Firstfives.org

I am about to replace the clutch and believe the clutch kit covers all what needs to be changed(?)

What is the better sugestion for the kit: Sachs or Beck Arnley

1974 BMW E12 M30 European

Beck Arnley is just a distributor, not a manufacturer. Sachs actually makes them. You might get Sachs by buying Beck Arnley, or you might get made in China, no telling, just that it should fit. I really haven't had any problems with them, but you never know. If Rockauto has them for just over a hundred again, I'd probably go with Beckarnley, if they're only a little cheaper I'd probably go with the known quantity, Sachs.

I just bought a Luk clutch for my '81 five speed. Friend is a tranny pro, used them with no problems for a long time. Looked good to me, and the kit was $200 from a local clutch and u joint supplier.

Resurface pressure plate, etc.

While we're playing with clutches, how long should a clutch on a 5spd. last if driven nice & smoothly? My newly acquired '80 was previously owned by a female as new in & around Santa Cruz & Felton, Cali., according to the owner's manual I found in the glovebox. Nice find. I spoke with the original mechanic who remembered the car & owner, but, not all of the work done. The odometer quit at 206,000. The clutch feels really good, too. Great original whorehouse red leather interior. I like saying that. Re-sprayed Polaris silver. A few minor rust spots to be dealt with. Thanx Gordon, I got a $$deal on the car.
Also, the rear shocks are Bilstiens, but the front floats like a boat. As you know I can't see to confirm yellow or white colored shocks. Bilstiens are b/o at bavauto. They might be on the road by know; I hope. Greg

I think typical clutch life is in the 150-200K range. I've got 130K now on the one in my E28 535 and that's the lighter duty E12 type too. My first E12 had just had a new clutch put in before I got it at 197K, and it was the same when it left the family with 375K on it. So it could be original, but it's probably getting close if it is.