Spec 07-10 BMW 335i/135i Stage 3+ Clutch Kit *Requires SB53A-2 Flywheel*

The SPEC SB533F-2 is the Stage 3+ clutch for N54 BMW owners who are replacing the factory dual-mass flywheel with a SPEC billet flywheel. It fits the 2007-2010 335i and 135i six-speed manual cars and is aimed at tuned engines that now slip the stock clutch, or at anyone tired of a worn dual-mass unit rattling and shuddering. It ships same business day from the USA.

How SB533F-2 differs from SB533F

SPEC sells two Stage 3+ kits for these cars. The plain SB533F is a ratcheting, self-adjusting design that bolts to the factory dual-mass flywheel. The SB533F-2 on this page is a non-ratcheting pressure plate, and SPEC lists it for use with its billet flywheels only, not the factory flywheel. Non-ratcheting means there is no self-adjust mechanism to set or reset, and the pedal feel stays consistent as the disc wears. Both use the same Stage 3+ friction: a carbon semi-metallic, full-faced disc that grips harder than stock but takes up more smoothly than SPEC's puck-style Stage 3. SPEC lists the torque rating for SB533F-2 at 671 and its shipping weight at 17 lb.

Symptoms that point to this upgrade

• Revs climb without acceleration in the upper gears once the turbos spool
• Shudder pulling away, or a rattle at idle that stops when the pedal is pressed, typical of a tired dual-mass flywheel
• Engagement point drifting high in the pedal travel
• Burning smell after hard pulls, hill starts or launches
• Notchy shifts or grinding, which can also come from the hydraulics

How to confirm the clutch is the problem

Load test the car in fourth gear from about 2,500 rpm at full throttle. If the tach jumps ahead of road speed, the clutch is slipping. Rule out a leaking slave cylinder or air in the line, and look for oil at the bellhousing from the rear main seal, since oil contamination will ruin a new disc. Our slipping diagnosis guide explains how to separate clutch slip from other faults, and the manual vs automatic repair cost guide helps with budgeting the job.

Fitment and the flywheel you need

Our listing covers the BMW 335i and 135i with the N54 engine and manual gearbox, 2007-2010. SPEC splits these cars at the January/February 2009 production change, and the flywheel is what changes:

• 335i and 135i built through January 2009: use the SPEC SB53A-2 aluminum or SB53S-2 steel flywheel. This is the flywheel named in our listing title.
• Cars built from February 2009: SPEC calls for the SB53A-3 or SB53S-3 flywheel with this clutch.

Check the production date on the door jamb label, or send us your VIN and we will confirm before you order. SPEC also lists SB533F-2 for the 2011-2013 335is, the E60 535i and the N54 Z4 sDrive35i with the matching billet flywheel. For early cars we stock the SPEC aluminum flywheel for SB53x-2 kits and the SB53S-2 steel flywheel. If you would rather keep the factory flywheel, the ratcheting SB533F is the version for that. More clutch parts are in the rebuild kits category.

Install notes

• Order the flywheel with the clutch. This kit is not meant to go on the factory dual-mass flywheel.
• Since the pressure plate is non-ratcheting, no self-adjusting clutch reset tool is needed.
• Replace or inspect the pilot bearing while the gearbox is out; an OEMTOOLS 25089 pilot bearing puller speeds up removal.
• Use new flywheel bolts, center the disc with an alignment tool, and tighten the cover bolts in a star pattern in stages.
• Bleed the clutch with fresh DOT 4 brake fluid, which BMW uses in the shared brake and clutch reservoir, and give the disc a few hundred miles of easy driving before full-boost pulls.

Can I use SB533F-2 with my factory flywheel?

No. SPEC lists SB533F-2 as a non-ratcheting kit for use with its billet flywheels. To keep the factory dual-mass flywheel, use the ratcheting SB533F instead.

Which flywheel do I need for my car?

For 335i and 135i cars built through January 2009, SPEC calls for the SB53A-2 aluminum or SB53S-2 steel flywheel. Cars built from February 2009 use the SB53A-3 or SB53S-3. Send your VIN if you are unsure of your build date.

How much torque is it rated for?

SPEC lists a torque rating of 671 for SB533F-2. The Stage 3+ disc is a carbon semi-metallic full-faced design.

Does it need a clutch reset tool?

No. The SB533F-2 pressure plate is non-ratcheting, so there is no self-adjusting mechanism to reset during installation.

Is Stage 3+ OK for daily driving?

Yes for most owners. The full-faced disc engages more smoothly than a puck disc. A billet flywheel will make the car rev more freely and can add some gear rattle at idle compared with the factory dual-mass unit.

• Transmission Slipping Diagnosis Guide
• Automatic vs. Manual Transmission Repair Cost
• Shift Flare vs. Slip: How to Tell Them Apart