[335xi Kevo]

Hi Guys.

Just replaced my CDV this past weekend and thought I would share.

First off, this is probably the best mod I've done, besides the tune . The shifts are absolutely amazing now. No more clunky jerky 1st to 2nd gears and it actually feels like a normal car!!!!

The install is very different then the terrible DIY's here.

The process is the same removing the underbelly plastic and removing the CDV but quickly you will realize that you cannot use the "7mm open wrench or the 7/8 open wrench." You have a giant front drive shaft completely hindering your ability to use these.

After following everything heres the steps:

FYI the cdv is on the drivers side of the transmission.

1. Remove underbelly plastic, the aft portion. The one with the vent in it covering the transmission. Remember the one you already removed to swap the OEM transmission fluid.

2. Clamp the line to CDV using a vice grip.

3. Carefully remove the CDV holding camp with a small screw driver.

4. Remove the other sides' clamp with the same screw driver. At this point seperate the cdv. Pull them apart.

5. Reinsert the new CDV or, for some, just install the clutch line directly into the unit. (This is the complete delete.)

6. Now unclamp the vice grips. At this point take the rubber cap off the slave cylinder. You can find this by following the "curly hard line" that the cdv plugged into.

7. Use a 14' extension with a universal joint and a 7/8 socket. This can ONLY work coming at it from the rear. This is kinda tricky.

8. Open the bleeder and have your assistant, my trusty girlfriend in this case, press the peddle to the floor and quickly close the bleeder after its at the floor. Repeat this 3 times. You know your doing well when you get a clutch fluid shower.

9. Enjoy a beer and the fact that your car will feel BETTER THAN EVER!!!

Seriously best mod you can do for either free or under $20.



Typo in photo: Do not use a socket wrench

[Patrick303]

Cool write-up. I actually bought the Helix CDV last year and still haven't installed it. Guess I should stop procrastinating!

[Vegetable]

I wouldn't trust myself to do this to my car, so kudos. I do, however, want it done.. Just need to find a trusted shop in northern CA who can do it for me. Nobody seems to know what a CDV is around here. Anyway, I swear I feel like I'm a beginner every time I drive this car. I've been driving a manual for 13 years... no problems until I bought a BMW.

[kashanova]

I have this mod, just have to install it. Thanks for the write-up

[335xi Kevo]

Thanks guys added a few steps for clarification.

[GOTMH8N]

a CDV came with my car, was wondering if it was worth it to install. looks like I'll be doing it this week!

thanks!

[335xi Kevo]

Originally Posted by GOTMH8N

a CDV came with my car, was wondering if it was worth it to install. looks like I'll be doing it this week!

thanks!

This definitely takes away all that clunk and messy shifts. I stalled backing wasn't expecting the clutch to feel normal. i'll try and get a post install picture and show everyone what I mean

[GOTMH8N]

Originally Posted by 335xi Kevo

This definitely takes away all that clunk and messy shifts. I stalled backing wasn't expecting the clutch to feel normal. i'll try and get a post install picture and show everyone what I mean

I have noticed 1-2 is always very clunky, like it was impossible to get a smooth shift

[Vegetable]

Originally Posted by GOTMH8N

a CDV came with my car, was wondering if it was worth it to install. looks like I'll be doing it this week!

thanks!

I'm confused.. a CDV came with your car? As in you just so happened to buy a BMW and there was a modified CDV lying around in the backseat? If so, awesome!

[GOTMH8N]

Originally Posted by Vegetables

I'm confused.. a CDV came with your car? As in you just so happened to buy a BMW and there was a modified CDV lying around in the backseat? If so, awesome!

no haha I wish

bought the car used and the previous owner tossed it in bc he never installed it

[AWD Addict]

I find the 1st gear starts to be irregular and unpredictable, even after driving the car for 55k miles. I've driven stick since I was a teenager.

Can someone help explain what this mod does specifically, aside from a more "natural, standard" shift from 1 to 2?

[335xi Kevo]

CDV- Stands for Clutch Delay Valve. BMW decided to put these in their cars to delay the clutch from engaging so amateur drivers cannot burn them out. Its an intelligent safety feature but for those of us who have been driving forever find it a huge annoyance.

[Vegetable]

Originally Posted by 335xi Kevo

CDV- Stands for Clutch Delay Valve. BMW decided to put these in their cars to delay the clutch from engaging so amateur drivers cannot burn them out. Its an intelligent safety feature but for those of us who have been driving forever find it a huge annoyance.

It's my understanding that the CDV has adverse effects on clutch life when a car is driven by someone who does know how properly use a manual gearbox.

[AWD Addict]

I'm familiar with what hte CDV does, I'm more interested in the results of it's replacement (as I've read more about it's complete removal)

[Vegetable]

Originally Posted by AWD Addict

I'm familiar with what hte CDV does, I'm more interested in the results of it's replacement (as I've read more about it's complete removal)

from the results I have read about, people get the same result whether they use a modified CDV or complete removal. I wish i could let you know of my own experience From what I have also read here, you can simply modify the existing CDV.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...t=29828&page=6

[tubesguy]

Originally Posted by 335xi Kevo

Hi Guys.

The install is very different then the terrible DIY's here.

The process is the same removing the underbelly plastic and removing the CDV but quickly you will realize that you cannot use the "7mm open wrench or the 7/8 open wrench." You have a giant front drive shaft completely hindering your ability to use these.



7. Use a 14' extension with a universal joint and a 7/8 socket. This can ONLY work coming at it from the rear. This is kinda tricky.

A little confused here. 7/8" or 7mm? Thnx - Pat

[335xi Kevo]

7/8 is correct

[tubesguy]

Thanks, I'm going to give this a shot ... as soon as the heat wave breaks.

[kavadarci]

I can't get to the valve because of the diff shaft. i think pictures would help...

[335xi Kevo]

Originally Posted by kavadarci

I can't get to the valve because of the diff shaft. i think pictures would help...

Uploaded a picture for y'all. Typo in photo: Do not use a socket wrench

[HERR FSTIR]

Originally Posted by kavadarci

I can't get to the valve because of the diff shaft. i think pictures would help...

It is pretty easy to take off the four bolts affixing the drive shaft to the transfer case (leave front of shaft attached to front differential). You can then move the drive shaft to the side and get much better access to the bleeder valve.

You can use a large screw driver to stop the shaft from spinning when loosening the bolts. Very easy to do.

I replaced the CDV with a Zeckinghouse version instead of "deleting" it. In my opinion, the difference is noticeable but not huge. Perhaps my clutch skills are not as good as others.

[max_k20]

Now I definetely want to do this mod. I cant take the jerky 1-2 shift anymore !