BMW Engine Parts

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

If you're grappling with issues like crankshaft failures and oil pump breakdowns in your BMW 6-cylinder engines, you're not alone. Even seasoned mechanics can overlook the critical aspect of harmonic resonance control in these inline-6 motors, despite their optimal configuration.

Enter ATI Performance Products in collaboration with VAC Motorsports, presenting a solution in the form of new dampers tailored for BMW 2.5L, 2.8L, 3.0L, and 3.2L straight-6 engines found in various models like the E36 and E46 M3, E9X, and E6X, as well as newer Z3s and Z4s. These dampers effectively nullify crankshaft harmonic vibrations, paving the way for enhanced horsepower and torque output, alongside a reduction in internal engine wear. Say goodbye to issues like fractured oil pumps and timing chain mishaps! By pairing these dampers with a VAC accessory pulley, you seamlessly replace the OEM balancer. Featuring a 7” outer diameter and OEM-style timing alignment tabs, these ATI Super Dampers boast SFI 18.1 Safety Certification, ensuring they're competition-ready.

What sets the ATI SuperDamper apart? It's the remedy for vibration woes in inline 6 engines, especially those equipped with lightweight clutch and flywheel setups. Expect diminished wear on bearings, engine accessories, and oil pumps, all while being compatible with underdrive pulleys.

Included in the kit are the damper itself, a lightweight VAC Billet Crankshaft Pulley, along with all necessary mounting and installation hardware. Note that it's not compatible with S50B30 & S50B32 Euro Engines. For street/track vehicles with air conditioning, opting for the Additional A/C Pulley Option is imperative, given that the OE A/C pulley isn't compatible. Rest assured, all required mounting and installation hardware is included, and the entire package is proudly Made in the USA.

BMW S54 VAC Performance Coated Rod Bearing Kit is highly regarded by BMW engine builders worldwide for its superior quality and performance. Ideal for both forced induction and naturally aspirated builds, these coated bearings are designed to be friction-resistant, reducing the risk of thermal breakdowns due to inadequate lubrication. This feature significantly decreases the chances of premature engine failure in street cars and minimizes the risk of spun bearings during high-stress track conditions.

The VAC Performance Coated Rod Bearing Kit is proven to help maintain engine reliability, even in situations with reduced oil pressure.

• Enhanced Durability: Coated bearings are friction-resistant, reducing the risk of thermal breakdown.
• Increased Reliability: Helps prevent premature engine failure and spun bearings under stress.
• Versatile Performance: Suitable for both forced induction and naturally aspirated engine builds.
• Proven Track Record: Tested by customers to ensure reliable performance even with oil pressure loss.

VAC Tech Notes:

• Ensure proper tolerance and size checks before installation.
• Professional installation is recommended due to specialized tools required.
• Returns are not available on any engine bearings.

BMS Billet Spark Plug Gapper Tool - 14mm is an essential tool for achieving accurate and consistent spark plug gapping, ideal for automotive enthusiasts and professional mechanics alike. This precision tool helps maintain optimal plug performance by providing reliable, consistent gaps. Available in both 14mm and 12mm plug thread sizes, this tool is proudly made in the USA to deliver durability and precision.

• Precisely gaps spark plugs for enhanced engine performance and efficiency
• Speeds up the gapping process while ensuring accuracy and uniformity
• Available in two sizes (14mm and 12mm) for a wider range of compatibility
• Optional specialty feeler gauge included with 4 blades in thicknesses of .018, .020, .022, and .024
• Made in the USA for premium quality and durability

ALTA Lightweight Crank Pulley (LCP) for Mini

Upgrade your Mini's performance with the ALTA Lightweight Crank Pulley (LCP), designed to increase horsepower and torque. Available in two sizes - 0% Stock Sized and +2% Oversized - this pulley is engineered for Supercharged Cooper S models. Crafted from 6061T6 aluminum, the ALTA pulley is lightweight, weighing just 0.65 lbs, providing a weight reduction of over 2.3 lbs compared to the stock crank pulley.

• Increases horsepower and torque
• Lightweight design reduces rotational mass
• Does not wear out engine bearings or oil pump
• Adds boost safely and reliably
• Improves belt contact with pulleys, reducing wear

Enhance your Mini's performance with the ALTA Supercharger Pulley, crafted from lightweight 6061T6 aluminum. This pulley reduces the rotational inertia of the supercharger, significantly enhancing engine responsiveness. Featuring cross-drilled holes over each groove, it improves belt grip and minimizes belt slippage as the belt stretches. Additionally, oversized belt retainers prevent belt jumping.

ALTA offers two reduction sizes: 15% and 17%, each providing distinct benefits.

• 15% Reduction: The standard choice in the market, delivering smooth power increases of approximately 20WHP for safe performance enhancements.
• 17% Reduction: Ideal for those seeking more power, this option builds boost at lower RPMs, providing additional power where needed. It delivers an extra 1.5psi of boost at redline, ensuring added horsepower to conquer challenging situations.

Enhance the performance of your Mini with the ALTA Lightened Crank Pulley (LCP), engineered to increase horsepower and torque. Available in 0% Stock Sized and +2% Oversized options, this pulley is crafted from 6061T6 aluminum, weighing only 0.65 lbs. Significantly lighter than the stock crank pulley, the ALTA LCP ensures improved engine efficiency without adding vibration or noise. The +2% Oversized pulley provides additional boost for Supercharged Cooper S models, delivering safe and reliable performance. With increased belt contact, this pulley reduces wear and enhances durability, making it a must-have upgrade for Mini enthusiasts.

• Increases horsepower and torque
• Lightweight 6061T6 aluminum construction
• Available in 0% Stock Sized and +2% Oversized options
• Does not affect charging system
• Improves engine efficiency and performance