ACT 601011 XACT Streetlite Flywheel for 1996-2003 BMW E36 M3, E39 5-Series, Z3 - 15.2 lbs, 113-Tooth

ACT 601011 XACT Streetlite Flywheel for BMW E36, E39, and Z3

The ACT 601011 XACT Streetlite Flywheel is a single-mass lightweight flywheel engineered for a range of 1996-2003 BMW manual-transmission applications across the E36 3-Series, E36 M3, E39 5-Series, and Z3 platforms. At just 15.2 lbs — significantly lighter than the factory dual-mass unit — this forged chromoly steel flywheel delivers noticeably faster engine response and quicker acceleration while maintaining the durability and high-RPM reliability BMW inline-six engines demand. The kit ships complete with the required M12-1.5 x 30mm flywheel bolts for a complete installation.

Note: As a single-mass conversion, some gear rattle is expected at idle. This is normal behavior of a single-mass conversion replacing the OE dual-mass flywheel, not a defect.

Vehicle Fitment for ACT 601011

The ACT 601011 XACT Streetlite Flywheel fits a range of 1996-2003 BMW manual-transmission applications across the E36 3-Series, E36 M3, E39 5-Series, and Z3 platforms — covering the M50, M52, M54, and S52 inline-six engine family. For the complete year-by-year fitment list with sub-models and engine displacements, see the Vehicle Fitment table.

Performance Highlights

• Weight: 15.2 lbs (significantly lighter than factory dual-mass)
• Material: Forged chromoly steel, CNC-machined
• Type: Single-mass Streetlite conversion
• Ring Gear: 113-tooth, induction-hardened for maximum life
• Engine Compatibility: BMW M50 / M52 / M54 / S52 inline-six
• SFI Rating: 1.1 certified
• Engagement Character: Noticeably improved throttle response, OE to mild gear rattle

Key Features and Benefits

• One-piece forged construction allows less opportunity for failure than multi-piece designs
• Heat-treated forging for strength and toughness; induction-hardened ring gear for maximum life
• Materials properly distributed for maximum strength, lower rotational inertia, and good heat tolerance
• Uniform efficient heat transfer from the clutch disc — no warped inserts or loose ring gears
• Serviceable and resurfaceable — no need to purchase additional parts when refacing
• Dynamically computer balanced for smooth high-RPM reliability
• Compatible with both factory clutch kits and ACT clutch kits
• Recommended for street and drag racing use
• Backed by ACT's industry-leading one-year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship

Specifications

• Product Weight: 15.2 lbs
• Material: Chromoly Steel (Forged, CNC-machined)
• Type: Streetlite (Single-mass)
• Tooth Quantity: 113
• Mounting Hole Quantity: 6
• Friction Surface Diameter: 9.4 in / 240 mm
• Engine Balance: Internal
• SFI Rating: 1.1
• Part Fitment Requirement: Single-mass flywheel conversion — gear rattle is expected at idle

What's in the Box

• (1) ACT XACT Streetlite Flywheel (601011)
• Flywheel Bolts: M12-1.5 x 30mm (included)

Compatible Clutch Components

This flywheel is compatible with both the factory BMW clutch kit and ACT performance clutch kits for the E36/E39/Z3 platforms. ACT recommends pairing the 601011 Streetlite flywheel with a matching ACT clutch kit for your power level and driving style. Contact XLR8 Performance for clutch kit recommendations tailored to your specific BMW chassis and build.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this flywheel be resurfaced?
Yes. ACT XACT flywheels are designed to be serviceable and can be resurfaced by a professional machine shop using a flywheel grinder. No additional parts need to be purchased for resurfacing.

Is this a single-mass conversion?
Yes. The 601011 replaces the factory dual-mass flywheel with a single-mass unit. This is the source of the improved throttle response, but it also means some gear rattle is expected at idle. This is normal behavior, not a defect.

Why does one flywheel fit so many BMW models?
The flywheel is determined by the crankshaft bolt pattern, ring gear tooth count, and clutch interface — not by the engine displacement itself. BMW used a common 6-cylinder bellhousing and crankshaft interface across the M50, M52, M54, and S52 engines (1996-2003), which is why a single flywheel covers the E36 3-Series/M3, E39 5-Series, and Z3.

Do I need to use an ACT clutch kit with this flywheel?
No. The 601011 is compatible with both factory clutch kits and ACT performance clutch kits. ACT clutch kits are recommended for higher-horsepower builds where the additional clamp load and durability matter.

Are the flywheel bolts included?
Yes. M12-1.5 x 30mm flywheel bolts are included with the 601011.

What is the warranty?
ACT backs this flywheel with their industry-leading one-year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.

Installation

ACT General Installation Instructions (PDF)

California Proposition 65 Warning: This product can expose you to chemicals including carbon black, glass wool fibers, or silica (in clutch discs), chromium and nickel, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer or birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information, visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov