it was a manual. I just replaced the 318ti clutch and flywheel with m3 ones.
The first time, I did it and put it in correctly. However, I forgot to put that metal washer plate back and had my buddy do it while I was working on other stuff. It's possible he put it one backwards.
Now that I think about it, if the clutch was on backwards, the longer spline would be facing the throwout bearing. So, there would be little engagement of the clutch. However, I don't think it would fully engage as cooljess suggested, instead, I think it would just slip on the flywheel.
I'm going to still consider buying the m3 slave cylinder and throwout bearing. . .especially if monday goes as planned