BMW Engine Parts for BMW Z3 (1996-2002)

If you're experiencing hard starting, flaky charging, or other electrical issues, your engine ground strap may be the culprit. On older BMWs, the engine ground strap is a thin, non-insulated cable that spans from the 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 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 E30 (318i/is), E36, E39, E46, and others 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 12421737755 and 12421714262.

Elevate your custom installation with the ECS -10AN O-Ring Boss fitting, a crucial component that connects your ECS Tuning Catch Can to a 3/4" ID hose. This fitting simplifies your plumbing setup, ensuring a seamless solution.

Featuring a pre-installed Viton O-ring, this fitting is engineered for excellence, providing a leak-proof seal that resists the effects of oil and fuel exposure, guaranteeing long-term durability.

The 3/4" nipple is thoughtfully designed with barbs to secure hose position effectively, minimizing the risk of hose disconnection. Keep in mind that clamps and hoses are available for separate purchase. These fittings are sold individually, with most installations requiring a pair of them.

Every 60-80,000 miles, we recommend replacing your spark plugs to ensure your ignition system is running optimally. Over time carbon can build up around the head of the spark plug and decrease spark strength and effectiveness, leading to weaker fuel mixture detonation, misfires, and potential check engine lights. To prevent this, have put together our High-Performance Ignition Service Kits. These kits include new Bav Auto High-Performance Ignition Coils, new spark plugs, dielectric grease, and a BMW spark plug service label to keep track of when your spark plugs were replaced.

Bav Auto's Ignition coils feature core windings that have been modified to increase firepower and promote a faster, more efficient burn. This gives your BMW/MINI increased torque in the lower range of RPM and more horsepower in the upper range. Exact improvements depend on the current condition of your engine, but you'll definitely feel the difference. They'll also improve your fuel economy.

From 1974 to 2019, Bavarian Autosport was one of the premier vendors for BMW and MINI auto parts. We are happy to preserve the Bav Auto legacy by continuing to carry their high-quality products into the future. All Bav Auto parts will remain unchanged in design and sourced from the same OEM suppliers to ensure long-lasting reliability. We trust these parts, accessories, and upgrades so confidently that we back every Bavarian Autosport branded component with a 2-year warranty.

As a leading source of high-performance BMW parts and accessories since 1993, we at Turner Motorsport are honored to be the go-to supplier for tens of thousands of enthusiasts the world over. With over two decades of parts, service, and racing experience under our belt, we provide only quality performance and replacement parts. All of our performance parts are those we would (and do!) install and run on our own cars, as well as replacement parts that are Genuine BMW or from OEM manufacturers. We only offer parts we know you can trust to perform!

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