Ms3 clutch

[MSLou]

well im going to be purchasing a MS3 tommorrow but i test drove a MS6 today and he wasnt to fond of the clutch and i was wondering how it compared to the MS3. thanks!(naughty)

 

[SwampAss]

It's more like a standard car in the MS3. Had more feel and less of an on/off feeling. I believe there is a mazda fix for the MS6. I'd look into that before deciding for sure. Everyone I've read who has the 6 raves. The 3 too. Both are top notch, just depends on what you want.

 

[MSLou]

cool thanks for the input!

 

[numbnuts22715]

not trying to thread jack, but does anybody know about how much power the ms3 clutch is good for?

 

[SwampAss]

power wise or mileage wise?

Typically, clutches aren't really wear items. I mean, they do wear, but aren't something you replace @ XXXX miles. I've heard of people burning clutches @ 10k, and I've heard of clutches going 200k plus.


powerwise? No idea.

 

[Karma_hunden]

Yes, Mazda released the TSD clutch a while back for the MS6. I'm still to lazy to replace mine, already got used to the TypeA clutch.

 

[SwampAss]

I need to learn to read.

 

[Karma_hunden]

Yep. The dealership will do it for free. All I would have to do is go there, tell them I want my clutch to be replaced with the new TSD (under warranty) and they'll give me the keys to a rental and tell me to come back in 2 days.

Sounds good, but not right now. I'm gonna juice the TypeA a bit more until I do so. Free clutch replacement FTW lol!!

 

[stefano18]

I'm sorry but what is TSD Clutch???

 

[jhowey]

I think he meant TSB

 

[Hirudin]

I'm NOT a clutch expert by any means, but my personal opinion is that the MS6 clutch is not as good as the MS3 clutch. The 6 seemed stiff.

 

[PeterC]

I just got my MS3 on Monday. I have been driving manuals for 15 years, and I have to say that I am not impressed with this clutch whatsoever! It is not smooth. I realize this is a hardcore car, but drive a Honda or BMW and you will see how a clutch is supposed to engage. With the engine having so much power I wonder if driving smoothly at full throttle is even possible. Between that and the turbo lag it seems like you will be throwing passengers forward and back like crazy. I don't know why I didn't notice this during test driving, but usually there I am babying the clutch while figuring it out. Now that I am just trying to drive it normally I am finding that to be more of a hassle than it should be. I am sorry to say I am having some buyers remorse right now over this car.

 

[fourthmeal]

BMW = correctly positioned engine and trans driving the correct wheels, AKA longitudinal and RWD.

MS3 = transversely mounted engine and FWD. By default, we lose all sorts of feel and control of the clutch and the shifter this way. However, I can offer a level of consolation for you. It gets better as you own it.

My suggestion to you is to get the short shifter immediately, and a rear engine mount. This will get the shifting back to a smoother level, and is my next planned mod. The engine mount will restore the buck/jerk feel that you are getting now. Also, you'll get used to how it drives, and learn to drive it more smoothly. Finally, swap the intake for an SRI or CAI, and that will improve the lag and also increase the smoothness as well. The stock airbox restricts airflow so much that the car literally is choking on its own lack of air. This means that its a very on/off feeling. That is until you do something about it and give it more breathing room. I just hacked the box, and it worked wonders for this.

 

[knowledge007]

Yeah, I feel the same way too about the clutch. It is a bit touchy at times. But for the most part, if what you say about yourself is true then like myself you will be able to adjust. But sometimes it will catch you.

The motor mount thing, mmmm... It helped but not that much. I was planning on getting the SS but was a little discouraged about the price.

 

[MSLou]

well i get my car and the clutch isnt bad its nice im happy =)

 

[PeterC]

BMW = correctly positioned engine and trans driving the correct wheels, AKA longitudinal and RWD.

MS3 = transversely mounted engine and FWD. By default, we lose all sorts of feel and control of the clutch and the shifter this way. However, I can offer a level of consolation for you. It gets better as you own it.

My suggestion to you is to get the short shifter immediately, and a rear engine mount. This will get the shifting back to a smoother level, and is my next planned mod. The engine mount will restore the buck/jerk feel that you are getting now. Also, you'll get used to how it drives, and learn to drive it more smoothly. Finally, swap the intake for an SRI or CAI, and that will improve the lag and also increase the smoothness as well. The stock airbox restricts airflow so much that the car literally is choking on its own lack of air. This means that its a very on/off feeling. That is until you do something about it and give it more breathing room. I just hacked the box, and it worked wonders for this.

Couple questions...first, who makes the short shifter? I saw one thread earlier on here, but didn't know if there are others. Next, for the rear engine mount...this applies to the 08s as well, right? Interesting about the CAI...even more reason to get one. Thanks for the suggestions!

 

[fourthmeal]

TWM makes the short shifter. Look up at the banners on the top of the forum, and you'll likely run into their website. Also protegegarage.com has them.

The next issue is the rear mount, which would be the same for all speed 3's. This is NOT the mount that breaks on the 07's (like mine did.)

Note: I am not using these parts because I'm poor right now. I'm simply paraphrasing the notions from owners of these parts. I do WISH I could afford them all myself, however.

 

[///M Compact]

Yeah, I feel the same way too about the clutch. It is a bit touchy at times. But for the most part, if what you say about yourself is true then like myself you will be able to adjust. But sometimes it will catch you.

I've had my MS3 for @ 2 months and 3700 miles and I've pretty much adapted to the clutch and its high pedal engagement and on/off nature. Still, I wish the clutch take-up was as smooth and progressive as the set-up in my 1995 3 Series. I've driven manuals since 1981 and I stall the MS3 more often in one week than I stall the 3er in a year...