ECS News

The E46 is a fun performing BMW that many enthusiast have had the joy of owning at one time or another. There are many enthusiast out there that still have their E46 because of performance, size, and superb handling. With the performance these vehicles produce proper maintenance is very important to keep that dream machine alive. ECS Tuning offer simple kits to assist you in getting all the components you need when keeping up on your regular maintenance. We also added a few things that will help you get the rest of the job done properly.

The BMW E46 3 Series has proven itself to be a true-blooded BMW, with handling dynamics that are close to perfect. One area of this particular model's suspension that can use bolstering is at the sway bar. ECS tested 27mm front and 21mm rear sway bars for this precise reason. Reduce body roll in turns, stiffen suspension, and add a much needed dimension of handling predictability with the ECS units - designed to fit and function in perfect harmony with your BMW.

Keep your cuts clean and your connections clamped tight with these new Schwaben tools. The CV boot clamp pliers will assist in maintaining the factory look by utilizing ear-type clamps found on CV axle boots, vacuum lines, and fuel lines right from the factory. The Schwaben mini tube cutter will cut hardlines with a smooth, straight finish making it easy to flare and fit. For the enthusiasts looking to complete a job, and leave it with the appearance that it was never touched.

Coming to a finish of an under-the-hood project is a sight that any enthusiast can enjoy. The other finish we enjoy the sight of is the paint finish, unblemished and grease free. The best way to ensure you maintain this appearance while working under the hood is with a fender cover. The ECS Magnetic fender cover features Soft magnets to hold tight in place, soft non-scratch leather on the front, and goose flannelette backing. Don't risk it, stay covered.

You didn't buy a BMW because of the logo on the hood and trunk - though, admittedly, a brand-new clean BMW roundel does refresh your car's appearance like nothing else. ECS offers genuine OEM Trunk and Hood Roundel Emblems, complete with installation grommets for an easy snap-in installation. Replacement is made infinitely more easy using the clever ECS BMW Roundel Removal Tool, sliding underneath your worn emblem for leverage when pulling the old unit off of the hood or trunk.

Guesswork is expensive. It leads to costly repair errors that compromise vehicle safety. Talented pro-sumer or repair professional, you need accurate vehicle data and specifications. That's why ECS is happy to announce our entire inventory of Bentley manuals, a reliable, respected source of repair data for many European vehicles. Books are carefully edited and illustrated for accuracy. A truly worthwhile investment.

The easiest, most transformative modification for your VW is a set of new, perfectly selected wheels. Alzor wheels offers an array of 5x112 bolt pattern wheels for your VW available in various colors, finishes, and spoke designs. The entire line of Alzor alloy wheels are inspected and go through rigorous quality control and durability testing. Every wheel comes with a TÜV Rheinlan approval and is stamped with the familiar JWL and VIA stamps, giving you the confidence to drive aggressively on your new running gear.

Tire pressure monitoring is a convenient feature - when it's working properly. Too often, when the tire pressure light illuminates in your BMW, the cause has nothing to do with the pressure inside your tire. A worn tire pressure sensor is usually the culprit, sending false readings to the ECU, causing unnecessary concern to the driver. ECS offers replacements sold individually or as a set of four. After installation, simply navigate to the TPM screen to clear the light from your dash.

In order to maintain peak engine performance and ensure engine longevity, regulating proper operating temperatures is imperative. Instead of waiting for cooling issues to erode your car's performance and damage expensive parts, replace your water pump preemptively, saving unnecessary time and expense. ECS offers OEM BMW and aftermarket Water Pumps. Each option features a metal impeller, and includes an alignment dowel and sealing gasket. Commonly replaced at around 60k miles, this critical engine component is a wise investment for your E46.

It's the new year, it's time for some new tools. Every one of these Schwaben tools are built to last and are easy to use. The Thread Chaser Set includes the most popular metric sizes so you can restore corroded, damaged or stripped threads.The Metric Bubble Flaring kit is a must have for anyone replacing steel brake lines. The Memory Saver Kit allows you to connect a separate power source (9 volt household battery, or separate 12 volt battery) up to your OBDII port under the dashboard when replacing a battery, preserving radio presets and settings, and other vehicle memory.

The Schwaben 6-Liter Extractor/Filler System makes changing oil, ATF, or any type of fluid easy and mess free. This easy to use tool is no doubt the best Extractor/Filler for the money. Easily change to pump in or out with the flip of a lever, and use the extendable foot step for stability while pumping. All of the included adapters mount on the tank for convenient storage. This is a manual pump which requires no electricity or air pressure to operate, and has a built in pressure/vacuum gauge for easy monitoring to prevent overpumping.

You didn't buy a BMW because of the logo on the hood and trunk - though, admittedly, a brand-new clean BMW roundel does refresh your car's appearance like nothing else. ECS offers genuine OEM Trunk and Hood Roundel Emblems, complete with installation grommets for an easy snap-in installation. Replacement is made infinitely more easy using the clever ECS BMW Roundel Removal Tool, sliding underneath your worn emblem for leverage when pulling the old unit off of the hood or trunk.

Those who own a vehicle with gas hood shocks know they aren't always reliable if they even work at all. The Schwaben Telescoping hood prop takes the risk out of being in the engine bay, especially on a windy day. This hood prop is adjustable, lightweight, and sturdy making it easy to keep out of the way in the trunk so its there anytime you need it. Hold up, here's an extra hand

The 3-Liter European Pressure brake bleeder is designed to bleed and flush your brake system like a pro. This easy to use fully loaded pressure bleeder is no doubt the best pressure bleeder for the money. The customers looking for more, upgrade to the Multi-functional fluid pump kit that does all this plus and be used as an ATF filler. For those that prefer to leave flushing your brakes to the shop we offer a smaller fluid bleeding only option that comes in handy when doing brake jobs. Both products ensure your satisfaction in pedal feel and ease of use.

Take the danger and aggravation out of lifting your BMW with the ECS Tuning Jack Pad Adapter. Designed to fit the head of a standard floor jack, the adapter has a rectangular head that firmly engages the chassis jack pads. Positive engagement at jack head and chassis resists jack slippage and shifting, while the raised adapter head prevents damage to rocker panel trim and underbody panels. Made of black anodized aluminum for added strength and corrosion resistance, the adapter fits the head of most hydraulic floor jacks, including the Schwaben Low Boy.

By providing it all for you in a single click, ECS has made it easier than ever to get the quality replacement matching components you need when beginning a brake service. Our brake service kit includes rotors, pads, sensors, assembly grease, and even a full compliment of set screws to make your brake replacement easy. Everything you need to perform a professional quality brake service, you can find at ECS Tuning.

Give 'em what they want: cold hard cash. ECS Tuning Gift Certificates are the gift that won't get returned because it's the wrong size, style, or color. ECS gift cards come in different denominations, from 10 to 100 dollars, to fit any budget. These certificates are sure to please your favorite auto enthusiast, and they're a lot easier to wrap than a bowling ball!

Lowering your vehicle provides several proven advantages in handling performance. Many enthusiasts, however, ignore the issue of disadvantageous suspension geometry changes resulting from a lower ride height. Chief among these harmful effects are unwanted changes in camber angle. In order to maintain a consistent, performance-enhancing tire contact patch, the ability to control the camber angle is critical.

If you care enough to service your BMW regularly, you demand premium oil and filters. We appreciate your high standards. That's why we've packaged this service kit for E46 BMWs with everything you need to perform a professional quality oil change maintenance. Start with a premium filter cartridge premium Mobil 1 or BMW brand synthetic oil. Then add an ECS Magnetic drain plug and washer and the added protection of an ECS magnetic drain plug. Be prepared in advance; order before your next change is due.

You like wheels. You love deals. We have both. Add a stylish set of Alzor wheels to your BMW, and corner the bragging rights on great looks and shrewd shopping. Pick from numerous styles, colors, and fitments, you cannot go wrong. Built with quality to international standards, these wheels are the deal you've waited for.

If you've been putting off required maintenance on your car you surely shouldn't wait much longer. Summer is almost gone and there is only a short window left to get your bimmer back in its prime! Whether it's preventative maintenance, routine service, or buttoning up your seasonal project, we have what you need. At ECS Tuning we've assembled multiple kits of all the major services to help you avoid troublesome hang-ups and costly repairs. Most kits include additional components that should be replaced at same time of service to avoid doing the same repair twice.

Now that your pocket rocket will go from zip to 60 in a flash, have you considered how you're gonna stop it? Consider the ECS Big Brake Kit. Everything you need to install a high performance braking system, delivered in a single box. At ECS, we make it both easy AND affordable.

Spacers for your racer. ECS Tuning lets you tweak your stance - or swagger down the road with a 20mm monster offset. Engineered and tested in-house to fit your BMW perfectly. Choose from our huge inventory of hub centric spacers in thicknesses sure to match your car, your wheels, and your shopping budget. All ECS BMW spacers are aluminum, and are black anodized for corrosion protection. Kits come with correct-length black lug bolts for a complete package.

Worried about that really bad storm? The mother of all blizzards where your all seasons tires don't get it done, and there are more cars in the ditch than on the road? Rest easy. We have a solution: ISSE Textile Tire Chains. So light a child can lift them. Easy to install no matter where you are. Just slip them over your tires, and get instant traction. Available in different grades depending on frequency of use, in sizes for most vehicles. Keep a set in your trunk so you can stop worrying and get a grip when winter gets ugly.

When addressing a vehicle's braking system, it can be easy to overlook brake fluids. It's not always clear which parts are necessary to do the job correctly - usually resulting in unnecessary time and expense. ECS has assembled three Brake Fluid Flush Kits, each containing the convenient Motive Power Bleeder, Schwaben Bleeder Wrench, and one liter of brake fluid - everything needed for a basic servicing. The level 2 Kit includes a Motive Catch Bottle Set; the level 3 kit further improves the level 2 kit with high-performance TYP 200 brake fluid.

RockyMounts has been providing convenient products to transport some of your favorite outdoor toys and supplies to adventures for some time now. These mounts are ideal by saving space or simply using your compact vehicle to transport larger items. Don't let the size of your vehicle keep you indoors this time of year, expand your options and get the most out of life.

Rack and roll. In sun or snow, RockyMounts has a roof mount solution for your active lifestyle. Whether you're skiing, snow boarding, or cycling, RockMounts roof rack accessories are as easy to load as they are good looking. For a weekend with nature, a 14er Cargo Cage Roof Basket will handle up to 150 pounds of camping gear. Its scooped grille design keeps items in place, and sheds water and snow. The next time you plan a getaway, plan to take RockyMounts.

In most cases the best way to get the perfect gift in the holiday season is to go with a solid choice gift card. This makes shopping convenient and simple for both the person giving the gift and the person receiving. With an ECS Tuning gift card the family European enthusiast can choose from needed replacement parts, upgrades, or the next tool for the collection. ECS also offers a virtual gift card, perfect for last minute shopping or if your looking to set a custom amount, maybe enough to get the product you know they want but not quite sure on the fitment? 


For the E46 generation 3 Series, BMW chose to use a cost-cutting plastic power steering pulley, mounting it close to the road at the front of the engine. This arrangement has proven to be troublesome for many enthusiasts, many of whom have experienced premature wear or even failure of this part. ECS engineers have developed a permanent and elegant solution to this design oversight with the CNC-machined Aluminum Power Steering Pulley. The black-anodized piece is a direct replacement for the cheap factory part, allowing for the use of the factory belt and hardware.

The coolant expansion tank in your vehicle gives additional fluid a place to go after expansion and contraction from temperature change. Because it is subjected to such drastic changes on a regular basis, it can often crack or break. You want to keep all the coolant in your vehicle in the cooling system. If your tank has experienced damage such as cracking, nipples breaking off, or mounting point damage, you will need to replace it. ECS carries a wide arrange of tanks and kits for every budget.