325i Clutch Kit

[zd3bx]

Who would've thought that getting the right clutch kit would be such a big pain in the a$$...

I ordered one from ECP by giving them my reg, making sure it was Sachs branded, and when they delivered the kit, I checked it and it was the wrong part according to Sachs parts catalogue.

Have a look here > http://pdf.directindustry.com/pdf/zf-ma ... 68259.html

If you go to page 62-63, you'll see that the correct part number for Sachs clutch kit for 325i is as follows - 3000 132 002

However, what ECP delivered was 3000 950 058 (Sachs label on the box), which is for the 325e 2.7 i 122cv and 525e 2.7 i 125cv.

The strange thing is, that they put their own label on top of the original Sachs one and theirs stated "3000 132 002, 525E M20"...

What a mess...

Anyway, long story short, I returned the ECP's kit and tried buying one from Ebay, but no one's got in stock.

Yesterday I ordered the right kit from a 3rd party online parts retailer and they called me this morning, saying Sachs discontinued the above mentioned kit (3000 132 002), so they had to refund my order.

Now my question is...Should I get the kit from ECP, which is for a 325e/525e, or go for LuK clutch kit? I read quite a few stories about LuK and it's considerably cheaper, so that's why I was avoiding it...

Let me know what you think.

[Grrrmachine]

I've got a LUK kit on mine and it's standard fare over here (Sachs is unobtanium). No issues with it, although I don't do 5000RPM+ clutch drops at every traffic light. Still, no complaints about LUK here.

[zd3bx]

I've got a LUK kit on mine and it's standard fare over here (Sachs is unobtanium). No issues with it, although I don't do 5000RPM+ clutch drops at every traffic light. Still, no complaints about LUK here.

Do you have LUK's part number by any chance? I already know it, but just to double check?

[zd3bx]

Also I was wondering why are there different clutch kits for cars that have air conditioning?

[Grrrmachine]

Cars with aircon had different flywheels.

According to my records I spent 90 quid on a LUK kit 623 0327 00 last May for a 1989 325i. This is the same kit as the Sachs 3000 132 002. Hope that helps.

[milescook]

Trusting ECP with the reg alone or even selecting the exact model, is rarely a way to get the correct parts. I keep finding this out the hard way Never any problems with returns but it's hassle and time wasted. I wish they'd get a grip...

[zd3bx]

Cars with aircon had different flywheels.

According to my records I spent 90 quid on a LUK kit 623 0327 00 last May for a 1989 325i. This is the same kit as the Sachs 3000 132 002. Hope that helps.

Yeah, that's the same LUK part number I'm looking at, but I've got AC, so that does that mean this clutch won't fit on mine?

[Grrrmachine]

Aircon flywheels are lighter to cope with the extra strain on the engine at idle. It doesn't affect the clutch at all, so the standard 230mm clutch will be fine for you.

[polsta]

I don't know about in an e30 but LUK are preffered in 4x4s and taxis etc and said to be very good

[jmc330i]

I fitted a luk clutch to my S50 after having trouble finding a Sachs one. Never had any issues while I had it and AFAIK it was fine for the last 2-3 years of track use.

[Motorhole]

Can get a Sachs one from 123 Car Spares, but you need to buy the pressure plate, friction plate and release bearing separately and that comes to a smidgen under £200 iirc! Not cheap.

[zd3bx]

Ok thanks for the help guys. Will go for LUK then

[Brianmoooore]

The Sachs clutch may or may not be stronger than the Lux when operated beyond their intended design limits, but for anything near a standard engine either will be fine. It's not like the Lux unit was made in some Chinese back yard with cardboard friction material.