BMW Engine Parts for BMW 3 Series E46 (1999-2005)

If you're experiencing hard starting, flaky charging, or other electrical issues, your engine ground strap may be the culprit. On older BMWs, the engine ground strap is a thin, non-insulated cable that spans from the engine mount arm to the frame horn. Despite the seemingly simple nature of this part, on older cars, it is known to cause massive headaches. Due to its non-insulated design, years of exposure to water, dirt, and road salt will cause the wire to corrode, ultimately leading to complete failure. A break in this cable will cause an open circuit, resulting in issues with the vehicle's electrical system and potentially leading to a no-start condition.

To solve this issue, ECS has engineered an exact-fit, upgraded ground strap for your BMW! Unlike its OEM counterpart, this design features insulated, large-gauge copper wire for dependable conductivity and long-lasting durability. Additionally, factory-style lugs are zinc-coated, crimped, and soldered, ensuring protection against corrosion and oxidation.

Whether you're replacing a visibly corroded strap or proactively preventing failure, this solution from ECS is sure to provide lasting performance and protection.

FEATURES

Direct-fit replacement and upgrade for E30 (318i/is), E36, E39, E46, and others Solves intermittent grounding issues caused by aging OEM straps Clean, stealthy design that fits seamlessly in factory engine bays Factory length and lug orientation for drop-in fitment 2 AWG tinned copper cable for excellent conductivity and corrosion resistance Zinc-coated lugs, crimped and soldered to resist moisture and oxidation Black UL1015-grade insulation withstands oil, heat, and abrasion Discreet ECS label for a clean, OEM+ look Replaces OEM part numbers 12421737755 and 12421714262.

These WPC-treated bearings are the best we have seen! WPC is a shot-peening treatment at a microscopic level. It's perfect for sensitive surfaces like bearings. The WPC treatment removes imperfections and high spots, while creating a surface that retains oil better than the original surface. This greatly reduces friction. The bearings in this kit are original equipment KS bearings that are sent to WPC for treatment. The treated bearings are stronger with less metal fatigue and less friction than buying off-the-shelf bearings from the dealer.

This item fits the following BMWs: 
1984-1991 E30 BMW 318i 318is 318ic 325e 325es 325i 325ic 325is 325ix 
1992-1998 E36 BMW 318i 318is 318ti 318ic 323is 323ic 325i 325is 325ic 328i 328is 328ic M3 
1999-2005 E46 BMW 323i 323ci 325i 325ci 325xi 328i 328ci 330i 330ci 330xi
1982-1988 E28 BMW 528e
1989-1995 E34 BMW 525i
1997-2003 E39 BMW 525i 528i 530i
2004-2005 E60 BMW 525i 530i 
2004-2006 E83 BMW X3 2.5i X3 3.0i 
2000-2006 E53 BMW X5 3.0i 
1997-2002 Z3 BMW Z3 1.9 Z3 2.3 Z3 2.5i Z3 2.8 Z3 3.0i M Roadster M Coupe 
2003-2005 Z4 BMW Z4 2.5i Z4 3.0i 

The main reason all of the VANOS units will eventually fail is because the material used for the sealing rings from the factory is not designed for that type of environment. When this happens the only option that BMW leaves you with is buying a new and expensive VANOS unit with the same sealing rings that failed in your original unit.

The VANOS system found in BMW engines is a great feature (when it’s working properly), keeping your power curve smooth and responsive especially in lower to mid RPM range. What usually goes unnoticed is the gradual loss of power within this range as the vehicle's age due to slowly failing seals within the VANOS unit. The way the VANOS system works is based off of oil pressure triggered by a solenoid that allows for a small range of timing degree adjustment, this is where the power curve is affected. When the seals begin to fail (all of them do) there is less pressure to advance the timing reducing the power in that low to mid range. Because this happens slowly it's very hard to notice a difference until you refresh your VANOS unit, then you easily realize the response you've been missing.

There are a number of symptoms that will plague your car as a result of these failing seals such as erratic idle, engine hesitation, stalling, and increased fuel consumption to name a few. If you've been chasing down any of these symptoms with no fix then this could be your issue.

While you're replacing the seals in your VANOS unit it a good time to install anti-rattle spacers to tighten up the gaps in your stock assembly and get rid of that noisy VANOS clatter.

Seals & O-rings:

The seals  were the main focus of this project since the OE units are built with Buna-N rubber o-rings instead of the ECS supplied Viton rubber o-rings. The Buna-N material quickly hardens from the heat and chemical exposure within the engine, where the Viton is significantly more resistant to these chemicals. This knowledge was also used when it came to the commonly failed o-rings found on the VANOS seal plate, replaced at the solenoid.

Rattle Repair:

When it comes to the VANOS rattle this is commonly described as "marbles in a can", and can be heard throughout the different RPM ranges depending on the engine. These upgraded rings and washers are precision ground from hardened steel to resist wear and deformation keeping your VANOS rattle free. The rattle repair tools are designed specifically for this VANOS anti-rattle repair, design from hardened steel to stand up to the job. Designed to perfectly follow the splines of the shaft for a tight grip when applying the necessary torque to disassemble & reassemble the VANOS transfer gear. The keyed socket was designed with the intent to use a "common" wrench so this can be completed at home in your garage.    

When Servicing your VANOS unit we recommend getting everything you need to replace on the way to service which includes an oil change and valve cover gasket set. Fresh oil and gaskets is the best way to start off a fresh rebuild of any kind giving you the maximum performance of your freshly serviced components.

Don't forget to check out our rebuild PDF to make sure you have everything to get the job done and eliminate the rebuild guess work.

This item fits the following BMWs: 
2000-2001 E46 3 Series M3 M3 Convertible 2000-2006 
2001-2002 Z3 Roadster / Coupe Z3 M Roadster Z3 M Coupe w S54 Engine 
2006-2008 E86 E86 Z4 Z4 M Roadster Z4 M Coupe