ECS News

Changing the suspension setup on a refined German car often times feels like meddling with perfection. With an advanced, highly wrought coilover system, you can be confident your addition is a reliable improvement. ST coilovers by KW are made of high grade, galvanized steel, and come with a 5 year limited warranty. With engineering tailored specifically to your BMW, preset damping and height adjustability provide the perfect balance between performance and ride comfort.

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 offer an entire inventory of Bentley manuals, a reliable, respected source of repair data for many European vehicles. This comprehensive source of info on your E46 M3 has been carefully edited and illustrated. A worthwhile investment.

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.

Maintain critical valve lash clearances and keep your engine running smoothly with a BMW valve adjustment kit for S54 engines. Our shim kit contains 138 shims in 23 selective thicknesses, from 1.72 to 2.48mm, in 0.04mm increments. The plastic removal tool has a small magnetic insert making it easier to remove and install shims. BMW recommends a valve lash inspection and adjustment at 30,000 mile intervals, an expensive ongoing expense if you pay to have the service performed. Buy our kit, however, and you'll save money and feel the satisfaction of a job well done.

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.

Doing a cooling system refresh, or just replacing worn out and soft old hoses? Why settle for stock when you can get the added life and heat tolerance of silicone hoses? The ECS Silicone Radiator Hose Set is more resistant to heat degradation, maintaining rigidity and durability when rubber hoses become soft. Constructed from 3-ply black silicone, the kit includes both upper and lower radiator hoses and new OEM-style hose connectors.

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.

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.

Many E46 M3 owners have been eagerly waiting for a direct bolt-on oil cooler for their BMW. Daily drivers that are also tracked require this type of oil cooler. Drivers that live in hot climates or experience hotter summers will find the 25% increase in cooling capacity virtually a requirement for track days. Cooler oil means less thermal breakdown, which is better lubricated engine components improved fuel mileage from reducing heat soak. The Mishimoto kit includes all parts required for installation, including stainless steel lines, AN fittings, & oil filter housing adapters

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.

All dedicated BMW enthusiasts are familiar with the weight of the UUC Moterwerks name. Their substantial catalog of unique, premium BMW upgrades has given them a stature in the aftermarket community that is unmatched. ECS now offers the complete lineup of stunning UUC Clutch and Flywheel upgrades for the E46 M3. Exotic Feramic, CeraMetallic, and Organic clutch compounds are offered in conjunction with an assortment of trick UUC-engineered flywheels. This variety allows you to choose clutch engagement/pedal effort characteristics and power ratings to suit your particular needs.

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.

Finally. Cooling system service solutions for M3. Kits that fit your car, its needs, and your budget. Heat-hardened hoses and plastic pipes are a nightmare in the making on high milers. But piecemeal cooling system repairs are a bad idea and a costly mistake. Plugging leaks as they "pop up" means monster repair bills when engines overheat. We know the problem. We have a cure: Three different service stage kits to match your wallet and vehicle condition.

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.

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 E46 3 series, the grilles are available in a carbon fiber-look, gloss black, or matte black finish.

The E46 generation BMW 3 Series 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.

Inspection 2 is the most comprehensive element of your BMW maintenance schedule, incorporating each element of Inspection 1 with a few added critical features. ECS assembled and genuine BMW options are available. "Dry" kits address all wearing components affiliated with Inspection II except for fluids - an oil filter, cabin filter, air filter, fuel filter, and all spark plugs are included. The "basic" kits add BMW Castrol Edge TWS engine oil, while ECS assembled "Complete" kits further add Pentosin MTF2 transmission fluid, BMW rear differential fluid, and Pentosin brake fluid.

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 best way to address your accessory belt, tensioners and idler pulley is to invest in a complete kit with new replacement hardware. ECS-assembled and genuine OEM Accessory Belt Service Kits contain each part required to completely rebuild your accessory system. You get the AC belt and tensioner, idler pulley, accessory belt and tensioner, and all hardware required for a clean install.

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.

Few sensors in any car have a higher authority than the Mass Air Flow (MAF)sensor. It is so critical to fuel control that a failed or contaminated MAF can cause an assortment of driveability problems: reduced power and fuel economy, ping, a failed emissions test, and sometimes, a no-start. If your car suffers from MAF-related bog, stumble, erratic idle, stalling, or an illuminated check engine light, a new Bosch MAF can restore lost performance in minutes, and increase fuel economy. Readily accessible; easy to install.

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.

Hawk is well known for anyone in a need of a high quality brake pad to deliver stopping results. The HPS pad that is a favorite to the spirited every day driver has turned it up a notch with the new HPS 5.0 pads. They deliver the same quality you expect and more, with low dust and noise, improved pedal feel, and even more bite without throwing your ABS into ICE mode from the extreme grab of the pads. This pad is a must for anyone who demands the best in street performance. Hawk HPS 5.0 Pads Allows hard high performance braking while pushing the limits of your ABS.

The sign of a truly discerning car enthusiast is an awareness of the misconceptions and misinformation surrounding aftermarket performance upgrades. What consumers have only recently begun to understand is that most, if not all, factory intake systems are already cold-air systems. VF Engineering has designed a truly effective Cold Air Intake, improving upon the E46 M3 factory airbox by incorporating its cold-air routing while employing a freer flowing filter element.

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.

This set of Alzor Style 020 wheels will not only change the look of your vehicle, but also capture the attention of others. The split spoke design will give your car a sleek appearance that will keep people looking as you pass. Designed to bolt right up to your car, these wheels fit without any modifications or hassle. Of course, if you want to achieve an extreme look, don't forget to check out our large assortment of ECS Tuning wheel spacers and lug bolts.

Are you ready for a top of the line, race inspired coilover system? Have you worn out your first, entry-level coilovers, and want something better--a lot better? If any of this describes you, then you ought to seriously consider moving all the way to the top of the coilover food chain with a Bilstein PSS10 adjustable coilover system. Premium quality monotube design. Adjustable damping. Adjustable ride height. Corrosion resistant plated steel and aluminum components. The good stuff. If you plan to go low, you might as well do it in style.

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.

When servicing your ignition system, the spark plugs and coil packs replaced should, at the least, be the same as the existing parts. The best option though is to replace all the plugs and coils at the same time, ensuring even wear over time of the ignition system. ECS-assembled and genuine OEM kits come with 6 coils and spark plugs, dielectric spark plug boot protector, and service indicators for accurate record keeping. Genuine BMW Ignition Wiring Harnesses and Steering Column Ignition Switches are also available for a complete servicing.