Clutch Masters 96-99 BMW 328 2.8L E36 FX400 8-Puck Dampened Disc Clutch Kit
Clutch Masters 03030-HDCL-D is the FX400 eight-puck ceramic clutch kit for the M52 2.8L six-cylinder BMWs with a manual gearbox: the 1996-1999 E36 328i and 328is, plus the 1997-1998 E39 528i and early Z3 2.8. It is the kit E36 owners look at when a turbo or supercharger build, a track car or a drift car has outgrown the factory clutch, and they are already planning to replace the worn dual-mass flywheel with a single-mass unit.
From the factory the M52 manual cars run an organic clutch disc on a dual-mass flywheel, which uses internal springs to soak up crankshaft pulses. The FX400 replaces the clutch side with Clutch Masters' Power Plus I high-leverage heavy-duty pressure plate and a sprung ceramic disc with eight segmented pucks. Clutch Masters rates the FX400 at a 170 percent increase in holding capacity over stock.
The eight-puck version is the milder of the two FX400 discs. Clutch Masters says the HDCL full-face design engages quickly but keeps chatter to a minimum thanks to a marcel cushion between the linings, and it describes this disc as designed for street-driven vehicles. The six-puck version is the more aggressive one. The -D suffix is the important detail on this part number: it is a dampened disc that Clutch Masters designed to be used with an aftermarket single-mass flywheel, so it is not meant to go back onto the original dual-mass unit.
A hard pull in fourth from low rpm tells you whether the disc is slipping: the tach rises faster than the speedometer. With the gearbox out, a dual-mass flywheel is judged by how far the secondary mass rotates and rocks by hand; one past its limit cannot be resurfaced. Also check the clutch slave for leaks and look for oil from the rear main seal before installing a new disc. Our slipping diagnosis guide covers the road test, and the manual repair cost guide helps you budget the whole job.
Our listing covers the BMW 328 2.8L E36 from 1996-1999. Clutch Masters also lists 03030-HDCL-D for the 1997-1998 E39 528 2.8L and the 1997-1998 Z3 2.8L built up to 9/1998. Z3 2.8 cars built from October 1998 on, and the later E46 328i, are cataloged with different clutch and flywheel parts, so check the production date on the door label before ordering. The M3, the 323i, the 325i and automatic cars use other parts. If the car has been swapped or you are unsure, send us your year and VIN. You can browse other options in our clutch and rebuild kit collection.
For a 328i that stays mostly on the street with mild power, the ACT BM17-HDSS street kit is a smoother alternative to compare.
| Brand | Clutch Masters |
| Part number | 03030-HDCL-D |
| Fits | Clutch Masters 96-99 BMW 328 2.8L E36 FX400 8-Puck Dampened Disc Clutch Kit |
| Vehicle fitment | BMW 328 (1996-1999) |
| Type | Clutch Kits - Single |
| Condition | New |
| Ships | Same business day (in stock), from the USA |
| Warranty | 1-year |
Clutch Masters describes the -D disc as a dampened disc designed to be used with an aftermarket single-mass flywheel. Plan on fitting a single-mass flywheel for the M52 2.8L with this kit, and ask us to match one before you order.
Clutch Masters lists it for Z3 2.8L cars from 1997-1998 built up to 9/1998. Cars built from October 1998 use different parts. Check the production date on the door label or send us the VIN.
It is the milder FX400 option. Clutch Masters says the eight-puck full-face disc has a marcel cushion that keeps chatter to a minimum and is designed for street-driven cars. It still engages faster than a stock organic disc, and Clutch Masters does not recommend ceramic discs for stock or near-stock cars.
Yes. It includes the pressure plate, disc, release bearing, a pilot bearing where the application uses one, an alignment tool, an instruction card and decals. The flywheel is sold separately.
Rattle at idle in neutral that goes quiet with the pedal pressed, clunks on throttle changes and shudder on takeoff are common signs. With the gearbox out, too much rotation or rocking of the secondary mass by hand means it is worn out.
