Clutch Assembly: Removal

From inside engine compartment, remove accessible, upper clutch housing mount bolts and bracket. On 318i and 325e models, engage Reverse gear. On all models, from inside vehicle, lift shift lever dust boot. Remove circlip holding lever in place. Detach selector rod from gearshift lever.
After noting component locations, remove shift lever. Raise and support vehicle. Detach front exhaust system components. Fit Clamp (26 1 011 ) to drive shaft flange. Remove bolts and discard lock nuts holding drive shaft flange to transmission shaft flange. Remove heat shield.
On 735i, remove web under drive shaft tunnel. On all models, disconnect center support bearing and bracket. Remove drive shaft from front flange. Position out of way. Support transmission with jack. Detach rear transmission mount and crossmember from body.
Detach clutch slave cylinder from clutch housing and set aside, leaving hydraulic line attached. Remove TDC sensors from bellhousing. Disconnect electrical connections from transmission. Remove transmission mount bolts. Pull transmission straight back and lower from vehicle.
NOTE: On vehicles with speed and reference mark sensors, check component locations for proper reassembly reference. Black plug goes to starter ring gear and Gray plug goes to fly- wheel. Check and replace "O" rings as necessary. DO NOT mix sensors or engine will not start.
Remove flywheel cover, clutch housing mount bolts and housing. Install Clutch Aligner (21 2 100 ) and Flywheel Holder (11 2 160 ). Loosen pressure plate bolts in diagonal pattern. Remove clutch assembly.