Unlock Valve
Check Valve / Clutch Delay Valve (CDV) Delete Kit
Symptom: slow clutch engagement in manual transmission models.
Fits these BMW models with
manual transmission:
5-series/M5 2003-2010 E60 chassis (all
models)
5-series/M5 1996-2003 E39 chassis (all models)
Z8 (not for Alpina Roadster)
M3 1996-1999 E36 chassis (M3 3.2l only, including Euro-spec Evolution
model)
X5 1999-2006 E53 chassis (all models)
Z3M 1997-2001 (including S54 version)
For
E46, Z4, and X3, please
[
CLICK HERE ] for correct part.
Many owners of the cars listed above have noticed that they will get an
excessive amount of clutch slippage and poor clutch engagement feel.
This problem is most noticeable in situations calling for hard
acceleration or quick shifting.
The cause is an added check valve (BMW calls it a "lock valve") in the
clutch hydraulic circuit that is intended to slow the engagement of the
clutch as you release the pedal. This hydraulic restrictor device is
intended to smooth out the feel of shifts and potentially reduce the
shock load on the drivetrain. The reality is it causes a high rate of
wear on the clutch and excessive heat buildup in the flywheel leading
to early failure.
A particular example is a "power shift" where the revs hang for a
moment before fully engaging.
The two possible locations:
(click for a larger view)
Replacement of the valve with the no-restriction replacement Unlock
Valve in these cars results in very crisp and firm
shifts. With the lightweight flywheel, the engagement is so
positive and quick that passengers are pushed into the seat with
greater force than ever before. Installation is as simple as
unscrewing the original lock valve from the slave cylinder line,
replacing it with the Unlock Valve, and bleeding the slave hydraulics.
