Cart
0
SBC Clutch Kit for 1996-1999 BMW M3 3.2L Gas – Fits Other Vehicles
Sku: SD2-2477R-78
MPN: K70238-HD-DXD-B-SMF
Elevate your 1996-1999 BMW M3 or 1998-2002 Z3 performance with South Bend Clutch kits. Tailored to match your driving needs, our range includes Stage 1 to 4 kits in Ceramic, Organic, and Kevlar materials. Whether it's for extreme track use, daily driving, or sporty endurance, our precision-engineered clutches ensure enhanced bite, smoother engagement, and unmatched durability. Compatible with OEM solid mass flywheel, each kit is designed for optimal integration and performance. Choose South Bend Clutch for unparalleled reliability and drive with confidence.
12,000 Mile | 12 Month Warranty
100% Premium Components
Industry Leading Support
Related products
SBC Crank Bolts for 1988-2004 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 5.9L Diesel – Fits Other Vehicles
Regular price
$35.90
+ Add to Cart
SBC Clutch Kit for 1996-1999 BMW M3 3.2L Gas – Fits Other Vehicles - Ceramic / Stage 1 / Extreme
$872.56
20% OFF ALL SBC APPAREL. OFFER ENDS SOON
Our clutch kits are designed with precision engineering and utilize only the highest quality materials. This dedication to excellence ensures that each component delivers unmatched durability and reliability, making South Bend Clutch the go-to choice for drivers who demand the best from their vehicles. Whether you're navigating the daily commute or pushing the limits on the racetrack, our clutches provide the performance you need to maximize your vehicle's potential.
The BMW M3 and Z3 models are renowned for their performance and driving dynamics. To complement and enhance these characteristics, South Bend Clutch offers a range of clutch kits tailored to meet various driving needs and preferences. From daily driving to competitive racing, our clutch kits are designed to optimize the performance of your European vehicle, ensuring a responsive and engaging driving experience.
Understanding Our Range
Our clutch kits come in various stages and materials to match your specific driving style and requirements:
- Stage 1: Extreme with Ceramic material offers a significant upgrade over OEM specifications, providing enhanced bite and thermal resistance for spirited driving or light track use.
- Stage 2: Endurance featuring a Hybrid Organic/Ceramic makeup, this option balances performance with smoother engagement, making it ideal for high-performance street driving and occasional track days.
- Stage 2: Daily Plus with Organic material is perfect for those who prioritize drivability and comfort without sacrificing performance, suitable for aggressive street driving.
- Stage 3: Extreme utilizes Ceramic for drivers who demand the utmost from their vehicle, providing maximum holding power for track-focused cars.
- Stage 3: Daily offers an Organic option for enhanced performance over stock while maintaining good street manners and drivability.
- Stage 3: Sport with Kevlar for enthusiasts seeking a balance between performance and longevity, offering improved heat resistance and durability.
- Stage 4: Extreme is the pinnacle of our offerings, employing Ceramic in a 4-paddle disc for uncompromised performance in the most demanding conditions.
Each kit is meticulously designed to fit the unique specifications of the BMW M3 and Z3, ensuring a seamless integration and optimal performance. Our clutches are engineered to work with the vehicle's original equipment manufacturer (OEM) solid mass flywheel, maintaining the integrity and balance of your vehicle's drivetrain.
Why Choose South Bend Clutch?
- Performance: Our clutches are designed to handle increased torque over OEM clutches, providing you with the ability to unlock your vehicle's true performance potential.
- Durability: Built to last, our clutches undergo rigorous testing to ensure they withstand the toughest driving conditions, from daily commuting to racing environments.
- Customization: With various stages and materials available, you can tailor your clutch to meet your specific driving needs, whether it's for street performance, towing, or racing.
- Expertise: With years of experience in the clutch industry, our team of experts is committed to providing you with the best possible product and service, ensuring that your vehicle performs at its best.
- Compatibility: Our clutches are designed to be compatible with a wide range of vehicles, making it easy to find the perfect fit for your BMW M3 or Z3.
Installation and Support
Installing a South Bend Clutch kit is a straightforward process for those with mechanical knowledge, but we always recommend professional installation to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Each kit includes all necessary components for installation, including a throw-out bearing and alignment tool, where applicable. Our dedicated customer support team is always ready to assist with any questions or concerns, providing you with peace of mind throughout the life of your clutch.
At South Bend Clutch, we are committed to delivering exceptional products and services. Our clutch kits are designed to elevate your driving experience, providing you with the confidence to tackle any challenge on the road or track. Trust South Bend Clutch for all your performance clutch needs and join the ranks of satisfied customers who have made the switch to a superior clutch solution.
Ceramic Friction Material
Ceramic clutch material is engineered for high-performance and heavy-duty applications where heat resistance and torque capacity are critical. Constructed using ceramic-based compounds, these clutch discs offer superior friction and power transfer, making them ideal for demanding situations such as performance racing, competitive off-roading, and heavy towing. Ceramic material excels in preventing clutch fade under extreme heat and stress.
While ceramic clutches deliver unmatched torque handling, they tend to have a more aggressive engagement, which can lead to a slightly harsher feel during gear shifts. This makes them better suited for experienced drivers and performance vehicles rather than casual everyday driving where smooth engagement is preferred.
Ceramic clutch material is engineered for high-performance and heavy-duty applications where heat resistance and torque capacity are critical. Constructed using ceramic-based compounds, these clutch discs offer superior friction and power transfer, making them ideal for demanding situations such as performance racing, competitive off-roading, and heavy towing. Ceramic material excels in preventing clutch fade under extreme heat and stress.
While ceramic clutches deliver unmatched torque handling, they tend to have a more aggressive engagement, which can lead to a slightly harsher feel during gear shifts. This makes them better suited for experienced drivers and performance vehicles rather than casual everyday driving where smooth engagement is preferred.
Sprung Hub Style
The sprung hub clutch is a versatile design focused on balancing performance with drivability. It features a series of dampening springs integrated into the hub, which help absorb vibrations and reduce shock during clutch engagement. This design is ideal for daily drivers, street performance vehicles, and light towing, where smooth gear changes and reduced drivetrain stress are essential.
By minimizing shock transfer, the sprung hub clutch prolongs the life of other drivetrain components, making it a reliable option for vehicles needing both comfort and moderate power handling. While slightly less direct in power transfer than a solid hub, it offers a superior driving experience for most street and light performance applications.
The sprung hub clutch is a versatile design focused on balancing performance with drivability. It features a series of dampening springs integrated into the hub, which help absorb vibrations and reduce shock during clutch engagement. This design is ideal for daily drivers, street performance vehicles, and light towing, where smooth gear changes and reduced drivetrain stress are essential.
By minimizing shock transfer, the sprung hub clutch prolongs the life of other drivetrain components, making it a reliable option for vehicles needing both comfort and moderate power handling. While slightly less direct in power transfer than a solid hub, it offers a superior driving experience for most street and light performance applications.
Single Disc
A single disc clutch is the most common and straightforward clutch design, featuring one friction disc to transfer power from the engine to the transmission. Known for its simplicity and reliability, it is ideal for standard vehicles, daily drivers, and light performance applications. Single disc clutches provide smooth engagement, making them perfect for casual driving and moderate power outputs.
While single disc clutches offer excellent drivability and cost-effectiveness, they have limited torque capacity compared to multi-disc setups. This design is best suited for vehicles with moderate horsepower levels where comfort, longevity, and ease of use are the primary concerns.
A single disc clutch is the most common and straightforward clutch design, featuring one friction disc to transfer power from the engine to the transmission. Known for its simplicity and reliability, it is ideal for standard vehicles, daily drivers, and light performance applications. Single disc clutches provide smooth engagement, making them perfect for casual driving and moderate power outputs.
While single disc clutches offer excellent drivability and cost-effectiveness, they have limited torque capacity compared to multi-disc setups. This design is best suited for vehicles with moderate horsepower levels where comfort, longevity, and ease of use are the primary concerns.
Stage 2 Clutch
A Stage 2 clutch offers a significant performance boost compared to stock and Stage 1 setups. Designed with stronger friction materials like Kevlar or ceramic, it provides higher torque capacity and heat resistance. This stage is ideal for moderately modified vehicles, including turbocharged setups, nitrous systems, and track-ready builds needing enhanced grip and reduced slippage.
Although it offers increased power handling, Stage 2 clutches can introduce a slightly stiffer pedal feel and more aggressive engagement than Stage 1, making them better suited for drivers prioritizing performance while still requiring reasonable street drivability.
A Stage 2 clutch offers a significant performance boost compared to stock and Stage 1 setups. Designed with stronger friction materials like Kevlar or ceramic, it provides higher torque capacity and heat resistance. This stage is ideal for moderately modified vehicles, including turbocharged setups, nitrous systems, and track-ready builds needing enhanced grip and reduced slippage.
Although it offers increased power handling, Stage 2 clutches can introduce a slightly stiffer pedal feel and more aggressive engagement than Stage 1, making them better suited for drivers prioritizing performance while still requiring reasonable street drivability.
Warranty Coverage
South Bend Clutch, Inc. warrants that our clutches are free from defects in workmanship and material under normal use and service. Our warranty provides coverage for 12 months or 12,000 miles (whichever comes first) from the date of installation.
The obligation of South Bend Clutch, Inc. under this warranty is limited to repair, replacement, or credit at our discretion for any product found to be defective. We will not be liable for losses, damages, or injury to persons or property resulting from misuse or improper installation of any part subject to this warranty.
*** WE DO NOT COVER LABOR, NO EXCEPTIONS WILL BE MADE ***
Warranty Registration
To activate your warranty coverage, you must register your clutch through our online Warranty Hub within 30 days of purchase.
What You'll Need to Register:
- Proof of purchase (receipt or invoice showing purchase date and price paid)
- Vehicle information (year, make, model, VIN)
- Current odometer reading at time of installation
- Installer information (shop name, address, phone number)
- Part number of your South Bend Clutch product
Click here to Register Your Warranty
After registration, you'll receive a confirmation email with your warranty certificate number. You can check your warranty status anytime at warranty.southbendclutch.com/lookup.
Filing a Warranty Claim
If you experience an issue with your clutch during the warranty period, you can submit a claim through our Warranty Hub.
Claim Submission Requirements:
- Your warranty certificate number or the email used during registration
- Current odometer reading
- Description of the issue you're experiencing
- Photos of the affected parts (pressure plate, disc, flywheel)
- Photos showing the condition of related components
Our warranty team will review your claim and may request additional information or photos. South Bend Clutch, Inc. reserves the right to examine all parts returned for warranty claims to determine whether the failure was due to a defect in material or workmanship.
Warranty Conditions
The Limited Warranty will NOT be valid under the following conditions:
- The product is NOT registered within thirty (30) days of purchase
- The product was purchased below our MAP price (see Pricing Policy below)
- The clutch was not installed by a certified or professional mechanic
- The flywheel was not replaced with new or properly resurfaced to specification
- The clutch has been altered, improperly installed, or damaged by accident, negligence, or misuse
- The transmission has failed or shows excessive wear
- The product is used for high performance and/or racing purposes for which it was not originally engineered
WARRANTY IS NON-TRANSFERABLE – Coverage applies only to the original purchaser and vehicle.
Pricing Policy
We encourage you to shop around when buying our parts, but we do not allow discounts or price matching below our MAP prices (3% below our published retail price).
Important: Purchases made below MAP price are not eligible for warranty coverage. Your proof of purchase must show a qualifying purchase price.
Return Policy
No returned product for warranty, repair, or replacement will be accepted without a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number.
To Obtain an RMA:
- If you purchased from an authorized dealer, contact them first to initiate the return process
- If you purchased directly from South Bend Clutch, call our warranty department at 1-800-988-4345
Once your claim is approved, you will receive an RMA number with shipping instructions for returning the defective parts.
Questions?
For warranty inquiries, contact our warranty department at warranty@southbendclutch.com or call 1-800-988-4345.
| Vehicle | Fuel Type | Manual Prevalence | Drivetrain | Transmission Type Used | OEM Flywheel Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996-1999 BMW M3 | Gas |  | 2WD | ZF S6-650 | Solid Mass |
| 1998-2002 BMW Z3 3.2L | Gas | | 2WD | ZF S6-650 | Solid Mass |
South Bend Clutch, a leader in the performance clutch industry, takes pride in delivering top-tier clutch kits for a wide range of vehicles, including the iconic 1996-1999 BMW M3 3.2L Gas models and the 1998-2002 BMW Z3 3.2L. Our commitment to quality, innovation, and performance ensures that every South Bend Clutch kit enhances your driving experience, meeting the demands of both daily drivers and racing enthusiasts alike.
Our clutch kits are designed with precision engineering and utilize only the highest quality materials. This dedication to excellence ensures that each component delivers unmatched durability and reliability, making South Bend Clutch the go-to choice for drivers who demand the best from their vehicles. Whether you're navigating the daily commute or pushing the limits on the racetrack, our clutches provide the performance you need to maximize your vehicle's potential.
The BMW M3 and Z3 models are renowned for their performance and driving dynamics. To complement and enhance these characteristics, South Bend Clutch offers a range of clutch kits tailored to meet various driving needs and preferences. From daily driving to competitive racing, our clutch kits are designed to optimize the performance of your European vehicle, ensuring a responsive and engaging driving experience.
Understanding Our Range
Our clutch kits come in various stages and materials to match your specific driving style and requirements:
- Stage 1: Extreme with Ceramic material offers a significant upgrade over OEM specifications, providing enhanced bite and thermal resistance for spirited driving or light track use.
- Stage 2: Endurance featuring a Hybrid Organic/Ceramic makeup, this option balances performance with smoother engagement, making it ideal for high-performance street driving and occasional track days.
- Stage 2: Daily Plus with Organic material is perfect for those who prioritize drivability and comfort without sacrificing performance, suitable for aggressive street driving.
- Stage 3: Extreme utilizes Ceramic for drivers who demand the utmost from their vehicle, providing maximum holding power for track-focused cars.
- Stage 3: Daily offers an Organic option for enhanced performance over stock while maintaining good street manners and drivability.
- Stage 3: Sport with Kevlar for enthusiasts seeking a balance between performance and longevity, offering improved heat resistance and durability.
- Stage 4: Extreme is the pinnacle of our offerings, employing Ceramic in a 4-paddle disc for uncompromised performance in the most demanding conditions.
Each kit is meticulously designed to fit the unique specifications of the BMW M3 and Z3, ensuring a seamless integration and optimal performance. Our clutches are engineered to work with the vehicle's original equipment manufacturer (OEM) solid mass flywheel, maintaining the integrity and balance of your vehicle's drivetrain.
Why Choose South Bend Clutch?
- Performance: Our clutches are designed to handle increased torque over OEM clutches, providing you with the ability to unlock your vehicle's true performance potential.
- Durability: Built to last, our clutches undergo rigorous testing to ensure they withstand the toughest driving conditions, from daily commuting to racing environments.
- Customization: With various stages and materials available, you can tailor your clutch to meet your specific driving needs, whether it's for street performance, towing, or racing.
- Expertise: With years of experience in the clutch industry, our team of experts is committed to providing you with the best possible product and service, ensuring that your vehicle performs at its best.
- Compatibility: Our clutches are designed to be compatible with a wide range of vehicles, making it easy to find the perfect fit for your BMW M3 or Z3.
Installation and Support
Installing a South Bend Clutch kit is a straightforward process for those with mechanical knowledge, but we always recommend professional installation to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Each kit includes all necessary components for installation, including a throw-out bearing and alignment tool, where applicable. Our dedicated customer support team is always ready to assist with any questions or concerns, providing you with peace of mind throughout the life of your clutch.
At South Bend Clutch, we are committed to delivering exceptional products and services. Our clutch kits are designed to elevate your driving experience, providing you with the confidence to tackle any challenge on the road or track. Trust South Bend Clutch for all your performance clutch needs and join the ranks of satisfied customers who have made the switch to a superior clutch solution.
Ceramic Friction Material
Ceramic clutch material is engineered for high-performance and heavy-duty applications where heat resistance and torque capacity are critical. Constructed using ceramic-based compounds, these clutch discs offer superior friction and power transfer, making them ideal for demanding situations such as performance racing, competitive off-roading, and heavy towing. Ceramic material excels in preventing clutch fade under extreme heat and stress.
While ceramic clutches deliver unmatched torque handling, they tend to have a more aggressive engagement, which can lead to a slightly harsher feel during gear shifts. This makes them better suited for experienced drivers and performance vehicles rather than casual everyday driving where smooth engagement is preferred.
Ceramic clutch material is engineered for high-performance and heavy-duty applications where heat resistance and torque capacity are critical. Constructed using ceramic-based compounds, these clutch discs offer superior friction and power transfer, making them ideal for demanding situations such as performance racing, competitive off-roading, and heavy towing. Ceramic material excels in preventing clutch fade under extreme heat and stress.
While ceramic clutches deliver unmatched torque handling, they tend to have a more aggressive engagement, which can lead to a slightly harsher feel during gear shifts. This makes them better suited for experienced drivers and performance vehicles rather than casual everyday driving where smooth engagement is preferred.
Sprung Hub Style
The sprung hub clutch is a versatile design focused on balancing performance with drivability. It features a series of dampening springs integrated into the hub, which help absorb vibrations and reduce shock during clutch engagement. This design is ideal for daily drivers, street performance vehicles, and light towing, where smooth gear changes and reduced drivetrain stress are essential.
By minimizing shock transfer, the sprung hub clutch prolongs the life of other drivetrain components, making it a reliable option for vehicles needing both comfort and moderate power handling. While slightly less direct in power transfer than a solid hub, it offers a superior driving experience for most street and light performance applications.
The sprung hub clutch is a versatile design focused on balancing performance with drivability. It features a series of dampening springs integrated into the hub, which help absorb vibrations and reduce shock during clutch engagement. This design is ideal for daily drivers, street performance vehicles, and light towing, where smooth gear changes and reduced drivetrain stress are essential.
By minimizing shock transfer, the sprung hub clutch prolongs the life of other drivetrain components, making it a reliable option for vehicles needing both comfort and moderate power handling. While slightly less direct in power transfer than a solid hub, it offers a superior driving experience for most street and light performance applications.
Single Disc
A single disc clutch is the most common and straightforward clutch design, featuring one friction disc to transfer power from the engine to the transmission. Known for its simplicity and reliability, it is ideal for standard vehicles, daily drivers, and light performance applications. Single disc clutches provide smooth engagement, making them perfect for casual driving and moderate power outputs.
While single disc clutches offer excellent drivability and cost-effectiveness, they have limited torque capacity compared to multi-disc setups. This design is best suited for vehicles with moderate horsepower levels where comfort, longevity, and ease of use are the primary concerns.
A single disc clutch is the most common and straightforward clutch design, featuring one friction disc to transfer power from the engine to the transmission. Known for its simplicity and reliability, it is ideal for standard vehicles, daily drivers, and light performance applications. Single disc clutches provide smooth engagement, making them perfect for casual driving and moderate power outputs.
While single disc clutches offer excellent drivability and cost-effectiveness, they have limited torque capacity compared to multi-disc setups. This design is best suited for vehicles with moderate horsepower levels where comfort, longevity, and ease of use are the primary concerns.
Stage 2 Clutch
A Stage 2 clutch offers a significant performance boost compared to stock and Stage 1 setups. Designed with stronger friction materials like Kevlar or ceramic, it provides higher torque capacity and heat resistance. This stage is ideal for moderately modified vehicles, including turbocharged setups, nitrous systems, and track-ready builds needing enhanced grip and reduced slippage.
Although it offers increased power handling, Stage 2 clutches can introduce a slightly stiffer pedal feel and more aggressive engagement than Stage 1, making them better suited for drivers prioritizing performance while still requiring reasonable street drivability.
A Stage 2 clutch offers a significant performance boost compared to stock and Stage 1 setups. Designed with stronger friction materials like Kevlar or ceramic, it provides higher torque capacity and heat resistance. This stage is ideal for moderately modified vehicles, including turbocharged setups, nitrous systems, and track-ready builds needing enhanced grip and reduced slippage.
Although it offers increased power handling, Stage 2 clutches can introduce a slightly stiffer pedal feel and more aggressive engagement than Stage 1, making them better suited for drivers prioritizing performance while still requiring reasonable street drivability.
Warranty Coverage
South Bend Clutch, Inc. warrants that our clutches are free from defects in workmanship and material under normal use and service. Our warranty provides coverage for 12 months or 12,000 miles (whichever comes first) from the date of installation.
The obligation of South Bend Clutch, Inc. under this warranty is limited to repair, replacement, or credit at our discretion for any product found to be defective. We will not be liable for losses, damages, or injury to persons or property resulting from misuse or improper installation of any part subject to this warranty.
*** WE DO NOT COVER LABOR, NO EXCEPTIONS WILL BE MADE ***
Warranty Registration
To activate your warranty coverage, you must register your clutch through our online Warranty Hub within 30 days of purchase.
What You'll Need to Register:
- Proof of purchase (receipt or invoice showing purchase date and price paid)
- Vehicle information (year, make, model, VIN)
- Current odometer reading at time of installation
- Installer information (shop name, address, phone number)
- Part number of your South Bend Clutch product
Click here to Register Your Warranty
After registration, you'll receive a confirmation email with your warranty certificate number. You can check your warranty status anytime at warranty.southbendclutch.com/lookup.
Filing a Warranty Claim
If you experience an issue with your clutch during the warranty period, you can submit a claim through our Warranty Hub.
Claim Submission Requirements:
- Your warranty certificate number or the email used during registration
- Current odometer reading
- Description of the issue you're experiencing
- Photos of the affected parts (pressure plate, disc, flywheel)
- Photos showing the condition of related components
Our warranty team will review your claim and may request additional information or photos. South Bend Clutch, Inc. reserves the right to examine all parts returned for warranty claims to determine whether the failure was due to a defect in material or workmanship.
Warranty Conditions
The Limited Warranty will NOT be valid under the following conditions:
- The product is NOT registered within thirty (30) days of purchase
- The product was purchased below our MAP price (see Pricing Policy below)
- The clutch was not installed by a certified or professional mechanic
- The flywheel was not replaced with new or properly resurfaced to specification
- The clutch has been altered, improperly installed, or damaged by accident, negligence, or misuse
- The transmission has failed or shows excessive wear
- The product is used for high performance and/or racing purposes for which it was not originally engineered
WARRANTY IS NON-TRANSFERABLE – Coverage applies only to the original purchaser and vehicle.
Pricing Policy
We encourage you to shop around when buying our parts, but we do not allow discounts or price matching below our MAP prices (3% below our published retail price).
Important: Purchases made below MAP price are not eligible for warranty coverage. Your proof of purchase must show a qualifying purchase price.
Return Policy
No returned product for warranty, repair, or replacement will be accepted without a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number.
To Obtain an RMA:
- If you purchased from an authorized dealer, contact them first to initiate the return process
- If you purchased directly from South Bend Clutch, call our warranty department at 1-800-988-4345
Once your claim is approved, you will receive an RMA number with shipping instructions for returning the defective parts.
Questions?
For warranty inquiries, contact our warranty department at warranty@southbendclutch.com or call 1-800-988-4345.
| Vehicle | Fuel Type | Manual Prevalence | Drivetrain | Transmission Type Used | OEM Flywheel Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996-1999 BMW M3 | Gas | | 2WD | ZF S6-650 | Solid Mass |
| 1998-2002 BMW Z3 3.2L | Gas | | 2WD | ZF S6-650 | Solid Mass |
PRODUCT FAQs
Have a question ? We are here to help.
Is the shipping free?
Yes. Worldwide shipping is already included in the price. We use DHL express with 3 days delivery time.
When will I receive my item?
When we have received your order, you will automatically receive an e-mail confirming your order. Orders made before 2 PM (CET) will be picked, packed and shipped the same day. Delivery time is usually 2-4 working days with DHL Express.
Can I change or return my item?
If you want to change a product into another model, strap color etc., please contact us so we are able to reserve the new item in our stock immediately. You are always entitled to an exchange or refund within 30 days after you have received your package, as long as the item has not been used.
Recently viewed
- choosing a selection results in a full page refresh