Oiling System

The N54 suffers from a weak point in its crankshaft. It has been reported that when increasing the power to the engine, the crank hub can move or spin slightly under an extreme load. This is most apparent under high-rev downshifts or in the case of increased boost pressure which creates more stress on the engines rotating assembly. In order to keep this from happening, the crank bolt must be secured to the hub to keep it from backing off, but this can be a tricky solution since a simple dab of Loctite will not suffice. 

Here is an easy, and cost-effective way to secure the situation; The VTT N54 crank bolt capture. This lightweight and durable ring slips over the head of the crank bolt fully encapsulating it, and locks it to the crank hub and eliminating its ability to spin. The VTT-CBC is 100% Billet Aircraft Grade Aluminum, Anodized black to protect it from the elements, and give it a stealth look. What's more is that it weighs only 1.3 Oz's meaning you aren't adding excess mass to the crankshaft which will avoid any imbalance or vibration issues.

While this is not a full fix for all crank hub spinning issues, the engineers at Vargas have found most issues have stemmed from the bolt itself backing out, and this is a great way to keep that from happening. Extremely lightweight at only 1.3 Oz's it adds virtually no weight to the crank which is important for balance and vibration.

Kit Includes:

• 1x Aluminum Crank Bolt Capture
• 8x Fasteners Gr. 12.9

This part fits the following BMWs:
2006-2013 N54 

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 the billet aluminum oil dipstick! Designed to OE specifications with an easy-to-read fill line, offered in 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.

ECS Tuning presents magnetic drain plugs tailored for your BMW, equipped with a permanently mounted magnet to trap ferrous metal suspended in your oil. These plugs capture tiny particles, typically evading the oil filter, resulting in a cleaner engine. Over time, this saves your bearings and oil pump from unnecessary wear. Crafted from robust 7075-T6 aluminum, the ECS Tuning M12 magnetic drain plug boasts 80% more strength than the common 6061 aluminum.

• Permanently mounted magnet for metal particle trapping
• Cleaner engine and extended bearing life
• 7075-T6 aluminum construction for superior strength
• Captures metal particles from wearing or rebuilt engines
• Ideal for normal wear of reciprocating parts
• Torque to 18ft-lbs using a 17mm socket, like your stock drain plug

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. This catch can is located on the cooler side of the engine where the oil will condense easier and stay in the can. 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. The Burger Tuning oil catch can is the best we have seen so far. 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 BMS Oil Catch Can is made from aluminum and with a stealthy black anodized finish. It installs on the cooler side of the engine with a dedicated bracket and new oversized vent lines. 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 BMS OCC also has a factory-like appearance. Since BMS designed their catch can from scratch they can guarantee it fits and performs correctly for the N54/N55 engine, unlike other catch cans on the market that are poorly retrofitted from other applications and under-sized for the N54 engine.

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

BMS Oil Catch Can Features:
+ Increases air intake efficiency
+ Promotes engine longevity
+ Double-baffled design allows excellent air/oil separation
+ Large In/Out ports (no tapered sizes that slow flow)
+ Stealth mounting on cooler side of engine bay (promotes condensation of oil to vapor)
+ Anodized black lightweight aluminum
+ N54 version mounts out of sight under the cowl
+ Made in USA with a lifetime guarantee

Stainless steel filtration is not a new technology but is quickly gaining popularity in the automotive segment. With the ability to filter down as small as a paper filter element with the ability to be washed and reused!

The K&P Engineering filter element is made from medical grade, type 304 stainless steel micronic filter cloth to provide unmatched protection against oil contamination and resultant engine damage. A one inch square of this material flows an incredible 1.9 gallons of oil per minute at only 1 PSI pump pressure. The adhesive used in the filter assembly process is good to 600 degrees Fahrenheit, far above normal engine operating temperatures. A super strength nickel-plated neodymium rare earth magnet is installed in the top of the element for magnetic pre-filtering of the oil. The sophisticated bypass is engineered for proper differential pressures and consistent operation, delivering a greater percentage of filtered oil while being very easy to clean. The twist lock design assures positive filter element placement and allows for easy disassembly, inspection, and cleaning. The quad-ring gasket doubles the seal between the filter and the engine. Finally, the filter housing is carved out of solid 6061T6 billet aluminum, which not only looks trick but aids in dissipating heat.

K&P Engineering manufactures stainless steel filters for a vast array of engines around the world. Staying at the forefront of design and testing allows this company to offer a top-tier product for your European vehicle.

Features:

• Consistent filtering across entire filter surface
• Superior ASTMF316 filtration performance
• 7 times the flow of comparable paper oil filters
• Magnetic Prefiltering
• Progressive rate bypass combined with high flow characteristics of the filter media avoids unfiltered oil bypassing the filter during cold startup and high rpm
• No more cutting apart messy paper filters for trapped debris inspection
• Proven in Motorsports, Military and Aerospace applications for years. Technology is FAA approved for use in aircraft. 

At regular oil changes, clean to K&P's specifications for continued used - a true lifetime filter.

This product fits the following BMWs:
1995 - 1999 E36 M3
2001 - 2006 E46 M3
1998 - 2002 E36/8 Z3 M Coupe
1998 - 2002 E36/7 Z3 M Roadster
2006 - 2008 E86 Z4 M Coupe
2006 - 2008 E85 Z4 M Roadster

Enhance Your Mini's Drivetrain Longevity with ECS Tuning's Magnetic Plugs

Safeguard your Mini's drivetrain by using ECS Tuning's Magnetic Plugs, meticulously designed to eliminate abrasive metal particles from your fluid. These plugs, featuring permanent magnets, effectively attract and retain tiny abrasive and ferrous metal particles, preventing their circulation within the lubrication systems.

Various conditions, including normal wear of moving parts, inadequate post-machining flushing, casting flaws, or stress-induced component breakdown, can introduce metal particles. ECS Tuning's Magnetic Plugs are the solution, ensuring protection for crucial drivetrain components by capturing these particles.

• Removes abrasive metal particles for improved drivetrain longevity
• Engineered with permanent magnets for effective particle capture
• Guards against wear caused by metal particles in the lubrication system
• Includes 10 copper crush washers for replacement during oil service

This oil filter housing cap is constructed from high-quality billet aluminum, complete with a black anodized finish for added corrosion resistance. Designed specifically for the S54, this lid replaces the OE part and accepts the OE o-ring.

This part features two 1/8-27 NPT holes that can be used to incorporate oil temperature and oil pressure sensors. Port plugs are included to block off the ports if they are not being used.

Machined with care in-house at VAC Motorsports for perfect fitment, these lids are a perfect replacement for enthusiasts looking to seamlessly integrate oil temperature and pressure sensors without tapping into their oil pan.

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

There are a few reason having a catch can is an upgrade for a vehicle, from a separator system that no longer works to one that was never there. 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. 

 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 Tuning 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 black anodized aluminum mounting bracket places the catch can in a location that looks like it should be there from the factory as well as pre-formed silicone hoses for a clean installation.

**Click here if you would rather build your kit using the Turner catch can & drain system**

*Modification is required to maintain installation of the OE engine cover, this is outlined in the installation PDF.

* The baffle system is designed to direct the flow clock-wise or counter clock-wise depending on your setup (each can can be adjusted to flow in either direction). 

Features:

• 6061-T6 billet machined body, anodized black for lasting protection and appearance
• Strategically positioned 4 chamber baffle system maximizes oil / air separation 
• Knurled and black anodized oil dipstick makes inspecting oil volume of reservoir clean and simple
• Sealed with a pre-installed viton O-Ring
• Includes 2.5mm allen key to remove baffle plates for cleaning
• Engineered to create multiple changes in the direction of airflow within the separator to cause oil droplets to fall out of suspension before exiting the catch can
• Closed / recirculated design reduces oil ingestion and promotes cleaner emissions and odor-less operation

Meet modern emission regulations while preserving engine performance with the ECS Baffled Oil Catch Can. Designed for BMW and MINI vehicles, this system efficiently captures blow-by gases, preventing excessive oil vapor ingestion into the intake tract. The innovative 4-chamber baffle system maximizes oil/air separation, reducing carbon build-up and pollutants. Featuring a 1/4" drain fitting for easy maintenance, this catch can minimizes oil deposits, ensuring cleaner emissions and enhanced engine performance.

Key Benefits:

• Efficient 4-chamber baffle system for maximum oil/air separation
• Recirculated design reduces oil ingestion, promoting cleaner emissions
• Durable 6061-T6 billet machined body with anodized black finish for longevity
• Integrated dipstick and sealed reservoir for easy oil inspection and maintenance
• Serviceable design with removable baffle plates for cleaning
• Easy installation with customizable mounting options and leak-free fittings
• Engineered and manufactured in the USA for superior performance and durability

Note: Not for sale or use in the state of California on any pollution-controlled vehicle as per the California Air Resources Board.

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