435 Flywheel is exposed to the elements!?

Hudsonvalley435 · 12-28-2018, 02:07 PM

Under my 435i 6speed the other day and noticed a cutout hole where my flywheel is. Indie mechanic said that's normal. But is it? I mean, what about dust/rain/moisture/debris. Wouldn't that destroy those critical metal components. Anyone notice this on their N55?

MONSTAR · 12-28-2018, 02:23 PM

Is it where the starter is located?

upsidedownfunnel · 12-28-2018, 02:28 PM

How large is the hole? I don't believe our cars have an access/inspection panel for the flywheel. But there probably are some small holes where you can see the flywheel. If it's just some small holes where you can see a couple teeth of the starter ring gear or something, it's probably normal.

Hudsonvalley435 · 12-28-2018, 02:36 PM

It is located where the engine meets the trans, just back from the oil pan. The hole is facing downwards towards the road and is about the size of quarter. I saw teeth from a large round object and I'm assuming that's the flywheel. Just seemed very odd that it wouldn't be sealed from the elements

upsidedownfunnel · 12-28-2018, 05:46 PM

It's pretty common for there to be little holes visible into the flywheel and clutch. Some older cable actuated clutches had little throwout forks that you could see the clutch assembly from in the bell housing.

A flywheel is really just like the brake disc and the clutch is like a brake pad. Brakes are far more exposed and you don't really have any issues with foreign objects in your brake system.

BEAR-AvHistory · 12-29-2018, 11:03 AM

Agree its not an issue.

12-28-2018, 02:07 PM	#1
Hudsonvalley435 2015 435i xdrive- 6spd, cp, dp, fmic, bm3 stage 2 25 Rep 41 Posts Drives: F32 435i X Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Westchester NY iTrader: (0)	435 Flywheel is exposed to the elements!? Under my 435i 6speed the other day and noticed a cutout hole where my flywheel is. Indie mechanic said that's normal. But is it? I mean, what about dust/rain/moisture/debris. Wouldn't that destroy those critical metal components. Anyone notice this on their N55?
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12-28-2018, 02:23 PM	#2
MONSTAR #gotboost 517 Rep 861 Posts Drives: 2018 M2 Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Irvine, California iTrader: (0)	Is it where the starter is located? __________________ 2018 F87 M2 (09/2020 - ) Dinan Cold Air Intake \|Dinan Axle Back \| VRSF 6.5" Intercooler \| VRSF Catless Downpipe \| VRSF Charge Pipes \| BM3 \| MST Inlet v2 \| Turbosmart VR11 2013 F30 328i (12/2015 - 09/2020) SOLD!
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12-28-2018, 02:28 PM	#3
upsidedownfunnel Colonel 1996 Rep 2,499 Posts Drives: 2014 335i Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: SoCal iTrader: (4) Garage List 2014 BMW 335i [0.00]	How large is the hole? I don't believe our cars have an access/inspection panel for the flywheel. But there probably are some small holes where you can see the flywheel. If it's just some small holes where you can see a couple teeth of the starter ring gear or something, it's probably normal.
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12-28-2018, 02:36 PM	#4
Hudsonvalley435 2015 435i xdrive- 6spd, cp, dp, fmic, bm3 stage 2 25 Rep 41 Posts Drives: F32 435i X Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Westchester NY iTrader: (0)	It is located where the engine meets the trans, just back from the oil pan. The hole is facing downwards towards the road and is about the size of quarter. I saw teeth from a large round object and I'm assuming that's the flywheel. Just seemed very odd that it wouldn't be sealed from the elements
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12-28-2018, 05:46 PM	#5
upsidedownfunnel Colonel 1996 Rep 2,499 Posts Drives: 2014 335i Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: SoCal iTrader: (4) Garage List 2014 BMW 335i [0.00]	It's pretty common for there to be little holes visible into the flywheel and clutch. Some older cable actuated clutches had little throwout forks that you could see the clutch assembly from in the bell housing. A flywheel is really just like the brake disc and the clutch is like a brake pad. Brakes are far more exposed and you don't really have any issues with foreign objects in your brake system.
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12-29-2018, 11:03 AM	#6
BEAR-AvHistory 2020 Z4 M40i - 2022 M4C Convt 3129 Rep 5,264 Posts Drives: 2020 Z4 M40i - 2022 M4C Convrt Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Raleigh, NC - OIB, NC iTrader: (0) Garage List 1965 COBRA (FFR rep ... [8.57] 2023 Jeep Wrangler ... [9.50] 2009 Yamaha V-Star [0.00] Cars 2-BMW, 2-FORD, ... [0.00] 2023 Ford Expeditio ... [0.00] 2020 Z4 M40i [10.00] 2022 BMW M4C [7.25] 1998 FORD Ranger 4X4 [0.00]	Agree its not an issue. __________________ Kevin Dravit Gray, Black Leather, Moonlight Roof, Red Calipers 2022 M4C - 2020 Z4 M40i - 2023 FORD Expedition XLT Max 4X4 400BHP - 2009 V-Star - 1998 Ranger 4X4 5MT - 1965 Cobra (R) 5MT - 2023 Jeep Wrangler Sport S 6MT
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