Clutch Masters 11 BMW 335i/335is E90 Turbo FX400 Sprung Full Face Ceramic Dampened Clutch Kit

The Clutch Masters 03075-HDCL-D is an FX400 8-puck full-face ceramic clutch with a sprung, dampened disc for the 2011 BMW 335i with the N55 turbo six and a manual gearbox. Owners shop for it when a tuned N55 starts slipping in third gear and above, when the factory clutch flares under boost after a flash tune or downpipes, or when the car is getting a lightweight single-mass flywheel and needs a disc built to work with it. Clutch Masters puts this kit at a 170 percent increase in holding capacity over stock.

What the FX400 8-puck dampened clutch does in a 335i

The N55 makes strong midrange torque even on a stock tune, and simple bolt-ons push it past what the factory clutch was designed to clamp. This kit uses the Clutch Masters Power Plus I high-leverage heavy-duty pressure plate with a segmented 8-puck ceramic button disc. On the 8-puck version, a Marcel cushion sits between the linings, which Clutch Masters says gives quick engagement with minimal chatter and makes it the street-oriented member of the FX400 family. The more aggressive 6-puck version has no Marcel and is better suited to drag or track use.

The -D suffix matters. Clutch Masters describes this as a dampened disc designed to be used with an aftermarket single-mass flywheel. The springs in the disc hub take over some of the torsional damping that the factory dual-mass flywheel normally provides. The flywheel is not part of this kit, so plan the flywheel purchase at the same time.

Symptoms that point to this upgrade

• Boost builds, RPM rises, and road speed does not keep up in third through sixth gear
• Slip that appeared after a tune, larger intercooler or downpipe install
• Burning clutch smell after a few pulls or a hard launch
• Rattle or vibration at idle from a tired dual-mass flywheel that you plan to replace with a single-mass unit
• Pedal engagement point that keeps creeping higher

How to confirm the clutch is the problem

A clutch that slips will let engine speed jump during a hard pull in a high gear without throwing any code. Before buying, check for oil on the clutch from a rear main seal or input shaft seal, and make sure the hydraulic release system is bled and not dragging. Our guide to diagnosing a slipping transmission explains how to separate clutch slip from other faults, and the repair cost comparison for manual and automatic cars lays out what the labor typically involves.

Fitment

This listing covers the 2011 BMW 335i E90-family car with the 3.0L turbo engine and a manual transmission. The Clutch Masters application chart for 03075-HDCL-D lists the 335 3.0L N55 (2009-2012 range on their chart), the 2012-2015 F30 335i, the 2011-2013 135 N55, the 2011-2012 1M N54, 2014-2016 435 and M235, and several 5 and 6 Series applications. The chart does not list the 335is by name. The 335is uses the N54 engine, so if you have a 335is, send us your VIN before ordering so we can confirm the clutch and flywheel match. Automatic and DCT cars do not use this kit.

If you want a smoother, lower-effort upgrade for the same car, compare the Clutch Masters FX100 kit for the 2011 335i. F30 owners can also look at the SPEC Stage 3 kit for the 2012-2015 F30 335i.

Install notes

• Install a compatible aftermarket single-mass flywheel with this disc. Clutch Masters designed the -D dampened disc for that setup; confirm the flywheel with us or with your installer before ordering.
• Clean the flywheel friction face and the pressure plate with brake cleaner so there is no oil or fingerprint residue on the ceramic surfaces.
• Center the disc on the input shaft with the supplied alignment tool. If you need a spare, the 18-piece SAE and metric alignment tool kit is a handy backup.
• Draw the pressure plate down evenly in a crisscross pattern and torque to the factory specification.
• The clutch hydraulic system shares the brake fluid reservoir. Bleed it with the fluid listed on the reservoir cap after the gearbox is back in; a pneumatic fluid extractor and bleeder speeds that up.
• Replace any leaking rear main or input shaft seal while access is open, and drive easy for the first few hundred miles so the ceramic pucks bed in evenly.

Clutch Masters is clear that ceramic discs are not intended to make a clutch last longer on a stock car. If your 335i is unmodified and the clutch simply wore out, a milder organic kit is the better fit.

Does this kit come with a flywheel?

No. 03075-HDCL-D is the pressure plate and dampened 8-puck disc kit. Clutch Masters designed the disc for use with an aftermarket single-mass flywheel, which is bought separately.

Will it fit my 335is?

The Clutch Masters chart lists the N55 335 and the N54 1M but does not name the 335is. Send us your VIN and we will confirm fitment before you order.

Is the 8-puck version smooth enough for daily driving?

It is the street version of the FX400. The Marcel cushion between the linings gives quick engagement with minimal chatter. It will still feel firmer than the factory clutch.

How is this different from the FX400 6-puck?

The 6-puck disc has no Marcel cushion and engages more aggressively, with possible chatter in first and reverse. The 8-puck full-face disc is the less aggressive, more street-friendly option.

Can I keep my factory dual-mass flywheel?

Clutch Masters lists this dampened disc for use with an aftermarket single-mass flywheel. Plan to replace the dual-mass flywheel at the same time.

Is this a good choice for a stock 335i?

Usually not. Clutch Masters says ceramic discs are not meant for stock or near-stock cars. A tuned car that is slipping the factory clutch is where this kit makes sense.

• Transmission Slipping Diagnosis Guide
• Automatic vs Manual Transmission Repair Cost
• Rebuild vs Replace vs Reman Transmission