Drivability of Spec Stage 2+ clutch vs. Stage 3+

once-ler

Lurker
Sep 18, 2017
11
4
0
Ride
'08 E90 335XI
I put an order in for a Spec Stage 3+ clutch (SB533F-2) and a steel single mass flywheel (SB53S-2) yesterday, and almost immediately started having the second thought that I should have gone with the Stage 2+ clutch (SB533H-2) instead.

My power goals for my '08 335xi are presently around 500whp which is within the capability of both clutches, but this goal may increase in the future which is why I chose the Stage 3+.

My concern is that once the clutch is properly broken in, a Stage 3+ clutch will be less drivable than a Stage 2+ clutch. Drivability is important to me because I have almost a two hour daily round trip into Chicago with a lot of stop-and-go traffic. I've not driven a car with either of these clutches so I don't really know if there is an issue with or difference in drivability at all.

1) Given my requirement for good drivability and that there is only a nominal price difference between the two (~$100), would you recommend exchanging the clutch for a 2+ or keeping the 3+?

2) Is there some other brand of clutch which can hold around 500whp and has better drivability characteristics than the Spec 2+ or 3+?
 

doublespaces

Administrator
Oct 18, 2016
9,303
4,331
0
AZ
Ride
2009 E93 335i
If you prioritize drivability over performance value, I'd think it would make sense to put in the lower staged clutch, but I cannot say for sure since I drive an auto. Generally there are more forgiving engagement characteristics and softer materials that make putting around town less jumpy and tiring. I'm sure you know this already, but my vote is the 2+, thats why they make it.
 

blisstik

Corporal
Mar 27, 2018
151
64
0
Ride
E92 MOTIV750 (Sold)
I run the 3+ clutch. It's stiff and low engagement initially then it'll start to come out. For long trips, I wouldn't recommend it. But if you want to Max out your single turbo setup without clutch slipping then 3+ is necessary.
 

DS3IAM

Private
Mar 14, 2018
38
9
0
Ride
2009 E90 xDrive
I run the 3+ clutch. It's stiff and low engagement initially then it'll start to come out. For long trips, I wouldn't recommend it. But if you want to Max out your single turbo setup without clutch slipping then 3+ is necessary.


Newbie here .. is there a way to make the clutch feel less stiff?
 

Cornfed54

Specialist
Feb 6, 2018
80
31
0
Ride
E92 335
I have had the spec 3+ And Spec steel smfw for approx 4k miles now and so far I like it for my intended use. I’m run around at 600-650whp and it seems to hold the power easily. Mind you, it’s not my daily and the random days I do drive it to work, it can be a little tiring in stop/go traffic, certainly “tolerable” for me,but maybe not the next guy. You WILL have a more grabby engagement, but a few weeks of driving will acclimate you quickly. I also noticed a bit more driveline noise in general, similar to the normal hum of the rear diff, only amplified a bit. The positives largely outweigh the negatives for me. A 2+ would be noticeably more comfortable at the expense of max clamping force, if you are the type who can never seem to have enough upgrades, buy the 3+ so you have headroom in your build.
 
  • Like
Reactions: DS3IAM