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re: Why such a stiff clutch on M3?

A clutch is basically a pair of flat disks that are held
together with springs.  The amount of torque this device can
transmit is a funtion of the coefficient of friction and the
clamping force between the plates.

The M3 has more horsepower.  It takes more clamping force
between the plates to transmit this power.  If you want to
stop, you separate these plates by depressing the clutch pedal
which is linked to the plates.  The stronger the springs
holding the plates together, the stronger the leg required to
push them apart.

There are other factors that come into play such as the size of
the clutch, the mechanical advantage of the mechanism between
your foot and the clutch, and the friction materials in the
clutch.  Overall I think you will find that the bigger the
engine, the bigger the force needed to push the clutch pedal.

- -- 

Karl Zemlin
zemlin@domain.elided
Indianapolis, Indiana

'84 528e 5 speed - 202k
'94 Taurus Wagon - 22k