The clutch that I got from star brake turns out to be a clutch for the new spec 330d.
However, before one panics, lets think about this logically. The new E90 330d is pushing about 500Nm torque in standard form, and thats before the guys go mod crazy, and the clutch holds. The E39 M5 Nm rating is also about 500Nm in stock form (depending who's website you believe)
Now Starbrake says the clutch in question is a direct fit onto the M5 flywheel, this was confirmed by Uber (theorically) as the clutch fits perfectly onto his 540/6 flywheel which is supposed to be identical.
Also, I have checked with a popular SA performance tuner, and he has claimed that when he builds high torque motors, he actually uses the x30d flywheel and clutch config.
Starbrake says he has sold this configuration to about 6 guys already, one of them was to a mate with an E39 M5 and that clutch has been good for about 2 years (dont know the km's travelled)
I also have it from another very reliable source at BMW that this will work, very unofficially of course.
So now... fsck it, theory is this, if the clutch is exactly the same thing, its half price, if I get 75% useful life out the clutch compared to the M clutch, who cares, its still half price....
As for the labour to change it, its a piss easy job, its a long job but really easy as its all mechanical stuff, and may TIS documents out.
I started last night at about 8:30 and by 12 I had the exhaust driveshaft, heatshields, and all except 2 gearbox bolts out, the ones at the top of course.
I recon another hour and the box is on the ground, and I can start changing. However I am afraid my rear main seal looks like it is pissing out, based on what I saw through the slave cylinder.
Anyway, call it a saturday full day to change the clutch........
I'll keep you guys posted :thumbsup: