ECS News

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 or overheating, or erratic temperature gauge readings after a cooling system service - Problems with coolant uptake or circulation - Cooling system leaks

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.

With all the comfort and smoothness found in todays newer vehicles there is hardly anything to complain about especially in the M3. There is one piece of newer technology that can be a bit frustrating for many enthusiast who really appreciate the performance BMW has to offer. That is the drive-by-wire throttle body, meaning instead of the traditional cable from you gas pedal to throttle body there is an electronic signal.

With fall approaching fast the hours of sunlight are fading, that's where some good lighting to lead the way is important. If your headlights are cracked or covered in film this could be affecting your lighting performance making it harder and harder to see at night. Fog lights are also an important factor which are commonly broken on BMW's, our lighting is all about seeing whether it's seeing what's ahead at night or seeing a fresh restored vehicle in your driveway.

Everyone has been in that position where there is barely enough light to get the job done right, in many cases we continue to complete the job blindly. Schwaben Underhood shop light is perfect for giving your vehicle a brighter future with its powerful LED lighting and ability to grab the hood permitting direct light to the engine bay. However, don't let the name fool you, the lights specialty may be under the hood but its sleek design makes it perfect for working under or inside the car. Stop the low visibility frustrations and lighten up with Schwaben.

The E46 generation BMW M3 is known for significant cooling system issues, specifically problems surrounding the mechanical fan clutch. Direct-fit replacements intended to resolve these issues have appeared out of place, disrupting the clean look of the BMW's engine bay. Mishimoto has directed significant engineering efforts towards improving the aluminum radiator, eventually deciding to increase the cooling factor by providing a bolt on electric fan shroud. The kits include a 16" high-flow electric fan producing over 1850 cfm, showing a 5whp gain in the 6500-7500rpm range.

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.

From Schwaben Specialty Tools comes a tool every home mechanic should have in his arsenal. The 61" long adjustable Engine Support Bar adapts to any vehicle width, and supports a full 1000 lb weight rating. The support bar includes four rubber padded feet to prevent slipping and damage to your car's finish, while powder coating guarantees durability. A deluxe version of the support bar includes two-direction stability for added support. The Schwaben Engine Support Bar is the perfect tool for projects like engine mount replacement, subframe work, FWD transmission repair & more.

Rack and roll. In sun or snow, RockyMounts has a roof mount solution for your active lifestyle. Add some customization to your roof rack base bars with a colored Euro pitchfork from RockyMounts. A great, high quality, all-aluminum bike rack that costs substantially less than an OE piece but functions at a higher level. The lowest profile upright bike mount on the market BrassKnuckles are easy to use and fold flat for a quiet, fuel efficient drive. Recieve 25% off your purchase until September 13th!

Utilizing the latest advancements in materials science and manufacturing processes, Cool Carbon has arrived at a formulation that provides the ultimate braking experience. Developed to withstand extreme temperatures exceeding 600°C while retaining smooth brake feel, Cool Carbon pads display the engineering rigor that fits your BMW: - Excellent for spirited street performance applications - Low to no noise or dust - rotor friendly! - Faster heat dissipation allowing consistent performance at higher temperatures Cool Carbon Pads are the discerning enthusiast's first choice.

Automotive electrical work demands patience, knowledge, & above all else, the correct tools. European car owners oftentimes find themselves using ineffective, dangerous, & cumbersome methods when repairing or replacing wiring harness connectors. Schwaben's latest release, the European Car Electrical Terminal Tool Kit, gives enthusiasts the exact tools required for bullet connectors, common ABS sensor and power connectors, trailer light plugs, and more. Extend harness life, ensure proper diagnostic equipment connectivity, and preserve wiring harness life with this superb release.

Have you ever had that moment when your brake pedal all of the sudden gets very soft making it hard to brake properly? Then a blown out brake line may have been your problem. The remedy for this is replacing the line which many people will take to the shop and pay a lot of extra money for something that is much easier than you may think. Schwaben has the tools needed to do so, the cutting tool will make a clean rounded cut on the line, while the bubble flare tool helps create the perfect seal so you can be on your way.

Wanting to go for a ride but you don’t want to pack the bikes inside? Hitch em up! Perfect for the bike enthusiast or recreational rider, the 1.25" SplitRail can accommodate 2 bikes, while the 2" model can handle 2, 3, or 4 bikes. Each strut is engineered with 4" of side-to-side adjustment, which makes fitting anything from kids to adult bikes simple and easy, and no tools are required to install/remove the rack from vehicle. Easily accessible release handle allows the SplitRail to be positioned into stow, use, and tilt positions.

VF Engineering has designed a truly effective Cold Air Intake, improving upon the E46 M3 factory airbox by incorporating its cold-air routing and replacing the mass air metering function of the vehicle's ECU with a customized tune. The VF MAF-less intake system is one of only a handful of methods M3 owners can use to make significant power gains without forced induction. The "Alpha N" tune that this unit requires eliminates the MAF sensor, replacing it with power-enhancing air/fuel ratio and ignition timing maps for sizable power gains - up to 35hp at the wheels and 25ft/lbs tq.

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 your BMW E46 M3. These quality books are carefully edited and illustrated. A worthwhile investment.

ECS Tuning is now supplying the excellent ECS Tuning Mechanic's Gloves for our dedicated following of DIY enthusiasts. Featuring a tailored elastic cuff and textured latex palms and finger tips, these work gloves are also breathable and comfortable with their knit top. Choose from Medium, Large, and Extra Large sizes. The Schwaben Folding Ground Pad is made from comfortable high density foam that will keep you off the hard garage floor. The heavy-duty covering resists oils and other fluids keeping it usable for weekends to come. Say NO to laying on cardboard forever!

The Schwaben 6 & 6.5L Fluid Extractor/Filler Systems make changing oil, ATF, or any type of fluid easy and mess free. These easy to use tools are undoubtedly the best Extractor/Fillers available on the market today. 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. Both pumps are manually operated, requiring zero electricity or air pressure to operate, and also feature a pressure/vacuum gauge for easy monitoring to prevent overpumping.

The specialty tool experts at Schwaben have released a series of superbly engineered, exceptionally reliable car ramps, ramp extensions, wheel stands, & wheel chocks - now available from ECS tuning. 30" to 67" Low Profile Car Ramps are specially made to accommodate vehicles with low bumper clearance, eliminating the risk of body damage & sliding ramps. Schwaben Wheel Stands feature a cradled wheel support for superior stability compared to jack stands, supporting up to 3000 lbs. And when lifting your vehicle or placing it on an incline, Wheel Chocks are a wise investment.

If adventure is what you seek, don't let anything slow you down. There's never been a better time than now to load up and take all of your gear along with roof racks and necessities from Yakima and rockymounts. Wherever you go and whatever you take, these racks will hold it. Bikes, skis, snowboards, or surfboards, no problem. Cargo carriers, cage baskets, canoes, and kayaks, there are rack accessories, straps, and locks to hold them down. With many different designs, colors, and options, you'll find exactly what you need with the style that you are looking for. Roof Rack Necess

There's no better feeling as a driving enthusiast than having the perfect supplies ready at hand in the event of an emergency or unexpected circumstance. ECS supplies all of the most complete and useful Emergency Roadside Assistance Kits for your BMW E46 M3, giving you an assortment of excellent safety and preparedness tools to get you back motoring as quickly as possible. The portable and attractive Roadside Tool Kit from European BMW includes wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers and gloves, while the BMW First Aid Kit contains all of the most critical first aid appointments.

Check out some of our new releases from last month for BMW.

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.

Automotive electrical work demands patience, knowledge, & above all else, the correct tools. European car owners oftentimes find themselves using ineffective, dangerous, & cumbersome methods when attending to electrical issues - Schwaben Tools has developed all the right solutions for these common problems. Offering 2 or 4 amp charging, LED setting indicators, and a reverse polarity warning, the Automatic Battery Charger is a highlight of this Schwaben release. The 12 Ft 6-Gauge Booster Cables are also offered, while the Coiled Cord Circuit Tester is ideal 6 to 24 volt systems.

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. ECS Adjustable Rear Control Arms allow for over 8 degrees of adjustment. Street & track enthusiasts will appreciate this needed measure of adjustability.

Produced and bottled exclusively in North Bay, California, Torque sells just one product: the best racing brake fluid on the market! Torque R700 Brake Fluid is the highest density brake fluid on the planet, protecting your braking system components from heat and corrosion with a boiling point of an incredible 683 degrees Fahrenheit! Also, take advantage of the best brake bleeding and filling system available! The Schwaben Level 3 Racing Brake Fluid Flush Kit includes the European Pressure Bleeder & Catch Bottles, a Schwaben Bleeder Wrench, and 1 liter of RT700 fluid.

No more pinched fingers or dropped tools - the one-hand operation Schwaben Euro Locking Pliers can be unlocked with your lower finger while maintaining grip. Included are 7" Straight Jaw Locking Pliers, 7" Curved Jaw Locking Pliers, and 6" Needle Nose Locking Pliers. Remove exhaust pipe hangers in seconds with the specially designed Schwaben Tool. Ear-Type Clamp Pliers are also available. Remove and install clamps found on CV joints, hoses, and some fuel filters. Use with a torque wrench for stainless steel clamps and extended functionality.

Why use wheel studs instead of wheel bolts? When removing and installing wheels that utilize the factory wheel bolts the process can be frustrating, holding the wheel up with your legs, lining up the holes, and threading the bolts all at the same time. Wheel studs also allow the use of varying length wheel spacers - a highly convenient feature for those that anticipate using different spacer size setups in the future. Conical seat lug nuts are available for a maximum of 10mm, 20mm, or 30mm wheel spacer use.

The E46 M3 is a favorite to many enthusiast with its smaller lightweight design and high revving M powered engine. The real fun begins when you start installing a few high performance mods to really increase the horsepower - but with all that new power there needs to be an upgrade to stop it. ECS Tuning found a cost effective option to get our exotic CSL 2-piece rotors on your Standard M3, increasing surface area for greater stopping power. The larger rotor increases the brake torque and reduces the fade - bottom line: consistent, hard braking!

A better secured drivetrain supports power modifications, average every day stresses on your vehicle's chassis, and allows for a more immediate feeling of connectedness between the driver and the road. The factory rubber BMW mounts have a propensity to degrade over time, causing over-revving, mis-shifts, and even chassis damage. ECS has developed a 80A polyurethane density Transmission Mount Set for the BMW E46 M3 - soft enough for comfortable daily driving, but durable enough to increase drivetrain solidarity and responsiveness.

The engine in the E46 M3 is known for only one weakness - the cooling system. The ultimate assurance that you wont be left on the side of the road with an over heated engine is to refresh all the major components at the first sign of any failure. In many cases, S54 engines last the life of the vehicle - meaning by this time there will be more wear and tear on cooling system components than predicted by BMW. ECS offers Cooling System Refresh Kits with varying levels of components for this very reason - Three levels of ECS-assembled kits are available.