XClutch 11-13 BMW 335is Base 3.0L 9in Twin Solid Organic Clutch Kit (6 Bolt/PB in Flywheel)

The 2011-2013 BMW 335is came with the high-output version of the N54 twin-turbo six, and once it gets a tune, downpipes or upgraded turbos, the factory clutch in the six-speed manual cars is quickly out of its depth. The XClutch XKBM23596-2G is a Stage 4 clutch for that situation: two 9 inch rigid organic discs, a lightweight pressure plate, a chromoly flywheel and a new release bearing, built for the 6-bolt crankshaft with the pilot bearing carried in the flywheel. XClutch calls the 9 inch twin organic its street clutch for high horsepower cars.

What this twin organic clutch does in a 335is

Rather than one large disc, the kit runs two smaller organic discs with a floating intermediate plate between them. The second friction face roughly doubles the area doing the work, so the clutch can hold much more torque without a heavy pedal or a bigger bellhousing. XClutch rates XKBM23596-2G at 890 ft-lb of torque capacity, including its factor of safety, and lists the discs at 9 1/16 inch with a 1 3/8 inch, 26-spline input.

Organic friction is the reason this kit stays drivable. It takes up progressively, so pulling away in traffic or backing up a driveway feels close to stock, while puck-style ceramic discs bite harder. The discs here use a solid (rigid) hub with no damper springs, which keeps the assembly compact; expect a little more gear rattle and driveline noise at idle than with the factory dual-mass setup. XClutch states plainly that lightweight multi-disc upgrades can change cabin noise and vibration and that this is a normal trait of the design.

Symptoms that point to the clutch

• Engine speed rises without the car pulling harder once boost builds in 3rd, 4th or 5th
• Slip that showed up right after a flash tune, turbo upgrade or E85 mix
• Chatter or judder pulling away on a hill
• Pedal engagement that has moved high in its travel
• A worn single-disc upgrade that no longer holds your current power

How to confirm before you buy

Log a full-throttle pull in 4th gear from low rpm. If engine speed climbs ahead of vehicle speed, the clutch is slipping. Rule out the hydraulics first: a soft pedal, a tired slave cylinder or a restrictive clutch delay valve can keep the clutch from engaging fully or crisply. XClutch also reminds owners to check worn forks, pivots and hydraulics when replacing a clutch, since they affect feel and life. If your power goals are modest, a single disc such as the Clutch Masters FX100 for the 335is or the more aggressive FX400 dampened ceramic kit may suit better. Our manual versus automatic repair cost guide covers typical clutch labor.

Fitment

Our listing is for the 2011-2013 BMW 335is 3.0L with the six-speed manual, 6-bolt crankshaft and pilot bearing in the flywheel. The 335is was sold as the E92 coupe and E93 convertible. XClutch's own compatibility table for this part number names the 6-bolt N55 335i and 135i (2011-2015) and the 2011 1 Series M rather than the 335is by name, so check that your crank flange has 6 bolts, or send us the year and last 7 of the VIN, before ordering. It does not fit DCT cars or the earlier 8-bolt N54 335i, which takes a different XClutch kit. Browse more clutch parts in our rebuild kits department.

Install notes

• Wipe the anti-corrosion oil off the flywheel and clean the crank flange back to bare metal, then use thread locker on the new flywheel bolts and torque them to BMW's figure.
• Lightly grease the input shaft splines. Each disc is marked for the transmission side; per XClutch TSB-166, fit them that way and confirm at least 0.5 mm between the two hubs.
• Center the discs with the included tool, then draw the 20 M6 pressure plate bolts down evenly in a circle as TSB-166 describes.
• The new release bearing can sit two ways on the BMW fork. XClutch TSB-214 says to fit it with the lowest contact face against the fork.
• Bleed the clutch with fresh brake fluid; a Mityvac vacuum bleeding kit makes it a one-person job. A light rattle from the intermediate plate with the pedal down is normal.

Does this fit an 8-bolt N54 335i?

No. This part number is the 6-bolt crankshaft version. Earlier 8-bolt N54 cars need a different XClutch kit, so check your crank flange or send us your VIN.

XClutch does not list the 335is by name. Why is it listed for it?

Our listing is for the 2011-2013 335is with the 6-bolt crank and pilot bearing in the flywheel. XClutch's table names the 6-bolt N55 335i, 135i and 2011 1 Series M, so we ask 335is owners to confirm the 6-bolt flange or send the VIN before ordering.

How much torque will it hold?

XClutch rates XKBM23596-2G at 890 ft-lb of torque capacity, including its factor of safety.

What is in the box?

XClutch lists the flywheel, release bearing, flywheel bolts, pressure plate bolts and an alignment tool along with the twin disc pressure plate assembly.

Will it be noisier than stock?

Usually a little. It replaces the factory dual-mass setup with a lightweight twin disc and rigid hubs, and XClutch notes this style can change cabin noise and vibration. A light intermediate-plate rattle with the pedal pressed is normal.

Does it fit the 335is with the dual-clutch transmission?

No. It is only for cars with the six-speed manual.

• Automatic vs. Manual Transmission Repair Cost: What to Actually Expect