PTB Racing DMF Clutch Review

[n8dgr84]

In case you're wondering...
Going in next weekend for a *ticking* stock clutch that holds power fine but seems like a ⏰️��

Review:

*I purchased this product so this is not a paid endorsement*

Buying experience: the website was fairly easy to order from. Selecting the options was simple and on checkout I opted for the "express shipping" which, surprisingly, arrived in 3 business days to Canada. It could potentially be faster in the US.

Shipping Lead time: the website stated 1 week, however, it shipped in 2 weeks. You may wish to call them before ordering to check. Beware it is a 9 hour time difference from the west coast PST.

Packaging: the product arrived in perfect condition with excellent packaging. Included was instructions, fw bolts, release bearing and carrier.

Install: this was a little more involved than a typical clutch as it has a SAC (self-adjustment clutch) mechanism in the pressure plate. You must press the fingers down and re-set the springs prior to install. There is a video link included and many universal videos on YouTube to show the process.

Otherwise, have an engine support bar to angle the engine down at the back to allow room for the transmission to be re&re'd. The M2 is tight in the trans tunnel (no jokes please lol.)

Initial impressions: upon first startup, I noticed that there is *zero* NVH. This was shocking especially after comparing the stock flywheel to the PTB, which seemed more robust and tighter in the DMF bearing and free play. Excellent so far.

The clutch engagement point was quite low compared to stock, with hard shifts if the pedal isnt fully depressed before changing gears. However, my mechanic assured me that this would normalize as the clutch is broken in. Pedal feel is good and pedal effort is close to stock. Perhaps slightly more. Perhaps a good feature/attribute to prevent speed-shifting during break-in.

*update at 150km* the take-up point has risen slightly to be very natural and is no longer causing hard shifts. I have about 1.5" of pedal stroke at the bottom before engagement/disengagement, which makes shifting quickly very easy.

*update at 500km* I replaced the clutch slave with an E90 unit (no CDV) and the shifting has improved. Any initial impressions may have been affected by a bad slave so YMMV.

Clutch take-up (stroke during engagement) is not abrupt at all and is easier than stock to feather, which is a welcome attribute.

So far I've driven 150km being a little bit aggressive and it is taking all the 570wtq just fine.

So far, overall Im very satisfied and would highly recommend if you're after an OEM+ clutch!

[ericlr1225]

Looking forward to it. Probably order the same set soon.

[n8dgr84]

Originally Posted by ericlr1225

Looking forward to it. Probably order the same set soon.

Took a week longer to ship than expected so keep that in mind.
Should be worth the wait, though.

[n8dgr84]

Originally Posted by ericlr1225

Looking forward to it. Probably order the same set soon.

Updated the OP.

[SteveYem]

Appreciate the in-depth review. The bit about clutch engagement point along the clutch pedal stroke is noteworthy, since I have a BMS clutch pedal adjustable stopper installed to limit the stroke of the pedal past the engagement point with my stock clutch. I presume I would need to remove the stopper if installing the PTB clutch, then possibly add it back in if/when the engagement point gets higher as the clutch breaks in.

[n8dgr84]

Originally Posted by SteveYem

Appreciate the in-depth review. The bit about clutch engagement point along the clutch pedal stroke is noteworthy, since I have a BMS clutch pedal adjustable stopper installed to limit the stroke of the pedal past the engagement point with my stock clutch. I presume I would need to remove the stopper if installing the PTB clutch, then possibly add it back in if/when the engagement point gets higher as the clutch breaks in.

I have the Ultimate Clutch Pedal, so YMMV if you have the stock pedal. I think I only gained about 1/4" more stroke by removing the stopper because the UCP was already slightly impacting the carpet with the stopper installed. It only takes 5 min but might be worth the effort in the initial 100mi.

[n8dgr84]

I re-installed the clutch stopper and it's all working perfectly now after a few hundred km.

Very pleased with this clutch so far!

Also the Rogue trans mounts have not induced any extra perceivable NVH.

[Themis_f80]

Originally Posted by n8dgr84

In case you're wondering...
Going in next weekend for a *ticking* stock clutch that holds power fine but seems like a ⏰️💣

Review:

*I purchased this product so this is not a paid endorsement*

Buying experience: the website was fairly easy to order from. Selecting the options was simple and on checkout I opted for the "express shipping" which, surprisingly, arrived in 3 business days to Canada. It could potentially be faster in the US.

Shipping Lead time: the website stated 1 week, however, it shipped in 2 weeks. You may wish to call them before ordering to check. Beware it is a 9 hour time difference from the west coast PST.

Packaging: the product arrived in perfect condition with excellent packaging. Included was instructions, fw bolts, release bearing and carrier.

Install: this was a little more involved than a typical clutch as it has a SAC (self-adjustment clutch) mechanism in the pressure plate. You must press the fingers down and re-set the springs prior to install. There is a video link included and many universal videos on YouTube to show the process.

Otherwise, have an engine support bar to angle the engine down at the back to allow room for the transmission to be re&re'd. The M2 is tight in the trans tunnel (no jokes please lol.)

Initial impressions: upon first startup, I noticed that there is *zero* NVH. This was shocking especially after comparing the stock flywheel to the PTB, which seemed more robust and tighter in the DMF bearing and free play. Excellent so far.

The clutch engagement point was quite low compared to stock, with hard shifts if [...]

Nice write up. I'm totally contemplating getting this clutch or the xclutch with the single mass flywheel. I'm currently on a spec SB55PT clutch and I hate it. My F80 is running about 700wtq.

[n8dgr84]

Originally Posted by Themis_f80

Nice write up. I'm totally contemplating getting this clutch or the xclutch with the single mass flywheel. I'm currently on a spec SB55PT clutch and I hate it. My F80 is running about 700wtq.

I cant comment on the drivability of PTB's higher rated clutches. However, I would advise against a lighter flywheel on these heavy ass cars for daily driving.

I would look at the Uniclutch for your application if your dual mass flywheel is in good shape. I almost got that but decided it was overkill for me and my flywheel was cooked, which is needed for the Uniclutch.

[dawei213]

Hey n8dgr84 , how has the clutch been for you the last few months? Does it still feel like stock and hold the power well?

[RSXDC5]

Originally Posted by n8dgr84

I cant comment on the drivability of PTB's higher rated clutches. However, I would advise against a lighter flywheel on these heavy ass cars for daily driving.

I would look at the Uniclutch for your application if your dual mass flywheel is in good shape. I almost got that but decided it was overkill for me and my flywheel was cooked, which is needed for the Uniclutch.

The UniClutch does not require an OEM flywheel. UniClutch has an ultralight flywheel option for anyone that does not use their OEM dmf.

[rudebwoi]

Originally Posted by RSXDC5

The UniClutch does not require an OEM flywheel. UniClutch has an ultralight flywheel option for anyone that does not use their OEM dmf.

My flywheel was cooked. We sent a pic to uniclutch. They said it’s fine and to send it. Clutch has been awesome.

[Track/S]

Originally Posted by RSXDC5

The UniClutch does not require an OEM flywheel. UniClutch has an ultralight flywheel option for anyone that does not use their OEM dmf.

Do you have that kit on your car? I need a lightweight kit and I think Uniclutch is a good option.

[RSXDC5]

Originally Posted by Track/S

Do you have that kit on your car? I need a lightweight kit and I think Uniclutch is a good option.

You’re right, it is a good option. I’m about to buy the UniClutch track w/ their ultralite flywheel option. I really like the dampening tech within the clutch unit, and it’s 20% off right now ($1,241 usd) for Black Friday.

My “heavier, street-oriented” second choice is currently the ptb twin disc + cnc dmf. The ptb clutch would be optioned as a organic/organic, with the performance pressure plate.

[Track/S]

Originally Posted by RSXDC5

You’re right, it is a good option. I’m about to buy the UniClutch track w/ their ultralite flywheel option. I really like the dampening tech within the clutch unit, and it’s 20% off right now ($1,241 usd) for Black Friday.

You have link?


I ruled out the PTB because it weighs the same as the OEM, therefore there is no benefit.

[RSXDC5]

Originally Posted by Track/S

You have link?


I ruled out the PTB because it weighs the same as the OEM, therefore there is no benefit.

https://shopbyvehicle.uniclutch.com

Just pick your car and go from there.

I share the same ptb thoughts, so it remains just an OEM+ fallback option.

[Track/S]

Originally Posted by RSXDC5

Just pick your car and go from there.

I share the same ptb thoughts, so it remains just an OEM+ fallback option.

Ohh thanks!
I'm going to order it

[dawei213]

n8dgr84 - PTB002001002

Source: https://www.wagner-tuning.com/produc...kPVFDFVRXx3sgG

Is this the one that you got? I though I saw from some other places you can choose between organic / sinter like for the G8X here - https://trucranemotorsports.com/prod...YcujvWDE6D9srL

[dawei213]

Is this and the Wagner tuning the same kit? - https://www.ptb-shop.de/produkt/s55b...-f82-m2-f87-2/

[n8dgr84]

Originally Posted by dawei213

Is this and the Wagner tuning the same kit? - https://www.ptb-shop.de/produkt/s55b30-2-scheiben-kupplungskit-fuer-m3-f80-m4-f82-m2-f87-2/

AFAIK only PTB offers the dual mass flywheel that feels OEM.

CNC dual-mass flywheel & 2-disc clutch kit for S55B30/N55 M3 (F80) M4 (F82/F83) M2 (F87) - PTB Racing Shop https://share.google/HiJHPhZviDiWT4r0A

[torpeteo]

Originally Posted by Track/S

Ohh thanks!
I'm going to order it

Did you get a chance to install this?

[Track/S]

Originally Posted by torpeteo

Did you get a chance to install this?

I will receive it in a week.