The Clutch Masters FX850 kit is a light weight and highly capable clutch and flywheel package for mostly street and occasional track day use on E82 135i, E9X 335i, E60 535i N54. The FX850 Strapped Series is better suited to regular street use than the regular FX850 clutch, thanks to drive straps on the pressure plate that absorb vibration, ease engagement, and have less clutch chatter than a regular Twin Disc. This is a true heavy-duty clutch that behaves nicely on the street.
Twin Disc Clutches are the very latest innovation in performance clutches. They offer more surface area for higher torque capacity, less heat, and better wear. Although pricier than a traditional HD clutch they are nearly bulletproof and can take a lot more abuse. Consumable costs are also lower. Clutch Masters has tailored their 850-series kits for two types of drivers: "Strapped" kits for street use and occassional track day and a "regular" kit for serious high-performance driving, drifting, clutch kicks, and the occassional street drive. Adding drive straps to the assembly makes the Twin Disc quieter with less chatter. They also help to dampen torque loads during engagment, for smoother operation. The Strapped kits use the Clutch Masters Fibertuff clutch material - high torque capacity, excellent long-term wear, and an easy engagement and feel that is well-suited for street use.
Twin Disc clutches also offer cost savings in the long run. Not only do the clutch materials and pressure plate hold up better under extreme conditions but the consumable cost is lower than OEM and sport Clutch & Flywheel Kits as well. Clutch discs and friction plates are typically under $200 and they can be replaced without the need for special tools.
Features of the CM FX850 Strapped kit:
+8.5" Twin Disc setup reduces weight without giving up friction surface
+Fibertuff (organic) clutch material - very street friendly with high torque rating
+Drive straps for smoother engagement and less noise
+6061-T6 aluminum flywheel
+24lb total weight - improves throttle response and reduces driveline loss
+Upgraded throw out bearing included
+Cost effective and replaceable consumable items
+Made in USA
Clutch Masters is at the forefront of clutch design and technology. This Twin Disc clutch for the 135i/335i/535i blends advanced friction materials with race technology to give you a clutch that keeps pace with your upgrades. This Track/Street Clutch & Flywheel Kit uses organic-based clutches to achieve higher torque ratings, allows for clutch slippage, and will be easy to use on the street. By increasing the clamping force of the pressure plate and adding to the square inches of usable disc area, CM Twin Discs significantly increase clamping values with an average of 50% increase in pedal pressure depending on the application (pedal pressure only seems high because of the ultra-light stock clutch feel). The clutch cover assembly is CNC machined billet aluminum with 25% more tensile strength than the competition’s cast unit.
The 9lb flywheel is machined from billet 6061–T6 aluminum to meet SFI spec 1.2 for competition in NHRA, SCCA, and NASA. This is a single-mass flywheel that will replace the failure-prone stock dual mass. More noise and chatter is to be expected given this kit's intended use and design. Clutch noise will improve after the break-in period. Each aluminum flywheel includes a replaceable friction surface. Steel flywheels are also available on select applications that have less noise and better drivability.
Although marketed as a "street friendly" clutch do not mistake this for an OEM clutch. Clutch Masters offers FX100 and FX250 clutches that are more like OEM replacements. The FX850 is a true high-performance clutch but built with materials and features that make it easier to use on the street compared to other HD/Sport clutches. As a true performance clutch we assume the operator can tolerate greater levels of noise and vibration as well as some shortcomings in driveline smoothness and engagement.
To read more about clutch design and selection,
read our Tech Topic page by clicking here.
BMW Fitments: 1 SeriesE82 / E88 (08-13) > 135i
3 SeriesE90 / E91 / E92 / E93 (06-13) > 335i
5 SeriesE60 / E61 (04-10) > 535i
