E46 M3 Build Your Own Maintenance Service Package

The E46 M3's engine is based on several race-developed engines - the S70/2 used in the McLaren F1 and the original S50 Euro engine released in 1995 and it traces its lineage all the way back to BMW's M1 inline-6. It blends racetrack technology with street car concessions. To keep your car running at its peak, you will want to invest in its care and that means a regular and strict maintenance schedule. The below M3 maintenance packages are standard recommendations from our experience and should be part of a larger overall service plan.

Keeping up with the maintenance on your car is the smart thing to do. For one thing, it prevents costly repairs in the future. For another, your car performs better, making aftermarket upgrades more worthwhile. And a well-maintained car with complete service records can add substantially to a car's resale value. Our service packages for your E46 M3 will ensure you get many more miles from your BMW street racer.

This package can be configured any number of ways to ensure you get what you need for a full Inspection I, Inspection II, or any other major preventative maintenance service. Our parts are OE, OEM, or performance alternatives that we have been using since 1993 so you get top quality parts, first-rate service, and unbeatable expertise.

5,000 Mile Oil Service (click to expand)

engine oil change with filter, using OE BMW-Castrol 10W60 oil

replace drain bolt crush washer

reset oil service/maintenance light

inspect and top off any other fluids

Annual Service (click to expand)

air filter cleaning or replacement

MAF/airflow sensor cleaning

engine oil analysis (to check for internal engine wear)

A/C cabin microfilter replacement

brake fluid flush/bleeding

top off power steering fluid

wiper blade replacement

lubricate door hinges and treat rubber door seals

inspect or replace emergency tire repair kit

inspect belts for cracking or stretching

inspect intake boots and vacuum lines for cracks

inspect brake system for pad wear, rotor wear, parking brake operation, and brake pedal pressure

inspect bushing and ball joints for excess play/movement

ensure the cooling systems are functioning correctly (hoses and thermostat, thermostat housing, auxiliary fan, A/C system, etc)

30,000 Mile Major Service (click to expand)

engine oil change with filter, using OE BMW-Castrol 10W60 oil

reset oil service/maintenance light

air filter replacement or cleaning for aFe/K&N type

fill and bleed cooling system

transmission fluid change, using Red Line ATFD4 or Motul ATF

differential fluid change, using Red Line 75/140 or Motul GearComp 75/140

brake fluid flush/bleeding

fuel filter replacement

engine and A/C serpentine belt replacement

inspect belt roller pulleys (drag and rotation), main accessory pulleys (cracking), and belt tensioners

replace oil pressure valve filter and o-rings

complete chassis inspection, including: front control arms, tie rods, ball joints, wheel bearings, rear trailing arm bushings, rear upper shock mounts, rear subframe mounts, rear sway bar mounting tabs, axle shaft boots

complete brake system test and inspection

engine and transmission leak detection and diagnosis

shifter linkage, driveshaft guibo, CV, and center support bearing inspection

exhast system inspection, including hanger replacement

60,000 Mile Major Service and Valve Adjustment (click to expand)

spark plug replacement

ignition coil and coil boot inspection and replacement

adjust valves

valve cover gaskets (set includes main gasket, spark plug holes, and grommet seals)

inspect cam sprockets and mounting bolts for stress cracking

engine oil change with filter, using OE BMW-Castrol 10W60 oil

reset oil service/maintenance light

air filter replacement or cleaning for aFe/K&N type

clean mass air sensor

fill and bleed cooling system

transmission fluid change, using Red Line ATFD4 or Motul ATF

differential fluid change, using Red Line 75/140 or Motul GearComp 75/140

brake fluid flush/bleeding

fuel filter replacement

engine and A/C serpentine belt replacement

replace belt roller pulleys and belt tensioners

inspect main accessory pulleys for cracks

replace oil pressure valve filter and o-rings

complete chassis inspection, including: front control arms, tie rods, ball joints, wheel bearings, rear trailing arm bushings, rear upper shock mounts, rear subframe mounts, rear sway bar mounting tabs, axle shaft boots

complete brake system test and inspection

engine and transmission leak detection and diagnosis

shifter linkage, driveshaft guibo, CV, and center support bearing inspection

exhast system inspection, including hanger replacement

Turner's Tip for a healthy S54:
+ First thing, stay on top of your maintenance. Nothing will hurt the performance and aftermarket upgrades more than a poor running car. And these cars like to throw codes that could be either small or a big problem. Find out fast!
+ Oil leaks are common from a small valve on the exhaust side of the engine block - the Constant Pressure Valve. At first glance it looks like a rear main seal is leaking but it's almost always this little gremlin.
+ If you notice a rattle coming from the front of the engine don't immediately assume it's the VAN0S system. The lower timing chain guide is held in with a bolt located behind the thermostat housing. This bolt has a bad habit of backing out which leaves the guide rail loose. If left un-checked for too long the guide rail will break and leave you with a very pricey engine rebuild. As a bonus you can replace the gasket on the oil filter housing as it's probably leaking too.
+ However, always make sure a VAN0S rebuild is in your budget too.
+ Have an engine oil analysis done annually. This will make it easier to spot internal engine wear, including rod bearing wear, as well as head gasket failure and coolant loss.
+ Check to see that your fan clutch is operating. The stock one has a high failure rate.
+ Power steering hoses - and their crimped connections - love to leak oil. It's almost always the high pressure line from the pump to the rack.
+ Rear subframe/floor failures - make sure you have this checked every year.
+ If you track it, make sure to change the oil often in the transmission and diff. This will be your first warning signs of a problem you can't see.

You may also want to pick up these other helpful items:

E46 Bentley Service Manual

We offer many DIY-related tools, specifically for the E46 owner -
drain plug sockets, fluid suction and bleeder pumps, spark plug sockets and install guides, oil filter cap adapter, oil funnels, and more!

This package fits the following BMWs:
2001-2006 E46 BMW M3


Put a check in the boxes next to the items you wish to order.