Basic information (BMW 3 Series E46)

All models are equipped with a single-disc clutch consisting of a driven (friction) disc, pressure plate, diaphragm spring, casing and release bearing.

The driven disk is installed between the engine flywheel and the clutch pressure plate, and has a splined connection with the primary shaft of the gearbox. The disk linings are fastened with rivets on both sides of the disk. All models are equipped with a self-adjusting clutch. The change in the gap between the disks, which occurs as a result of wear of the linings, is compensated by changing the height of the diaphragm spring fingers. For this purpose, a special spring mechanism is installed in the pressure plate.

The diaphragm spring is mounted on pins and held in place by support rings.

The release bearing is located on the guide sleeve of the front cover of the gearbox. The bearing can slide along the guide sleeve under the action of the release fork, which has a hinged mount inside the clutch housing.

The clutch release mechanism is controlled by a pedal via a hydraulic drive. The pedal acts on the plunger of the master cylinder piston. Through the pipelines, the fluid pressure is transmitted to the piston of the slave cylinder, which unfolds the release fork. When you press the clutch pedal, the fork pushes the release bearing forward. The release bearing presses on the central part of the diaphragm spring. The diaphragm spring rests against the support ring and turns back, moving the pressure plate away from the driven clutch disk.

When the clutch pedal is released, the diaphragm spring presses on the pressure plate. In this case, the driven disk is clamped between the flywheel and the pressure plate, and rotation from the flywheel through the splined connection of the driven disk is transmitted to the primary shaft of the gearbox.