e21 323i Clutch Compatibility with e30 325i

[e21Keith]

Hi,
At some point I will install the engine and 'box back into my '81 323i and I'd like to fit a new clutch. The suppliers I have tried in general can't supply the e21 item but checking the etk it appears the clutch part number 21 21 1 223 103 was also used in the 325ix. When I check compatibility with people like LUK it seems the 325ix and RWD 325i clutch are the same anyway. Checking online the LUK catalogue shows LUK part number 623 0327 00 for the e30 clutches with the 21 21 1 223 103 number for compatability.
So does anyone know if the e30 325 clutch is the same or will fit the e21?

[brockzila]

I think you have answered your own question. Trust the guys that supply clutches.

[e21Keith]

Whilst Luk list the e30 325 clutch as being compatible with the part number for the e21 323i clutch, they don't actually list it as being suitable for the e21 323i which they say is no longer available!
So which part of their information do I trust? I was hoping a forum member might have some practical experience?

[Jeroen]

It is a mess if I look on various websites as well as ETK. Pretty sure there were differences, especially between E30 325i and E21 323i, will at least require you to change the flywheel but it may be different on the side of the box as well. And you'll need matching pressure plate and release bearing. The fact that they do not list it as compatible with the E21 323i say enough imo indeed. But I believe Sachs still have the stuff. Stay away from the rubbish Walloth is selling, the release bearing I got from them is whining more after 5K than the OEM example after 100k. But Sachs release bearings are not that expensive.