BMW E36 clutch and flywheel
Do I need to replace the release bearing when changing the E36 clutch?
Yes, the release bearing is worth replacing with the clutch. It often starts to make noise before other symptoms. If the disc and pressure plate are in good condition, replacing just the bearing has been enough for a long time, but a bluish disc and a worn pressure plate are worth renewing at the same time.
What else is worth replacing in a clutch job?
The ball stud of the clutch fork (part number 21 51 1 223 328) is worth replacing during the repair if it is worn. The clutch slave cylinder can also be the cause: replacing it is not a difficult job. On an M40-engined 316i the cause of a stiff clutch was a worn fork ball pin and a missing support spring.
What needs to be changed when switching from a dual-mass flywheel to a solid one?
The clutch disc must be replaced, and a solid flywheel needs a different fork. The M50B20 fork (21 51 1 204 229) has worked. The bolts are different: M12x1.5x25 for the solid flywheel and M12x1.5x50 for the dual-mass. Opinions differ on whether a dual-mass clutch pressure plate fits a solid flywheel.