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

A beautiful addition and durable upgrade for your engine

Tired of staring at that bright red plastic oil dipstick? Waiting for a way to add a nice touch to your engine bay without going over the top? ECS Tuning is proud to announce our billet aluminum oil dipstick! Designed to OE specifications with an easy-to-read fill line, we offer three different finishes. Available in black, polished, or clear anodized, we have an offering for every type of enthusiast. Not only does it look better, but also performs better. Because of the durability, it is easier to insert than the factory ribbon dipstick. So, no more fighting with your dipstick to re-install it.

The Schwaben Piston Ring Filer is a vital tool for obtaining the precise end gap necessary for optimal piston ring performance.

This filer allows you to swiftly and accurately file piston rings to exact measurements, enhancing your engine’s efficiency and lifespan. By simply positioning the piston ring and turning the handle, you can easily rotate the abrasive wheel for a smooth and effective filing process.

**Note:** For the Schwaben Universal Piston Ring Compressor, check out T25805755!

Key Features:

• Optimize Performance: Achieve the perfect end gap crucial for top engine efficiency.
• Quick and Precise: File rings to exact specifications with ease.
• Easy Operation: Position the piston ring and turn the handle to effortlessly rotate the abrasive wheel.
• Enhanced Engine Longevity: Accurate end gaps contribute to longer engine life and better performance.

Instructions:

1. Position the Ring: Place the piston ring on the outer edge against the stop and align the ends squarely against the grinding wheel. Apply light, even pressure against the wheel to prevent grinding too large a gap.
2. Operate the Tool: Turn the handle so the grinding wheel turns towards the inside edge of the ring (counter-clockwise when viewed from the handle side of the tool).
3. Exercise Caution: This is a diamond grinding wheel. It cuts fast!

Checking Piston Ring Gap:

1. Deburr the Ring Ends: Carefully remove any burrs on the ring ends before placing the ring in the bore. A light touch with a fine abrasive stone works well.
2. Clean the Rings: Thoroughly clean the rings with lacquer thinner or acetone, as the paint coating from the factory may occasionally scratch the cylinder bore. Always wear gloves during this process.
3. Position the Ring in the Cylinder: Place the ring squarely in the cylinder bore, about 1" down from the deck surface. An upside-down flat-top piston will help you properly square the ring.
4. Measure the End Gap: Use a feeler gauge to measure the ring's end gap. Apply light grinding pressure and check frequently to avoid making the end gap too large.

WARNING: This product contains chemicals known to the state of California to cause cancer, birth defects, and/or reproductive harm. See above warning label as well as http://www.p65warnings.ca.gov for further information on Proposition 65 warnings.

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

Looking to update your old torque wrenches? The Schwaben 3/8" Drive Digital Torque Wrench is your answer. 

This digital torque wrench uses an easy-to-read display to show torque amounts and settings, features a push button release, reversible 3/8" drive, 45 tooth ratchet head, and a comfortable no-slip grip and adjustment wheel.

Specifications:

• Setting Range: 45-220 ft lbs (60-300 Nm)
• Display Units: ft-lbs, N-m, Inch-lbs, cm-kg2, and m-kg
• Size: 22" (550mm) length for easy leverage
• Accuracy: +- 3%
• Include blow molded holding case
• Requires one 3V CR2030 battery (included)

Schwaben's Self-Adjusting Wire Strippers are an essential addition to any garage or toolbox. Engineered with precision and versatility, these wire strippers automatically adapt to various wire sizes, making them perfect for a wide range of automotive and electrical applications.

Crafted with Schwaben's renowned quality standards, this tool ensures reliable performance and long-lasting durability, helping you tackle wiring tasks efficiently and accurately. Whether you're a professional mechanic or a DIY enthusiast, these wire strippers are your go-to solution for seamless and precise wiring repairs.

Key Features:

Ergonomic Design: 6-inch handles with rubber grips provide superior comfort and control during use. Self-Adjusting Stripper Jaws: Serrated jaws offer a secure grip for consistent and accurate stripping. Adjustable Depth Gauge: Enables precise, repeatable wire stripping to match your project’s needs. Wide Range Compatibility: Strips wires ranging from 10 to 24 AWG with ease. Integrated Wire Cutter: Effortlessly slices wires between 10 and 24 AWG. Built-In Crimper: Crimps both insulated and non-insulated wires in sizes from 10 to 22 AWG. Schwaben’s Self-Adjusting Wire Strippers combine precision, convenience, and durability into one must-have tool, ensuring professional results for every project.

Modern day emissions regulations require the use of a closed crankcase ventilation (PCV) system to recirculate combustion blow-by gases from the crankcase back in to the intake to be burned.  Unfortunately, these blow by gases contain water vapor (which is a byproduct of combustion) and pick up oil mist from and the windage cloud and cam lubrication system as they travel through the crank case.  Due to less than 100% effective air/oil separation in the stock PCV system, some oil mist and water vapor gets carried back to the intake tract and over time cause oil deposits in the intake manifold, intake ports, and on the back of intake valves.  All will eventually lead to poor performance and reduced fuel economy, and the presence of this oil mist in the intake charge may even increase the risk of engine-damaging detonation. 

With forced induction, track use, and/or extended high RPM usage, these symptoms increase as the factory PCV system is overwhelmed, and a catch can becomes a must for your E46 M3. This kit is a direct fit making this an easy reversal if desired as well as maintaining a clean appearance by utilizing the open "smuggler's compartment" on the passenger side of the engine bay.

ECS engineers developed a catch can that utilizes a strategically designed 4 chamber baffle plate system engineered to create multiple changes in the direction of airflow to cause oil droplets to fall out of suspension, maximizing the efficiency of the PCV air/oil separation.  A dipstick is integrated into the cap so you can monitor the oil level, and the can is easily serviced.  At each oil change simply unscrew the canister and empty the trapped oil with your regular used oil.  The ECS Oil Catch Can is CNC machined from billet 6061-T6 aluminum and with a stealthy black anodized finish for lasting durability and appearance, and includes everything needed for an OEM-like fully reversible installation.  

The ECS Oil Catch Can is made from aluminum and with a stealthy black anodized finish. The location is key as heat will evaporate the oil and send too much vapor back into the engine (where cooler air will turn it back into fluid). The ECS OCC also has a factory-like appearance. Having a kit designed specifically for your E46 M3 makes for a clean looking setup that any skill level mechanic can install. 

Note: Since the crankcase vent system is considered part of the overall emissions system, installing this may be a violation of local, state, and federal laws. While exemptions are made for track/race and off-road use, check with your local state inspection facility on using this in street-driven vehicles.

*Click here for installation instructions*

ECS Oil Catch Can Features:
+ Increases air intake efficiency
+ Promotes engine longevity
+ 4 chamber design promotes excellent air/oil separation
+ Large In/Out ports (no tapered sizes that slow flow)
+ Anodized black lightweight aluminum
+ Made in USA

This item fits the following BMWs
E46 M3 2001-2006