89 2014 35i M Sport Black with Black leather :)

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Aluminum Flywheel for E89 Z3 35i? Where to find and experiences?

Post by GuidoK » Mon May 22, 2017 6:26 pm

I'm sure there's loads out there. The tuning market for these engines is MASSIVE.
Just do a good search for manual n54 engine hop up parts. It doesnt have the be e89 specific...
Just be sure when you go smf you also get a compatible spring clutch disk in order to make it work.

Be prepared for some diesel like noises though.
Z4 3.0i | ESS TS2+ | Quaife ATB LSD | Brembo/BMW performance BBK front/rear | Schrick FI cams | Schmiedmann headers+cats | fully polybushed | Vibra-technics engine mounts | H&R anti rollbars | KW V3 coilovers | Sachs Race Engineering clutch

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Aluminum Flywheel for E89 Z3 35i? Where to find and experiences?

Post by Maniac » Mon May 22, 2017 6:45 pm

TBH it's not the flywheel... it's the turbos. Turbo engines and direct response don't exactly go hand in hand.

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Aluminum Flywheel for E89 Z3 35i? Where to find and experiences?

Post by Valor1 » Mon May 22, 2017 6:48 pm

Maniac wrote: Mon May 22, 2017 6:45 pm TBH it's not the flywheel... it's the turbos. Turbo engines and direct response don't exactly go hand in hand.
Nope...it's not the turbos. I've had turbo cars for years and even when mated to a tiny four banger there's a difference between a shift and clutch feel that is direct and one that is overly insulated.

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Aluminum Flywheel for E89 Z3 35i? Where to find and experiences?

Post by Valor1 » Mon May 22, 2017 6:50 pm

GuidoK wrote: Mon May 22, 2017 6:26 pm I'm sure there's loads out there. The tuning market for these engines is MASSIVE.
Just do a good search for manual n54 engine hop up parts. It doesnt have the be e89 specific...
Just be sure when you go smf you also get a compatible spring clutch disk in order to make it work.

Be prepared for some diesel like noises though.
That's what I thought but still slim pickings and there does seem to be variations...hence my hope of finding someone here with a Z4 twin turbo six who has done this modification.

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Aluminum Flywheel for E89 Z3 35i? Where to find and experiences?

Post by GuidoK » Mon May 22, 2017 6:56 pm

I've never read that anyone did this on the e89 here.
But I find multiple suppliers on smf's or spring clutches when I do a search so it cant be that hard. You might have to shop in the US.
What variations do you mean? N54 is N54, and I think they all have the same gearbox. e89 and 135i for sure.
Do some part research in the ETK
Last edited by GuidoK on Mon May 22, 2017 7:49 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Z4 3.0i | ESS TS2+ | Quaife ATB LSD | Brembo/BMW performance BBK front/rear | Schrick FI cams | Schmiedmann headers+cats | fully polybushed | Vibra-technics engine mounts | H&R anti rollbars | KW V3 coilovers | Sachs Race Engineering clutch

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Aluminum Flywheel for E89 Z3 35i? Where to find and experiences?

Post by Valor1 » Mon May 22, 2017 7:08 pm

Nictrix wrote: Mon May 22, 2017 6:16 pm Have you already had the CDV removed?
If not it might be an idea to get this removed first to see if you find it any better.
Oh, your car is a Z4 by the way. :)
Can you remove it or do you have to buy a modified replacement Valve?

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Aluminum Flywheel for E89 Z3 35i? Where to find and experiences?

Post by Nictrix » Mon May 22, 2017 7:37 pm

Valor1 wrote: Mon May 22, 2017 7:08 pm
Nictrix wrote: Mon May 22, 2017 6:16 pm Have you already had the CDV removed?
If not it might be an idea to get this removed first to see if you find it any better.
Oh, your car is a Z4 by the way. :)
Can you remove it or do you have to buy a modified replacement Valve?
It can just be removed and both ends reconnected then bled.
E89 2014 35i M Sport Black with Black leather :)

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Aluminum Flywheel for E89 Z3 35i? Where to find and experiences?

Post by Machine monkey » Mon May 22, 2017 7:42 pm

Nictrix wrote: Mon May 22, 2017 7:37 pm
Valor1 wrote: Mon May 22, 2017 7:08 pm
Nictrix wrote: Mon May 22, 2017 6:16 pm Have you already had the CDV removed?
If not it might be an idea to get this removed first to see if you find it any better.
Oh, your car is a Z4 by the way. :)
Can you remove it or do you have to buy a modified replacement Valve?
It can just be removed and both ends reconnected then bled.
The CDV delet won't give you what you I don't think. Try it it's a free mod! I have a UUC aluminium flywheel and SMC it really let's the engine rev freely but I haven't driven with it yet. As I am in the middle of a project.
My little blue zed is in lots of bits. With lots of things started and not many finished! I may have found the limits of my time and ability!!

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Aluminum Flywheel for E89 Z3 35i? Where to find and experiences?

Post by Valor1 » Mon May 22, 2017 7:50 pm

Nictrix wrote: Mon May 22, 2017 7:37 pm
Valor1 wrote: Mon May 22, 2017 7:08 pm
Nictrix wrote: Mon May 22, 2017 6:16 pm Have you already had the CDV removed?
If not it might be an idea to get this removed first to see if you find it any better.
Oh, your car is a Z4 by the way. :)
Can you remove it or do you have to buy a modified replacement Valve?
It can just be removed and both ends reconnected then bled.
Thank you! Is bleeding access a pain in the butt with the Z4?

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Aluminum Flywheel for E89 Z3 35i? Where to find and experiences?

Post by Valor1 » Mon May 22, 2017 7:51 pm

Machine monkey wrote: Mon May 22, 2017 7:42 pm
Nictrix wrote: Mon May 22, 2017 7:37 pm
Valor1 wrote: Mon May 22, 2017 7:08 pm

Can you remove it or do you have to buy a modified replacement Valve?
It can just be removed and both ends reconnected then bled.
The CDV delet won't give you what you I don't think. Try it it's a free mod! I have a UUC aluminium flywheel and SMC it really let's the engine rev freely but I haven't driven with it yet. As I am in the middle of a project.
Were the parts expensive? You have already fit them? Was in a PITA or pretty straightforward? What's the weight of the flywheel?

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Aluminum Flywheel for E89 Z3 35i? Where to find and experiences?

Post by Nictrix » Mon May 22, 2017 7:59 pm

Valor1 wrote: Mon May 22, 2017 7:50 pm
Nictrix wrote: Mon May 22, 2017 7:37 pm
Valor1 wrote: Mon May 22, 2017 7:08 pm

Can you remove it or do you have to buy a modified replacement Valve?
It can just be removed and both ends reconnected then bled.
Thank you! Is bleeding access a pain in the butt with the Z4?
It was a couple of years ago that I had it removed.
From what I remember though there is a panel under the engine that gives access to the CDV and a bleed nipple there also.
E89 2014 35i M Sport Black with Black leather :)

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Aluminum Flywheel for E89 Z3 35i? Where to find and experiences?

Post by Machine monkey » Mon May 22, 2017 8:21 pm

Valor1 wrote: Mon May 22, 2017 7:51 pm
Machine monkey wrote: Mon May 22, 2017 7:42 pm
Nictrix wrote: Mon May 22, 2017 7:37 pm

It can just be removed and both ends reconnected then bled.
The CDV delet won't give you what you I don't think. Try it it's a free mod! I have a UUC aluminium flywheel and SMC it really let's the engine rev freely but I haven't driven with it yet. As I am in the middle of a project.
Were the parts expensive? You have already fit them? Was in a PITA or pretty straightforward? What's the weight of the flywheel?
I brought mine off hear it was second hand but not fitted. Not sure on the weight as it wasn't a big issue for me. I just needed rid of the soggy feeling DMC and mine was on the way out. And I also needed something a bit stronger.

Not the easiest of jobs, gearbox needs to come out and some of the bolts are a bit tricky to get to. It is about a days work and I wouldn't fancy doing without a lift.
My little blue zed is in lots of bits. With lots of things started and not many finished! I may have found the limits of my time and ability!!

Image

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Aluminum Flywheel for E89 Z3 35i? Where to find and experiences?

Post by Valor1 » Mon May 22, 2017 10:57 pm

Machine monkey wrote: Mon May 22, 2017 8:21 pm
Valor1 wrote: Mon May 22, 2017 7:51 pm
Machine monkey wrote: Mon May 22, 2017 7:42 pm

The CDV delet won't give you what you I don't think. Try it it's a free mod! I have a UUC aluminium flywheel and SMC it really let's the engine rev freely but I haven't driven with it yet. As I am in the middle of a project.
Were the parts expensive? You have already fit them? Was in a PITA or pretty straightforward? What's the weight of the flywheel?
I brought mine off hear it was second hand but not fitted. Not sure on the weight as it wasn't a big issue for me. I just needed rid of the soggy feeling DMC and mine was on the way out. And I also needed something a bit stronger.

Not the easiest of jobs, gearbox needs to come out and some of the bolts are a bit tricky to get to. It is about a days work and I wouldn't fancy doing without a lift.
Thanks everyone for the info. Seems accessing the bleed screw is a PITA! As for fitting the flywheel, perhaps that's why they put it up for sale? Too daunting an undertaking for them :(

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