The Ultimate flywheel and clutch combination for the
E39 M5 / 540i and Z8.
|
To order: M5 or Z8: [
CLICK HERE ] |
The
design of the Ultimate flywheel and clutch for the BMW V8 had to combine all
of these characteristics:
- Lighter weight for faster acceleration and better throttle response.
- No change in clutch pedal effort, improved feel.
- Durability of clutch to eliminate the unnaturally short lifespan of the original BMW design.
- Quiet operation with minimal gear lash sound.
- Power-handling capabilities suitable for the original 394hp rating of the M5 or for 700hp+ supercharger applications.
- Readily-available replacement clutch offerings in a variety of materials.
The UUC Ultimate
Flywheel and Clutch conversion solves all of these requirements.
THE
CLUTCH:
The
clutch draws from BMW's Motorsport heritage and converts the V8 M5 / 540i / Z8
to use the 280mm (11.02") clutch components from the legendary 5.6l
V12-engined 850CSi as used in the S6S 560G gearbox. When compared to the
original 240mm (9.45") clutch in the S6S 420G gearbox in the M5 / 540i /
Z8, this 280mm clutch has a whopping 50% greater friction surface
area. This increase in area 
dramatically increases the clutch lifespan and power-handling
capabilities.
We fully expect this clutch setup to give “normal” lifespan comparable to
standard BMW models, 50K-80K miles depending on driving style.
Additionally, the change to a conventional pressure plate assembly instead of
the M5's original self-adjusting unit results in improved pedal feel and
feedback with no increase in effort. With
the larger pressure plate/clutch design, a larger clutch slave cylinder is
required – this part is included with the UUC package.
In addition to the larger size, this clutch features
a sprung hub center section that damps the power pulse variations that
cause transmission rattle in standard fixed-hub clutches. Combined with
the specific weight of the UUC flywheel, the result is a lightweight
flywheel/clutch combination that is almost rattle-free in most installations
(variations in transmission wear, condition of fluid, and other factors may
cause some cars to experience very slight rattle). For more on sprung-hub
clutch technology and rattle reduction, please click
here.
From a maintenance viewpoint, the use of BMW/Sachs clutch components means
that future replacement components are readily available at any BMW dealer and
installation follows standard BMW guidelines.
Clutch options range from standard material rated up to 500lb-ft, and all the
way up to carbon/semi-metallic materials rated to approximately 900lb-ft.
Optional
clutches include:
- Standard BMW/Sachs 850CSi clutch kit. Rated beyond 500lb-ft.
- Sachs "Power Clutch" performance organic (greater clamping force than standard BMW) Rated beyond 500lb-ft.
- UUC "Performance Organic" clutch kit with high-temp organic clutch material, pressure plate with 26% greater clamping force. Rated beyond 690lb-ft. (drives as smoothly as standard BMW clutch)
- UUC "UltraSmooth Ceramic" clutch kit, pressure plate with 26% greater clamping force. Rated beyond 890lb-ft. (drives almost as smoothly as standard BMW clutch)
- UUC "MultiPuck Ceramic" clutch kit, pressure plate with 26% greater clamping force. Rated beyond 890lb-ft. (recommended for supercharger applications or those that will see frequent drag racing)
THE FLYWHEEL:
SFI Certified to 11,000rpm continuous use and 14,000rpm "spin burst" tested.
The
UUC flywheel is the heart of the V12 clutch conversion, perfectly adapting the
larger 850CSi components to the V8 transmission. Built with the same level of
technical sophistication and quality that earned UUC a European Car magazine
"Select Gear Top 10" award for best products of 2003, and also the
SFI race-spec certification, this is simply the best quality flywheel that can
be built. Construction details include CNC machined 6061-T6 aluminum
disk with replaceable 1050 steel friction surface (suitable for any clutch
material, including race-only sintered iron). Friction surface retaining
bolt pattern is computer-designed for optimum strength and load-bearing.
Correct V8 starter ring and ignition trigger ring for perfect operation.
HOW WELL
DOES IT WORK?
It works flawlessly. Clutch
effort is identical to the original V8 clutch, and feel is even better.
With the specific weight and sprung-hub clutch design, typical transmission
rattle is virtually nonexistent. With a significant 13.5lb weight
savings in rotating components compared to the original V8 flywheel/clutch
package, acceleration and throttle response is noticeably improved.
This is truly a "no compromise" design, the way the V8 cars should
have been equipped by BMW.
Supercharged
M5/Z8 cars have been equipped with the UUC flywheel/clutch combination with
excellent results.
COMPLETE KIT INCLUDES:
- flywheel
- clutch disk (specify from options list)
- pressure plate
- throwout bearing
- slave cylinder
- installation hardware
No other parts
required for installation.
NOTE: a special tool is required to
remove the original V8 flywheel. BMW dealers have this tool, but
independent shops may not, UUC recommends asking the installation shop before
starting work to avoid unforeseen delays. The special tool is
available for purchase from UUC.
FITMENT GUIDE
| PART NUMBER | YEAR | MODEL |
| LWFS62 | 1999-2003 | M5 |
| LWFM62 | 1996-2003 | 540i 6-speed |
| LWFS62 | 1999-2003 | Z8
6-speed (not for Steptronic Alpina edition) |
| All models - specify clutch choice when ordering. | ||