When to replace the Clutch Kit on your BMW 3 SERIES
Recommended replacement interval for the part category Clutch kit : 100000 km
Important!
This replacement procedure can be used for:
BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 320 i, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 325 i View more

The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.

This video shows the replacement procedure of a similar car part on another vehicle

All the parts you need to replace – Clutch Kit for 3 Saloon (E46) and other BMW models
How to change Clutch kit on BMW E46 320 d – step-by-step instructions for straightforward car repair
Clutch kit
How to change Mounting Kit, jaw coupling on BMW E46 320 d – step-by-step instructions for straightforward car repair
Mounting Kit, jaw coupling
Tools
Replacement: clutch kit – BMW 3 (E46). Tools you might need:
Wire brush
WD-40 spray
All-purpose cleaning spray
Multipurpose grease
Torque wrench
Combination spanner #13
Combination spanner #18
Drive socket # 10
Drive socket # 13
Drive socket # 16
Drive socket # 18
Torx bit E11
Torx bit E12
Torx bit E14
HEX bit No.H6
HEX bit No.H14
Ratchet wrench
Phillips Screwdriver
Clutch tool kit
Crow bar
Hydraulic transmission jack
Fender cover
Replacement: clutch kit – BMW 3 (E46). AUTODOC experts recommend:
  • Replace the entire clutch kit assembly: the pressure plate, clutch disc, and release bearing.
  • Please note: all work on the car – BMW 3 (E46) – should be done with the engine switched off.
Carry out replacement in the following order:
  1. Step 1
    Open the bonnet.
    Step 2
    Use a fender protection cover to prevent damaging paintwork and plastic parts of the car.
    Step 3
    Open the boot lid.
    Step 4
    How to change Clutch Kit on BMW E46 1998 - free PDF and video manuals
    Remove the battery cover.
  2. Step 5
    How to replace BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 320 d 1999 Clutch Kit - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Unscrew the negative battery terminal fastener. Use a drive socket #10. Use a ratchet wrench.
  3. Step 6
    BMW E46 320d 2.0 2000 Clutch Kit replacement: free workshop manuals
    Disconnect the earth cable terminal from the battery.
  4. Step 7
    Lift the car using a jack or place it over an inspection pit.
    Step 8
    Changing Clutch Kit on BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 320i 2.2 2001 by yourself
    Unscrew the engine splash guard fasteners. Use a Phillips screwdriver.
  5. Step 9
    How to remove BMW 3 SERIES 318 i 2002 Clutch Kit - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Remove the engine splash guard.
  6. Step 10
    How to replace Clutch Kit on BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 2003: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Prop up the subframe reinforcement bracket. Use a hydraulic transmission jack.
  7. Step 11
    How hard is it to do yourself: Clutch Kit replacement on BMW E46 318i 2.0 2004 - download illustrated guide
    Unscrew the subframe reinforcement bracket fasteners. Use a drive socket #16. Use a ratchet wrench.
  8. Step 12
    Need to know how to renew Clutch Kit on BMW 3 SERIES 2005? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Remove the subframe bracket.
    Replacement: clutch kit – BMW 3 (E46). Tip from AUTODOC experts:
    Make marks on the front propshaft coupling to indicate its position.
  9. Step 13
    Changing of Clutch Kit on BMW E46 1998 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    Unscrew the propshaft coupling fasteners. Use a combination spanner #18. Use a drive socket #18. Use a ratchet wrench.
  10. Step 14
    BMW 3 SERIES 316i 1.8 Clutch Kit replacement: online guides and video tutorials
    Unscrew the clutch slave cylinder fasteners. Use a drive socket #13. Use a ratchet wrench.
  11. Step 15
    Replacing Clutch Kit on BMW E46 2000 320 d by yourself
    Remove the clutch slave cylinder.
  12. Step 16
    3 Saloon (E46) 318 i 2001 Clutch Kit DIY replacement workshop manual
    Disconnect the transmission sensor connector.
  13. Step 17
    How to change Clutch Kit on BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 2002 - tips and tricks
    Prop up the gearbox support. Use a hydraulic transmission jack.
  14. Step 18
    Step-by-step recommendations for DIY replacement BMW E46 2003 318 i Clutch Kit
    Unscrew the fasteners that connect the gearbox support to the car body. Use a drive socket #13. Use a ratchet wrench.
  15. Step 19
    DIY replacement of Clutch Kit on BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 330d 2.9 2004 is not an issue anymore with our step-by-step tutorial
    Unsnap the locking pin on the shift lever support arm. Use a crowbar.
  16. Step 20
    Remove the cotter pin.
    Step 21
    How to change Clutch Kit on BMW E46 1998 - free PDF and video manuals
    Disconnect the shift lever support arm.
  17. Step 22
    How to replace BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 320 d 1999 Clutch Kit - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Remove the selector rod retaining clip.
  18. Step 23
    BMW E46 320d 2.0 2000 Clutch Kit replacement: free workshop manuals
    Detach the selector rod.
  19. Step 24
    Changing Clutch Kit on BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 320i 2.2 2001 by yourself
    Clean the exhaust system fastener. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  20. Step 25
    How to remove BMW 3 SERIES 318 i 2002 Clutch Kit - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Unscrew the exhaust system fasteners. Use a combination spanner #13. Use a drive socket #13. Use a ratchet wrench.
  21. Step 26
    How to replace Clutch Kit on BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 2003: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Remove the exhaust system fastener.
  22. Step 27
    How hard is it to do yourself: Clutch Kit replacement on BMW E46 318i 2.0 2004 - download illustrated guide
    Unscrew the exhaust system bracket fasteners from the car body. Use a drive socket #13. Use a ratchet wrench.
  23. Step 28
    Remove the exhaust system bracket.
    Step 29
    Need to know how to renew Clutch Kit on BMW 3 SERIES 2005? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Use a metal hook to hang the exhaust line to the suspension components or to the car body.
  24. Step 30
    Changing of Clutch Kit on BMW E46 1998 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    Unscrew the fasteners of the exhaust heat shield. Use a drive socket #10. Use a ratchet wrench.
  25. Step 31
    BMW 3 SERIES 316i 1.8 Clutch Kit replacement: online guides and video tutorials
    Remove the exhaust heat shield.
  26. Step 32
    Replacing Clutch Kit on BMW E46 2000 320 d by yourself
    Unscrew the fasteners of the propeller shaft centre support bearing. Use a drive socket #13. Use a ratchet wrench.
  27. Step 33
    3 Saloon (E46) 318 i 2001 Clutch Kit DIY replacement workshop manual
    Disconnect the propshaft centre bearing from the car body.
  28. Step 34
    How to change Clutch Kit on BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 2002 - tips and tricks
    Move the propeller shaft aside.
    Replacement: clutch kit – BMW 3 (E46). Tip from AUTODOC:
    Secure the propeller shaft to the car body to prevent injuries.
  29. Step 35
    Step-by-step recommendations for DIY replacement BMW E46 2003 318 i Clutch Kit
    Remove the propshaft coupling.
  30. Step 36
    DIY replacement of Clutch Kit on BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 330d 2.9 2004 is not an issue anymore with our step-by-step tutorial
    Unscrew the lower fasteners that connect the gearbox to the engine. Use Torx E11. Use a ratchet wrench.
  31. Step 37
    How to change Clutch Kit on BMW E46 1998 - free PDF and video manuals
    Remove the fastening bolts.
  32. Step 38
    How to replace BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 320 d 1999 Clutch Kit - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Unscrew the engine starter fasteners. Use Torx E12. Use a ratchet wrench.
  33. Step 39
    BMW E46 320d 2.0 2000 Clutch Kit replacement: free workshop manuals
    Move the starter away from the gearbox.
  34. Step 40
    Changing Clutch Kit on BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 320i 2.2 2001 by yourself
    Unscrew the fasteners that connect the gearbox to the engine block. Use Torx E14. Use a ratchet wrench.
  35. Step 41
    How to remove BMW 3 SERIES 318 i 2002 Clutch Kit - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Remove the fastening bolts.
  36. Step 42
    How to replace Clutch Kit on BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 2003: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Disconnect the gearbox from the engine. Use a crowbar.
  37. Step 43
    How hard is it to do yourself: Clutch Kit replacement on BMW E46 318i 2.0 2004 - download illustrated guide
    Remove the gearbox. Use a hydraulic transmission jack.
  38. Step 44
    Need to know how to renew Clutch Kit on BMW 3 SERIES 2005? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Install the engine flywheel locking tool. Use a clutch tool kit.
  39. Step 45
    Changing of Clutch Kit on BMW E46 1998 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    Unscrew the pressure plate fasteners. Use HEX No.H6. Use a ratchet wrench.
  40. Step 46
    BMW 3 SERIES 316i 1.8 Clutch Kit replacement: online guides and video tutorials
    Remove the fastening bolts.
  41. Step 47
    Replacing Clutch Kit on BMW E46 2000 320 d by yourself
    Remove the pressure plate together with the clutch disc. Use a crowbar.
  42. Step 48
    3 Saloon (E46) 318 i 2001 Clutch Kit DIY replacement workshop manual
    Clean the clutch kit mounting seats. Use all-purpose cleaning spray.
  43. Step 49
    How to change Clutch Kit on BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 2002 - tips and tricks
    Install the new pressure plate together with the clutch disc.
  44. Step 50
    Step-by-step recommendations for DIY replacement BMW E46 2003 318 i Clutch Kit
    Align the clutch disc. Use a clutch tool kit.
    Replacement: clutch kit – BMW 3 (E46). Tip from AUTODOC experts:
    Be careful not to damage the part.
  45. Step 51
    DIY replacement of Clutch Kit on BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 330d 2.9 2004 is not an issue anymore with our step-by-step tutorial
    Install the fastening bolts.
  46. Step 52
    Screw in the pressure plate fasteners. Use HEX No.H6. Use a ratchet wrench.
    Step 53
    How to change Clutch Kit on BMW E46 1998 - free PDF and video manuals
    Tighten the pressure plate fasteners. Use HEX No.H6. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 25 Nm torque.
  47. Step 54
    How to replace BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 320 d 1999 Clutch Kit - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Unscrew the locking plate of the pressure plate. Use HEX No.H14. Use a ratchet wrench.
    Replacement: clutch kit – BMW 3 (E46). Tip:
    When unscrewing it, the clutch diaphragm spring may click.
  48. Step 55
    BMW E46 320d 2.0 2000 Clutch Kit replacement: free workshop manuals
    Remove the flywheel locking tool.
  49. Step 56
    Changing Clutch Kit on BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 320i 2.2 2001 by yourself
    Remove the release bearing.
  50. Step 57
    How to remove BMW 3 SERIES 318 i 2002 Clutch Kit - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Remove the clutch release fork lever.
  51. Step 58
    How to replace Clutch Kit on BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 2003: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Clean the clutch release bearing mounting seat. Use all-purpose cleaning spray.
  52. Step 59
    How hard is it to do yourself: Clutch Kit replacement on BMW E46 318i 2.0 2004 - download illustrated guide
    Treat the release bearing mounting seat. Use a multipurpose grease.
  53. Step 60
    Need to know how to renew Clutch Kit on BMW 3 SERIES 2005? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Install the clutch release fork lever.
  54. Step 61
    Changing of Clutch Kit on BMW E46 1998 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    Install the new release bearing.
  55. Step 62
    BMW 3 SERIES 316i 1.8 Clutch Kit replacement: online guides and video tutorials
    Install the gearbox. Use a hydraulic transmission jack.
    Replacement: clutch kit – BMW 3 (E46). AUTODOC experts recommend:
    Take care to prevent the gearbox from being unsupported (hanging).
  56. Step 63
    Replacing Clutch Kit on BMW E46 2000 320 d by yourself
    Install the fastening bolts.
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DIY BMW 3 Saloon (E46) Clutch Kit replacement - online guide
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