ECS News

South Bend Clutch has been manufacturing performance and street clutches for 40+ years. This dedication to product specialization makes today's South Bend products better refined compared to larger distributors. The torque requirements of daily drivers, track or drift cars, high-powered street cars, & dedicated race cars are covered by 425ft/lbs. through 650ft/lbs. clutch ratings.

Schwaben's latest additions to their catalog of excellent specialty tools, the Automatic Battery Charger and Coiled Cord Circuit Tester are professional-quality, highly convenient tools that belong in every home mechanic's toolbox. Utilizing short circuit protection, 8 LED indicators, charging voltage auto-select, & selectable charging current, the Schwaben Automatic Battery Charger is designed to work on 6 or 12 volt Lead-acid batteries. Featuring an easily visible high-intensity LED bulb, the Schwaben Circuit Tester is a superb example of one of the most useful electrical tools.

The BMW N54 engine is highly responsive to performance upgrades, particularly those that maximize the effectiveness of its advanced turbocharging system. Two blow-off valve kits enhance boost pressure stability while more quickly releasing unwanted boost into the atmosphere. An ECS-engineered and Synapse kit are available, both including an atmospheric vent blow off valve, black anodized intake tube with machined flange, durable silicone hose coupler, block-off caps for the stock diverter valve recirculation, and all required clamps and hardware to complete the project.

Keep your belt tension within specifications, and all of your accessories working with new belts and belt tensioners. Prevent premature failure and a possible stranding by keeping up with the replacement of these often-overlooked wear items!

While the BMW E82/E88 is capable of sustained, high-performance driving, its suspension system is not without flaws. Specifically, the rear trailing arm fitted to these models has a tendency to fail without symptoms, potentially leaving you stranded without a critical suspension component. ECS has solved this issue with a meticulously engineered Performance Rear Trailing Arm, made from aluminum & better designed to withstand the demands placed on it. Not only is the unit more robust & dependable than the factory unit, it's also lighter, reducing unsprung weight.

Owners of European automobiles often find that alongside the pleasures of driving a more refined, tasteful vehicle exists the very real challenge of finding the correct tool for these cars' unique fasteners. Featuring swivel-head triple-square bits, Torx screwdrivers, one hundred specialty fasteners, and the exceptionally sturdy go-through screwdriver set, the Schwaben European Essentials Tool Kit allows you to approach any project with confidence. Each tool is secured in a molded case, helping you keep track of your investment.

Countdown to launch. All systems go. Engage. Before your next stop light liftoff, add a space age digital system monitor to your cockpit. P3Cars Vent Integrated Digital Interface is a plug-and-play data display that fits like factory into the left side dash vent, in easy view of the pilot seat. Pop it in and plug it into your car's onboard diagnostic connector. Then scroll through critical vehicle parameters and monitor manifold pressure, system temperatures, and other vital stats.

Features of convenience and versatility define this latest group of industry-standard hand tools from Schwaben, the European specialty tool experts. The 24-inch long, flexible Locking Hose Clamp Pliers make removing metal or plastic self-tightening hose clamps an infinitely more simple and quick task. For oil & fuel filter removal, Schwaben's 4-position adjustable Swivel Jaw Filter Wrench Pliers feature Sure-Grip teeth to provide the right amount of clamping force for the job. The superb 12-piece Metric Socket Set completes this latest new and exciting Schwaben product release.

If an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, imagine what 224 ounces of BMW synthetic oil can do for your engine. Keep your Bavarian motorcar running like a fine timepiece with regular oil change services, and head off costly cures caused by neglected maintenance. Our service kits are conveniently packaged to include seven quarts of OEM synthetic motor oil and a fresh filter cartridge, plus seals and gaskets. For added protection, add an ECS magnetic drain plug that attracts and holds ferrous particles so they don't abrade close tolerance engine parts.

Schwaben's reputation for producing highly reliable, finely crafted specialty tools is growing rapidly - consumers are beginning to see the extraordinary value behind the Schwaben name. Nowhere is the dependability and security associated with the Schwaben name more important than with their latest 3-Ton Aluminum Jack Stands. The all-aluminum stands feature heavy-duty flanged bases for exceptional stability, while the over-engineered .584" diameter load pin rigidly secures the post in six different positions for convenience and peace of mind.

ECS Black Out Grille Sets are distinguished by their full matte black ABS plastic construction. The design means that any chips or scratches on the grille will not reveal a white surface underneath black paint, as the parts are integrally black. Engineered to exact OEM dimensions for precise fitment into the BMW E82 1 series, the grilles are available in a carbon fiber-look or matte black finish.

Rebuilding a turbocharging system can feel like an overwhelming project, especially for E82/E88 135i owners - BMW's next-generation twin-turbo arrangement is highly unconventional and requires a unique selection of replacement parts to accomplish the task successfully. Genuine BMW and ECS assembled Tubo Install Kits are now available, making part sourcing for your turbocharger refresh simple and complete. Both kits include all required replacement studs, flange nuts, install hardware, and o-rings, as well as new T-bolt clamps and a replacement vacuum hose.

Massive rotors, multiple-piston brakes, and advanced pads are glamorous, eye-catching upgrades to your vehicle. But experienced enthusiasts know that all that stopping power relies on adequately bled brake lines. Your brake fluid is incompressible, like a metal; but air is compressible, so ridding your lines of this gas is imperative for fully realized braking power and response. ECS has an array of solutions to tighten up your braking system, including a Power Brake Bleeder, multiple synthetic Brake Fluid options, and a premium Schwaben Brake Bleeder Wrench.

The average home mechanic might not even realize the benefit of having a sturdy, hand-height shelf to place tools on in the heat of a project. Instead of carelessly leaving tools on the ground or mixed up in a pile, Schwaben Service Carts bring the professionalism of a reliable mechanic's cart to your own garage. Three series of carts are offered, each featuring a stunning, durable high-gloss powder-coated finish, chrome plated steel handles, and large 4" casters. Heavy-duty Deluxe units are also available, with a third product adding a locking top lid and drawer.

There are tools that any serious technician will regard as essential to their work - tools that make so many projects faster and simpler that access to a quality set is critical. Schwaben Specialty Tools recognized the need for better designed, more fully-featured puller tool kits; this variety of tool is so frequently used across such a wide variety of projects, mechanics deserve the best engineered product possible. Schwaben Pry Bar and Twin-Arm Puller Kits are highly adjustable, exceptionally durable sets of some of the most versatile tools in any home or professional garage.

All brands of vehicles need maintenance and most people are familiar with the concept of needing to replace spark plugs. This is especially critical for the highly-advanced BMW N54 engine. Worn out spark plugs can cause an array of undesirable symptoms such as a rough idling and misfires, significantly reducing fuel economy and power. ECS Tuning has put together an Ignition Service Kit for your BMW E82/E88 135i to keep the car running in top shape, including all new spark plugs, ignition coils, dielectric spark plug boot protector, and a genuine BMW spark plug service label.

For the enthusiast looking for a subtle upgrade that doesn’t completely compromise the familiar BMW design, Ziza now offers clear and smoked side markers for your E9X 3 Series. The LED lights feature a brighter, crisper color that modernizes your vehicle's exterior, giving it a more premium appearance. The plug-and-play design makes installation simple, eliminating the need for splicing, cutting, or coding.

A frequent dilemma when fitting an upgraded seat belt to track-prepared street cars is how to balance the needs of daily driving with the demands of performance driving. A dedicated track-day setup is typically impractical, while running without a substantial harness forces the driver to use the steering wheel to hold themselves in place. Schroth Racing Quick Fit Harnesses are fully reversible and anchor to the factory seat belt pre-tensioner, allowing the airbags to deploy as the BMW engineers intended. Both left (driver) and right (passenger) harnesses are available.

The primary appeal of new wheels is in the new, shiny appearance they offer. The majority of the time, a different style, size, or color isn't really the ultimate goal. With such a deep catalog of staggeringly effective wheel cleaning and restoration products from specialists Sonax and Chemical Guys, getting what you really want from your wheel setup is fast and easy - and it's all available now from ECS. Acid-free and pH balanced rim and wheel cleaners effortlessly dissolve grease, brake dust and dirt, while safely preserving your wheel's finish.

Ready to blow off a little steam? Get Forge under your hood. Stock diverter valves just can't handle significant performance upgrades. Forge machined alloy diverter valves are engineered with increased manifold boost pressure in mind, giving you peace of mind when adding performance upgrades. The BMW E82/E88 diverter valve is fully tunable for both boost-holding capacity and response using Forge's proprietary interchangeable springs and shims. Featuring an aluminum housing, the faster-responding unit also works and plays well with engine management systems.

Schwaben products are characterized by simple, clever designs. Their wheel storage solutions may be the best examples of these qualities. The Schwaben Wheel Tree holds up to 275lbs and allows you to safely stack your wheels without the risk of scuffing and scratching. Convenient locking casters allow you to easily move the whole set anywhere in your garage or shop at one time. And when saving floor space is the highest priority, the Schwaben Wall-Mounted Wheel Rack allows you to securely store up to four 11½" wide wheels and tires against the wall, away from your work space.

Heat management is critical to safe and reliable engine operation - a neglected cooling system places excessive stress on vital engine components and accessories, eventually causing expensive damage. Two Water Pump & Thermostat replacement kits are available, allowing you to replace all relevant cooling system components in one servicing. Both kits include all Genuine BMW parts - The ECS-assembled kit reduces costs with a Mahle-Behr thermostat.

Lifting your BMW has never been safer or easier than it is with hydraulic jack head adapters from ECS Tuning. Our black floor jack adapter with contrasting ECS etched logo sits into the round lift head found on most hydraulic jacks, including the Schwaben Low Boy. Its rectangular head then engages the recesses on all BMW lift pads, making a safe, stable lift point that won't damage underbody panels or paint. Have damaged or missing lift pads? Buy the kit that includes the lift adapter with pad set.

Avoid finding yourself without a key trim fastener - stock up for good with the Vaico BMW/MINI Fastener Assortment Kit. Designed with the DIY enthusiast or body shop in mind, this assortment comes stocked with clips for fender liners, interior trim, and body mouldings, all in a convenient storage case.

Without a high quality performance intercooler, the charged air leaving your turbocharger is rendered ineffective. Intense cooling is required before the more dense air reaches your engine intake to make power. ECS supplies several performance intercooler options for your BMW E82/88 135i. The Mishimoto Performance Intercooler reduces intake temperatures by up to 35°, providing an increase of up to 20+ hp, while the Forge kit includes new silicone hoses and clamps. The Cobb Tuning System is also available, using a unique stepped design to increase frontal surface area.

Wheel bearings are one of the most crucial components of a car's suspension. Located in the wheel hub, brake drum, or rotor itself, the bearings support the full weight of the vehicle while allowing the wheels to rotate smoothly within a steel enclosure. Dysfunctional bearings are simply the result of the rigors of daily driving, and should be replaced at the first sign of failure. Worn bearing symptoms range from loud noise emanating from the wheel hubs to rough ride characteristics. ECS presents several bearing solutions for your convenience.

Quit fussing with wood blocks, ramps, and the like with the Schwaben Low Boy floor jack. The Low Boy is low-profile, allowing you to sneak it under the ground-hugging rockers on your lowered car. Constructed of lightweight aluminum, this floor jack features a front central roller for increased ease of use and maneuverability. If you work on your car, you'll be doing some lifting. Get the right equipment with the Schwaben Low Boy floor jack, a great compliment to the other Schwaben tools in your arsenal. Atta' Boy.

The BMW N54 engine relies heavily on adequate boost pressure to make its impressive power figures. Without a properly functioning boost/vacuum system, power loss, acceleration hesitation, and decreased fuel economy are all likely consequences. For this particular engine, a common source of boost leaks is the boost solenoid, oftentimes bleeding off pressure so badly that the car struggles to accelerate. ECS offers genuine OEM and Pierburg Boost Solenoid/Pressure Converters for the E8X 135i, swiftly taking care of this grisly prospect.

Fresh coolant is paramount to safe & reliable engine operation. Unfortunately, the process of bleeding air out of your cooling system during a coolant refresh is tedious and therefore often neglected. ECS offers a highly convenient solution to the tedium & frustration associated with a coolant servicing – the Schwaben Coolant Evacuation Kit. The unique kit resolves several common cooling system issues: - No heat, overheating, or erratic temperature gauge readings after a cooling system service - Problems with coolant uptake or circulation - Cooling system leaks

One of the obvious benefits to owning a turbocharged car is the ability to realize significant power gains simply by altering boost pressure. AFE has gained a deep understanding of airflow engineering through their experience manufacturing premium air filter elements and air intake systems. Their latest release, the Scorcher Power Module for the BMW E82/83 135i, is the ultimate expression of the company's mastery of air induction science. Using clever alterations in boost pressure sensor inputs and outputs, the resultant PSI increase adds a reliable 40hp and 80lb/ft torque.