If you're experiencing hard starting, flaky charging, or other electrical issues, your engine ground strap may be the culprit. On E9X BMWs, the engine ground strap is a thin, non-insulated cable that spans from the left 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 E9X 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 RWD E82/E88, E84, and E9X applications 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 12427549393, 12427795404, and 12427790559.

Oil venting and circulation continues to be a problem on BMW engines and now even more so on the turbocharged N54 and N55 engines. The existing stock system does a very poor job of separating fluid and vapor and this leads to an oily film or even small pools of oil throughout the turbos and intake. We're seeing a lot more 135 and 335 cars with drivability and performance issues because oil has sneaked by the ring seals and is coating the intake piping, intercooler, intake valves, and other critical areas. The problem is worsened with higher boost levels. Oil is excellent for lubricating moving parts but terrible when it gets into the combustion chamber, effectively lowering the octane rating and reducing performance. Our own shop has gone the extra step and offers media blasting of the intake valves to strip away the oily buildup we have seen.

Our shop also strongly recommends an oil catch can be installed in the line for the crankcase vent. The oil catch can traps oil as it leaves the valve cover and holds it in a canister. Whatever minimal vapors are left over in the oil is then vented back through the canister and into the intake where it is safe to be burned up in the engine or recirculated back through the system again. This is the way the system was designed! At each oil change simply unscrew the canister and empty the trapped oil with your regular used oil. A dipstick is integrated into the cap so you can monitor the oil level. Installing one of these will avoid costly repairs in the future and help maintain your boost and performance. It's one of the smartest modifications you can make because it demonstrates a well-thought out tuning strategy and care for the condition of your engine.

The ECS Oil Catch Can is made from aluminum and with a stealthy black anodized finish. Multiple brackets are available so you're not limited on where to mount it. 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.

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.

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 with the N54 twin-turbo engine:
2008-2010 E82 BMW 135i
2007-2010 E9X BMW 335i 335xi
2006-2010 E60 BMW 535i 535xi

Vargas Stage 1 N55 turbo upgrade is good up to 425whp with proper tuning and high grade fuel. Vargas N55 turbo is an all-new turbo specially made for Vargas. They build it with a billet compressor wheel of their own design and a stock turbine. It will accept all of the stock water and oil lines and the original diverter valve (upgraded DV is recommended). This kit is a direct bolt-on replacement for the original turbo and necessary if you want to start making big power from the N55.

The stock plastic diverter valve and chargepipe is the weakest point for boost leaks (the plastic cracks). Vargas Turbo recommends upgrading it to a stronger DV design. The aluminum DV designs will hold up to just about any boost level currently available.

Vargas Turbo Technologies has been in business since 1979, offering rebuilt and re-engineered turbo solutions. For the BMW market, they identified a need for both cost-effective turbo replacements and proven turbo upgrades. It's recommended that the rest of the system be upgraded to handle your tuning goals. The final Vargas rebuilt turbos are better than the factory rebuilds and at a lower cost!

Oil Recommendation - modern engine oil is formulated for emissions and to be environmentally friendly. The additives in current oil lowers the oil's ability to withstand high temperatures and stresses, lowering its shear strength and its lubricating properties. Vargas recommends oils with high ZDDP (zinc and phosphorus) content that will better protect and cool the turbo bearings. Examples of high-zinc oils are Red Line Race, Red Line Euro, Motul 300V Racing, Joe Gibbs Racing, Valvoline VR-1 oil, and most Diesel-spec oils that you can buy off-the-shelf. Some oils, especially the Race type, will need more frequent oil changes and may be harmful to catalytic converters.

WHP rating: 425. This rating is used to compare various stage of Vargas turbo kits. There is no advertised horsepower gain with this kit as it depends on your other mods and tuning. The rating is provided as a reference to use in your tuning planning. Custom tuning is recommended to match thIS turbo to your existing mods and upgrades.

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 and carbon buildup 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 oil mist can in the intake charge even increase the risk of engine damaging detonation. 

With direct injected engines this problem becomes more prevalent, and the N54 in your 135i or 335i is no exception.  We're seeing a lot of N54 powered cars with drivability and performance issues due to significant carbon buildup in the intake ports and backs of intake valves.  The “factory fix” is a walnut blasting service that commonly needs performed every 30,000 to 70,000 miles.  Don't be part of this statistic!  Our shop recommends an oil catch can be installed in-line in the PCV system to help reduce the build-up of performance robbing deposits and greatly reduce the need for costly walnut blasting service and related repairs in the future.

The ECS Engineers were able to get more effective results compared to the competition by routing all blow by gasses through the high-load PCV circuit to ensure the catch can is functioning under all engine operating conditions.  The catch can 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.  Having a kit designed specifically for your E8X 135i or E9X 335i makes for a clean looking setup that any skill level mechanic can install. 

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 for the E9x 335 makes install easy and clean looking so any skill level mechanic can end up with professional results.

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 with the N54 twin-turbo engine:
2007-2010 E9X BMW 335i 335xi
 

Allen Head Bolt

Upgrade your fastening needs with the Allen Head Bolt, a versatile and reliable solution for various applications. Crafted from high-quality materials, these bolts offer exceptional strength and durability. Their allen head design ensures secure tightening and easy access, making them ideal for automotive, construction, and DIY projects. Elevate your projects with the precision and reliability of Allen Head Bolts.

• High-quality materials for exceptional strength
• Secure tightening with allen head design
• Versatile usage for automotive, construction, and DIY projects
• Reliable and durable solution for various applications

Includes connector housing with terminals and seals. Commonly used for the engine oil pressure switch.

ECS Tuning replacement harness connectors include all necessary pins and wire seals for a complete harness repair. Whether you have a broken harness connector or need a complete wiring repair, we have the components you need.

Each connector includes an additional terminal in case one becomes lost or damaged during installation.

Suggested tools:

Suggested crimping pliers: T#387193
Wire De-pin tools:
12pc De-Pin Tool Set - T#386379
23pc De-Pin Tool Set - T#641943