ACT 01-06 BMW M3 E46 HD/Perf Street Sprung Clutch Kit
ACT BM9-HDSS is the Heavy Duty street clutch for the 2001 to 2006 BMW M3 (E46) with the 3.2L S54. It is the kit to look at when the original clutch is slipping at high rpm, chattering on takeoff or simply worn out after years of track days, and you want more holding power than stock without turning the M3 into a leg workout in traffic.
The kit combines ACT's Heavy Duty pressure plate (B015) with the 3000815 Performance Street sprung disc. ACT rates it at 465 ft-lb at the crank, 52 percent over the original clutch, which leaves a comfortable margin for a stock or bolt-on S54 that spins to a high redline. The disc is organic with high copper content for heat transfer and a steel-backed lining for burst strength, measures 240 mm (9.4 in) and fits the 1.375 in input shaft. The sprung hub keeps the drivetrain smoother at low speed than a rigid race disc.
ACT describes the feel as light to moderate pedal effort with smooth engagement and OE to mild gear rattle, and says its Heavy Duty plates typically add 15 to 40 percent pedal effort depending on the car. Every assembly is clamp-load tested and computer balanced. In the box: the B015 pressure plate, 3000815 disc, RB1401 release bearing, PB1002 pilot bearing, AT25 alignment tool and M8-1.25 x 20 mm pressure plate bolts.
Make sure the hydraulics are healthy first: a soft pedal, a leaking slave cylinder or a clogged clutch delay valve can mimic a bad clutch. Look for oil around the bellhousing seam, since a rear main seal leak will contaminate any new disc. Then do a roll-on in a high gear from low rpm; if the tach climbs ahead of the speedometer, the clutch is slipping. Our slipping diagnosis guide explains the test, and the repair cost guide helps budget the job.
ACT lists BM9-HDSS for the 2001 through 2006 BMW M3 E46 with the S54 3.2L straight-six, including the Euro-market cars. It does not fit the 325i, 328i or 330i, which use different engines and clutches. ACT's listing does not split six-speed manual from SMG cars, so if your M3 has SMG, send us the VIN and we will confirm before shipping. ACT lists the kit at 14.9 lb. Browse more clutch parts in our rebuild kits category.
The flywheel is not included, and ACT notes that sprung-hub discs must run on an ACT flywheel for proper clearance. For this car that means the 601010 XACT Streetlite, a 240 mm chromoly part with a 113-tooth ring gear, or the lighter 601015 XACT Prolite. If the car has a supercharger or other big power adder, step up to the BM9-XTSS Xtreme kit instead.
| Brand | ACT |
| Part number | BM9-HDSS |
| Fits | ACT 01-06 BMW M3 E46 HD/Perf Street Sprung Clutch Kit |
| Vehicle fitment | BMW M3 E46 Hd/Perf (2001-2006) |
| Type | Clutch Kits - Single |
| Condition | New |
| Ships | Same business day (in stock), from the USA |
| Warranty | 1-year |
No. ACT states sprung-hub discs must be used with an ACT flywheel for clearance. The options for the E46 M3 are the 601010 Streetlite and 601015 Prolite, sold separately.
ACT rates BM9-HDSS at 465 ft-lb at the crank, 52 percent over the original clutch.
ACT calls it light to moderate pedal effort and says Heavy Duty plates usually add 15 to 40 percent over stock, depending on the vehicle.
HDSS suits stock and bolt-on S54 cars and keeps a lighter pedal. The Xtreme BM9-XTSS is rated higher and is meant for supercharged or heavily modified cars, at the cost of a heavier pedal.
No. ACT lists it only for the 2001 to 2006 M3 with the S54 engine.
The kit already includes the release and pilot bearings. Add the ACT flywheel, new flywheel bolts and fresh brake fluid for the clutch hydraulics.
