Camshafts for BMW Z3 (1996-2002)

Clear BMW chassis

Please ensure your correct model is selected

The camshafts are responsible for opening and closing the valves in time with the movement of the pistons. Sometimes the lobes can become worn or scored, necessitating a replacement of the entire shaft. Performance options are also available with more aggressive cam profiles that allow increased lift and duration.

Sub-Categories

Sort By:

ECS M5x Single VANOS Rebuild Kit - E36, E39, Z3
affirm Starting At 0% APR - Subject To Eligibility. See Lending Terms
ECS - Corporate Logo
T#:394295
Part#: 012016ECS
In Stock at Vendor
Sale - Save 13% $ 307.99

This product was last offered at the strikethrough price on
05-03-2026

Starting at $ 269.21 USD
Free Shipping
Sale - Save 13%
$ 307.99

This product was last offered at the strikethrough price on
05-03-2026

Starting at $ 269.21 USD
Free Shipping

If you're not sure if your VANOS seals are bad then the only question you need to answer is if you've replaced them. Every unit from the factory came with the same failure prone o-rings and seals, even the re-manufactured units you can still get today. The only real fix is by replacing the seals and o-rings with material that is built to last in the oiled, extreme temperature environment found in these kits. 

A premium product replacement with easy to follow instructions makes rebuilding your VANOS unit a must. Even though the power loss is barely felt it's the opposite result once you replace the seals, every car that gets rebuilt ends up wowing the customer and all of them saying they didn't realize what they lost. 

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.

This item fits the following BMWs: 
1992-1998 E36 BMW 323is 323ic 325i 325is 325ic 328i 328is 328ic M3 
1997-1998 E39 BMW 528i 
1997-1998 Z3 BMW Z3 2.8 
1998-2000 Z3 BMW M Roadster M Coupe

 

Show More Show Less
Schrick Intake Camshaft - E46 M3, MZ3, MZ4 (S54) - 280 Degree, 12.5mm...
affirm Starting At 0% APR - Subject To Eligibility. See Lending Terms
Schrick - Corporate Logo
T#:11748
Part#: TMS11748
Special Order: No Guaranteed ETA
$ 1,867.99 USD
Free Shipping
$ 1,867.99 USD
Free Shipping
E46 M3 with S54 engine Schrick 280 Degree Intake Camshaft with 12.5mm valve lift. A new rocker arm is required (Schrick or new BMW part #11337833259).

Schrick Technical Information / Specs

This item fits the following BMWs:
2001-2006 E46 BMW M3
2001-2002 Z3 BMW M Roadster M Coupe
2006-2008 E85 BMW Z4 M Roadster M Coupe
Show More Show Less
Schrick Camshaft Set - E36 M3-spec - 252/244 Degree
affirm Starting At 0% APR - Subject To Eligibility. See Lending Terms
Schrick - Corporate Logo
T#:21521
Part#: TMS21521
Ships on Oct 28, 2026
$ 3,470.66 USD
Free Shipping
$ 3,470.66 USD
Free Shipping
These Schrick camshafts are the same specs as the stock US S50 cams -
Intake: 252 degree, 10.2mm lift
Exhaust: 244 degree, 9.5mm lift

With original S50/S52 cams in short supply, and a new set running over $2,000 from BMW, you can source new M3-spec cams from Schrick. These are the same specs as the US S50 engine and very close to the stock S52 cams. These make a great upgrade for M50 (325i, 525i) and M52 engines (328i, 528i) with the proper tuning. These bolt in just like the stock and M3 cams with no special hardware upgrades required - use your stock valve springs, lifters, etc. But for reliability we recommend replacing the lifters, valve springs, and retainers with new stock parts on high mileage engines.

Full cam specs: Schrick Technical Information / Specs

This item fits the following BMWs:
1993-1999 E36 BMW 325i 325is 325ic 328i 328is 328ic M3
1993-1995 E34 BMW 525i
1997-1998 E39 BMW 528i
1997-1998 Z3 BMW Z3 2.8
1998-1999 Z3 BMW M Roadster M Coupe
Show More Show Less

Schrick Camshaft Set - E36 M3, MZ3, M52 inc 2.8 1995-99 - 256/264 ...
affirm Starting At 0% APR - Subject To Eligibility. See Lending Terms
Schrick - Corporate Logo
T#:3859
Part#: TMS3859
Ships on Oct 28, 2026
$ 2,799.99 USD
Free Shipping
$ 2,799.99 USD
Free Shipping

For the US E36 M3. Schrick 264/256 degree camshafts boost mid-high end power for that extra motivation at higher rpm. Low-end torque is not seriously affected due to the M50/M52s VAN0S System. And, higher profile cams work extremely well with an upgraded intake and exhaust. When upgrading the cams there are other areas you must take into consideration. Higher-flow fuel injectors, larger mass-air sensor, and custom programming are strongly recommended. Turner Motorsport sells complete intake & cam packages that boost power to over 290hp. See the Engine section under Camshafts for more info.

 

Cam Specs:
Intake - 264 degree, 11.2mm lift
Exhaust - 256 degree, 10.6mm lift

Schrick Technical Information / Specs

This item fits the following BMWs:
1993-1998 E36 BMW 325i 325is 325ic 328i 328is 328ic M3
1993-1995 E34 BMW 525i
1997-1998 Z3 BMW Z3 2.8
1998-1999 Z3 BMW M Roadster M Coupe

Show More Show Less

BMW S52/M52 6 Cyl. 256-Degree - Exhaust Camshaft
affirm Starting At 0% APR - Subject To Eligibility. See Lending Terms
Schrick - Corporate Logo
T#:637317
Part#: 0261A1561-02
Special Order: No Guaranteed ETA
$ 1,619.99 USD
Free Shipping
$ 1,619.99 USD
Free Shipping
Schrick has been dedicated to engine performance through the development of only the highest-quality camshafts for more than 40 years. They've created a bond with BMW enthusiasts nearly the entire time, offering options for both the street and track using top materials for strength and accuracy. Schrick has grown into a technology center offering one of the most advanced locations for engine testing and manufacturing. These are the same cams used by many high-end German tuners who are achieving sizeable gains with the M52 and S52 engines. For the power-hungry, these cams are a great way to achieve a linear increase in horsepower from mid-range, up to redline. Duration Exhaust- 256 Duration Exhaust @ 1mm - 227 Exhaust Peak Timing - Cam Lobe Lift Exhaust - Valve Lift w/o Valve Clearance Exhaust - Valve Clearance Exhaust -
Show More Show Less
BMW S52/M52 6 Cyl. 264-Degree - Intake Camshaft
affirm Starting At 0% APR - Subject To Eligibility. See Lending Terms
Schrick - Corporate Logo
T#:300487
Part#: 261.E1.641-V2C
Special Order: No Guaranteed ETA
$ 1,398.99 USD
Free Shipping
$ 1,398.99 USD
Free Shipping
Schrick has been dedicated to engine performance through the development of only the highest-quality camshafts for more than 40 years. They've created a bond with BMW enthusiasts nearly the entire time, offering options for both the street and track using top materials for strength and accuracy. Schrick has grown into a technology center offering one of the most advanced locations for engine testing and manufacturing. These are the same cams used by many high-end German tuners who are achieving sizeable gains with the S50 and S52 engines. For the power-hungry, these cams are a great way to achieve a linear increase in horsepower from mid-range, up to redline. Duration Intake - 264 Duration Intake @ 1mm - 227 Intake Peak Timing - Cam Lobe Lift Intake - Valve Lift w/o Valve Clearance Intake - Valve Clearance Intake -
Show More Show Less

Schrick Camshaft Set - E46 M3, MZ3, MZ4 (S54) - 280/272 12.5mm Lift ...
affirm Starting At 0% APR - Subject To Eligibility. See Lending Terms
Schrick - Corporate Logo
T#:338745
Part#: E46M3SCHRICK
Ships on Oct 28, 2026
Starting at $ 2,692.99 USD
Free Shipping
Starting at $ 2,692.99 USD
Free Shipping
Still looking for more power after bolt-ons? High performance camshafts from Schrick are the way to go. These proved to be an excellent upgrade on our first Project E46 M3 and very similar to the stock E46 M3 CSL cams. Smooth as stock idle with a linear increase in horsepower from midrange all the way to redline. Peak gain was 15hp with no loss in low end torque. The duration of the intake cam is 280 and the exhaust is 272 with 12.5mm valve lift. These are the new "cast" cams from Schrick which require new rocker arms (Schrick or BMW part #11337833859). Professional installation is a must due to the intricacies with the double VAN0S.

BMW Schrick Technical Specs Schrick Technical Information / Specs

This item fits the following BMWs:
2001-2006 E46 BMW M3
2001-2002 Z3 BMW M Roadster M Coupe
2006-2008 E85 BMW Z4 M Roadster M Coupe
Show More Show Less
Schrick Camshaft Set - E46 M3, MZ3, MZ4 (S54) - 288/280 12.5mm Lift ...
affirm Starting At 0% APR - Subject To Eligibility. See Lending Terms
Schrick - Corporate Logo
T#:201497
Part#: TMS201497
Ships on Oct 28, 2026
$ 3,551.99 USD
Free Shipping
$ 3,551.99 USD
Free Shipping

Still looking for more power after bolt-ons? High performance camshafts from Schrick are the way to go. These cams are a direct replacement for the stock cams and give a solid 15+ horsepower boost at the top end and great midrange torque increases too! More gains can be expected with intake and header upgrades and custom software tuning. A slightly lumpy idle is expected at cold start but will be smooth once at operating temperature. This set is just a great all-around cam upgrade for the S54!

These Schrick cams were initially developed for the M3 CSL but they also work great on the US and other non-CSL S54 engines as well. With more duration they are a great match to high flow headers, no cats, or CSL intake manifold upgrades. These are the new "cast" cams from Schrick which require new rocker arms (Schrick recommended or BMW part #11337833259). Professional installation is a must due to the intricacies with the double VAN0S.

Schrick Technical Information / Specs

This item fits the following BMWs:

  • 2001-2006 E46 BMW M3
  • 2001-2002 Z3 BMW M Roadster M Coupe
  • 2006-2008 E85 BMW Z4 M Roadster M Coupe
Show More Show Less

Schrick Intake Camshaft - E46 M3, MZ3, MZ4 (S54) - 288 Degree, 12.5mm...
affirm Starting At 0% APR - Subject To Eligibility. See Lending Terms
Schrick - Corporate Logo
T#:3572
Part#: TMS3572
Special Order: No Guaranteed ETA
$ 1,775.98 USD
Free Shipping
$ 1,775.98 USD
Free Shipping
E46 M3 Schrick 288 Degree Intake Camshaft with 12.5mm valve lift. Originally desinged for the M3 CSL but works great in a standard M3. A new rocker arm is required (Schrick or new BMW part #11337833259). This is a more agressive cam that the Schrick 280 degree cam that we also offer for the E46M3

BMW Schrick Technical Specs Schrick Technical Information / Specs

This item fits the following BMWs:
2001-2006 E46 BMW M3
2001-2002 Z3 BMW M Roadster M Coupe
2006-2008 E85 BMW Z4 M Roadster M Coupe
Show More Show Less

BMW S54 3.2L Schrick Camshaft Set 280/272 12.5mm Lift
affirm Starting At 0% APR - Subject To Eligibility. See Lending Terms
Schrick - Corporate Logo
T#:3855
Part#: E46M3SCHRICK
Ships on Oct 28, 2026
$ 2,692.99 USD
Free Shipping
$ 2,692.99 USD
Free Shipping

SEE T#338745 BMW S54 3.2L Schrick Camshaft Set 280/272 12.5mm Lift is the perfect performance upgrade for enthusiasts seeking to enhance their engine's capabilities. With over 40 years of experience, Schrick is dedicated to producing high-quality camshafts that deliver exceptional power and reliability. Designed for both street and track applications, these camshafts offer an impressive balance of performance and drivability. The intake cam features a duration of 280, while the exhaust cam has a duration of 272, with a valve lift of 12.5mm. These new "cast" cams from Schrick closely resemble the stock E46 M3 CSL cams, ensuring a smooth idle and a significant increase in horsepower throughout the RPM range. With a peak gain of 15 horsepower and no loss in low-end torque, these camshafts are a top choice for BMW enthusiasts.

Key Benefits:

  • Enhanced Power: Delivers a peak gain of 15 horsepower.
  • Smooth Idle: Maintains a factory-like idle quality for everyday driving.
  • Linear Power Increase: Provides a steady increase in horsepower from midrange to redline.
  • Compatibility: Designed to fit the BMW S54 engine with new rocker arms required.
  • High-Quality Construction: Crafted from top materials for strength and durability.
Show More Show Less
Schrick Exhaust Camshaft - E46 M3, MZ3, MZ4 (S54) - 296 Degree, 12.5m...
affirm Starting At 0% APR - Subject To Eligibility. See Lending Terms
Schrick - Corporate Logo
T#:338218
Part#: 0415A1960-00
Ships on Oct 28, 2026
Starting at $ 829.00 USD
Free Shipping
Starting at $ 829.00 USD
Free Shipping
E46 M3 Schrick 296 Degree Exhaust Camshaft with 12.5mm lift. This cam is much more aggressive than either of the "standard" Schrick exhaust cams. A new rocker arm is required (Schrick or new BMW part #11337833259).

BMW Schrick Technical Specs Schrick Technical Information / Specs

This item fits the following BMWs:
2001-2006 E46 BMW M3
2001-2002 Z3 BMW M Roadster M Coupe
2006-2008 E85 BMW Z4 M Roadster M Coupe
Show More Show Less
Schrick Camshaft Set - E46 M3, MZ3, MZ4 (S54) - 288/280 12.5mm Lift ...
affirm Starting At 0% APR - Subject To Eligibility. See Lending Terms
Schrick - Corporate Logo
T#:340423
Part#: TMS201497
Ships on Oct 28, 2026
Starting at $ 3,551.99 USD
Free Shipping
Starting at $ 3,551.99 USD
Free Shipping
Still looking for more power after bolt-ons? High performance camshafts from Schrick are the way to go. These cams are a direct replacement for the stock cams and give a solid 15+ horsepower boost at the top end and great midrange torque increases too! More gains can be expected with intake and header upgrades and custom software tuning. A slightly lumpy idle is expected at cold start but will be smooth once at operating temperature. This set is just a great all-around cam upgrade for the S54!

These Schrick cams were initially developed for the M3 CSL but they also work great on the US and other non-CSL S54 engines as well. With more duration they are a great match to high flow headers, no cats, or CSL intake manifold upgrades. These are the new "cast" cams from Schrick which require new rocker arms (Schrick recommended or BMW part #11337833259). Professional installation is a must due to the intricacies with the double VAN0S.

BMW Schrick Technical Specs Schrick Technical Information / Specs

This item fits the following BMWs:
2001-2006 E46 BMW M3
2001-2002 Z3 BMW M Roadster M Coupe
2006-2008 E85 BMW Z4 M Roadster M Coupe
Show More Show Less