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Designed to make a
difference
ZF Race Engineering's SACHS motorsport clutches have stood for top-tier quality in international racing for decades. The ambition: continuous improvement and the drive to keep pushing the limits. From the lightest clutch used in Formula 1 to proven twin-plate and multi-plate systems in WRC, DTM, NASCAR, Le Mans and the Dakar Rally - ZF Motorsport technology is a core component of many winning cars worldwide.
SACHS racing clutch module
BMW 3 Series E36/E46 6-cylinder
Sintered metallic 7.8 mm - racing clutch with lightweight single-mass flywheel for BMW 3 Series E36/E46 6-cylinder
This vehicle-specific SACHS RCS 1/184 racing clutch module is engineered for BMW 3 Series E36/E46 6-cylinder models (excluding M3, from model year 1990). The module combines a single-disc SACHS RCS 1/184 S7.8 racing clutch with a lightweight single-mass flywheel and a matching release bearing. Total weight is just 6.39 kg versus approx. 18.5 kg for the OE clutch - a weight saving of around 65%. The significantly reduced rotating mass improves rev-up, sharpens engine response, and eases drivetrain load - ideal for track tools and club racing BMWs.
The 7.8 mm sintered metallic lining provides a large wear reserve and high heat capacity. It smooths temperature spikes, reduces fading and warping risk, and keeps the bite point stable over long duty cycles - perfect for hard-used E36/E46 6-cylinder BMWs with power upgrades. In this configuration, up to 654 Nm maximum engine torque is achievable - with ample headroom for modified engines.
The forged aluminum clutch cover (housing) combines low mass with high stiffness and aids heat dissipation. Together with the lightweight single-mass flywheel, it forms a durable, free-revving package designed for repeatable performance in circuit and drift use. The high-strength steel pressure plate resists mechanical and thermal peaks - launch-proof, endurance-ready, and optimized for precise modulation at the limit.
Advantages
High wear volume
High temperature resistance
Long operational life
Less Mass
One of the greatest strengths of the RCS sintered clutch is its low mass and the associated low mass inertia.
The SACHS RCS clutches have been designed for racing with the objective that torque is transmitted rapidly and directly from the engine to the gearbox.
Reducing the weight of the crankshaft drive to lower the moment of inertia will considerably increase vehicle acceleration performance in the lower gears.
Faster Acceleration
If the clutch itself has a moment of inertia (MoI) of 0.061 kgm2, the MoI on the drive wheel will be 180 times higher (in first gear) for a reduction in transmission of 13.4:1 (13.42). If we convert this value into vehicle mass, we arrive around 145 kg of additional weight to be accelerated in first gear.
As a result of the low moment of inertia of the SACHS RCS clutch, shifting times are considerably reduced and the vehicle accelerates much faster.
Technology
Technical data RCS 1/184
racing clutch module BMW E36/E46:
- Vehicle:
BMW 3 Series E36/E46 6-cylinder (excl. M3, 1990-2006) - maximum engine torque [Nm] : 654
- release diameter [mm] : 49
- release force [N] : 4,300
- release travel [mm] : 5.0 +0.5
- mass (weight) clutch pack [kg] : 2.37
- moment of inertia clutch pack [kgm²] : 0.013549
- total weight clutch module [kg] : 6.39
- weight saving vs. OE : approx. 65%
Clutch cover (housing)
The BMW E36/E46 racing clutch module uses the SACHS RCS 184 clutch cover from ZF Motorsport. Made of high-strength forged aluminum, it is designed for maximum stiffness at minimal weight. The housing geometry promotes efficient heat dissipation and stabilizes the clutch pack temperature window - a clear advantage on heavier 6-cylinder BMWs and long stints.
A key feature is the extremely wear-resistant, patented aluminum hard coating. This full-surface treatment reduces friction and fit wear, protects against corrosion, and ensures long service life even with frequent load changes in track day and club racing use.
Friction lining - sintered metallic
7.8 mm sintered metallic pads increase lining mass and thermal capacity. This lowers local hot spots, reduces fading and warping risks, and keeps friction levels consistent over long stints - ideal for high-load E36/E46 6-cylinder BMWs on semi-slicks or slicks.
The characteristic supports hard launches, precise engagement at race starts, and consistent shifts even at elevated disc temperatures. The module provides a clearly defined, easily dosed bite point demanded in touring and drift applications.
Scope of supply
1x RCS 184 clutch cover (HA184), aluminum
1x RCS 184 single-mass flywheel
1x RCS 184 pressure plate (PP184), steel
1x RCS 184 clutch disc, sintered metallic 7.8 mm
1x clutch release bearing
Quality Made in Germany
ZF Race Engineering has been among the technology leaders in motorsport for years. The combined know-how from top-level racing flows directly into the development of RCS racing clutches. State-of-the-art manufacturing methods, the highest quality standards and motorsport technologies make ZF Motorsport clutches the first choice for maximum performance and reliability - on circuits as well as in rallying, touring and endurance racing.
Applications
EUROPE
Track days and club racing,
NATC, BMW Challenge, Classic Masters, NLS etc.
NORTH AMERICA
NASA Spec3 (E36 / E46)
Spec and club racing (NASA, BMW CCA, SCCA etc).
Partners of ZF Race Engineering
