ECS News

Working on your own car is fun, but that degree of fun depends on how easy you make that work for yourself. With the right tools, you arm yourself with the ability to tackle whatever job is in front of you with ease and confidence. We created Schwaben Tools & carry numerous other tool brands specifically for enthusiasts like you so you'll never need to worry about doing something the wrong way. We have more than just the average hand tools, too. ECS Tool of the Week highlights specialty tools and equipment designed to help you complete any job your European car might require. From lifting equipment and garage organization to fluid service tools and specialty sockets and more, each ECS Tool of the Week will show you just what you need to handle DIYs that require more than the basic set of wrenches and sockets.

Introducing the Turner Motorsport E46 DSSR for your M3. Turner's DSSR completely removes all the slop that is present in the BMW stock shifter. Paired with Turner's short shift kit, the shifts are even more accurate and precise with little to no increase in effort. .This DSSR is meant for BMW E46 M3 models that have the selector rod part number 25112228711. Even after a shifter rebuild or installation, some slop can often still be felt in the shifter. The shift selector rod may deflection and cause shifter slop. By eliminating the one slide slip through design, shifts feel more crisp. Machined to extremely tight tolerances, this rod evenly distributes load and eliminates that free play.

Remember the days of old fighting games when you�d hit the ol� Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A, Start combo for a bunch of extra lives so you could beat the game stress-free? Sometimes, that�s more fun than doing it on hard-mode. Why work harder when you can work smarter? That�s what we did. We're ready to help one of you lucky enthusiasts unlock a real-life cheat code: this BMW F22 M240i 6spd powered by the already legendary B58 paired with an M Performance LSD. See the full build list we threw at this car below!

Designed with factory-fitment in mind, Turner Motorsport Silicone Throttle Body Boots install snugly and are engineered to offer high-durability under street and race conditions, including boosted applications. Not a simple silicone reducer, these boots were designed to feature the same internal features as the originals. With three-ply construction, these boots are slightly thicker than factory boots and are compatible with screw-style clamps. Use your preferred clamp, or select the kit with clamps!

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. Stock components allow slight changes from the stock, but they often are not able to properly align the car after the suspension has been modified. ECS Adjustable Rear Control Arms allow for over 8 degrees of adjustment. Street & track enthusiasts will appreciate this needed measure of adjustability.

The BMW E46 M3 come with excellent handling packages, but there's always room for improvement. Let us help you step up your game with suspension products that pick up where BMW left off. These sway bars are built on decades of experience designing world class suspension upgrades; then manufactured to old world standards where "excellence" is more than just a word.

Intake port media blaster decarboning kit. These are the DIY (Do It Yourself) kits that will allow you to effectively clean and de-carbon the intake ports and intake valves on your BMW engine, saving you hundreds of dollars over having this service done at the BMW dealer. Use of this kit requires a medium sized air compressor (suggested minimum 20-30 gallon tank, 4.0 CFM @ 90psi), common "shop vac" and full hearing and eye protection. We recommend the use of a remote starter switch such as part # CTA3012.

For vehicles with factory direct tire pressure monitoring sensors only The Foxwell TPMS sensor integrates 315MHz and 433MHz dual frequency and can replace more than 96% of the OEM sensors on the market. Sensors can easily be activated and programmed by any TPMS tool on the market.

Looking to impress potential mates with well-executed handbrake turns? The Turner Motorsport Performance Parking Brake Actuator improves the ratio of your actuator from 3:1 to 4:1, which not only makes initiating drifts easier, but it also increases the longevity of your parking brake system! Not only does Turner's 4130 Chromoly steel zinc-coated parking brake actuator improve overall parking brake feel, but it also creates less stress on your parking cables and a better clamp load on the parking brake shoes themselves. This is the perfect upgrade for your parking brake system whether you are currently replacing components, or just looking to improve the longevity of your existing system.

My first car was a 1998 528i, that's where I was first introduced to BMW. That car was my first experience working on a lot of things by myself, and I found out how straightforward BMW�s were to maintain. I�ve had plenty of other Euro cars, including a 911 SC, but the E46 M3 was always my dream car from the beginning. Eventually, I sold the 911 and bought my M3 in 2009. Since then, I�ve repainted it Daytona Violet, installed a Hamann wing like the Turner Motorsport team used on their race cars, put the factory seats back in, and am re-kitting it for an OE+/CS style build.

It's hard to beat the sound of the S54, unobstructed by the roofline of the car. I scoured the earth to find a Cinnamon dressed E46 convertible, and was looking for one with 100k+ miles so I didn't ever feel guilty enjoying it. My goal with the car is to restore it to it's original condition from a cosmetic perspective. All of the interior bits are being replaced one by one, as well as the badges, emblems etc. Future plans for the car include a few performance upgrades such as Supersprint headers, Turner Suspension goodies, and anything else that will help me enjoy this forever car, forever.

With a high-strung S54 inline six under the hood, a manual 6-speed transmission, LSD rear end, and competent suspension, the E46 M3 is a great platform out of the box. That isn’t to say it can’t be improved, however, which is exactly what we did. Below, we’ve listed everything we upgraded on the M3 before it was delivered to the lucky new owner who is surely enjoying our tasteful upgrades provided by our partners that help bring out the full potential of this incredible machine.

This is the Audi 8V A3 we gave away with the help of Bilstein, LIQUI MOLY, Rotiform, Milltek Sport, and so many other lovely partners who helped us create the ultimate version of the platform. Find everything we added to make this A3 incredible right here to take inspiration from our build and apply it to yours!

Give your BMW incredible stopping power with BMW Performance calipers from the 135i performance braking package. With Genuine BMW rotors and OE Textar pads. Brake harder with less brake fade with floating euro rotors and 6-piston BMW Performance calipers. Brake bias will not be dramatically affected. For track applications, a more aggressive rear pad is recommended. Most 17” wheels will clear these calipers. The four (4) longer bolts pictured will come attached to the OEM caliper carrier. This carrier must be removed and replaced with the new carrier.

Upgrade the exterior styling on your BMW E46 M3 with the Turner In-House designed and engineered Carbon Fiber Rear Diffuser. Using all factory mounting locations, this diffuser is a direct bolt-on upgrade that can be installed in minutes. Featuring a deep profile, an aggressive fin design, and hand-laid 2x2 pre-preg carbon fiber, this exclusive design from Turner Motorsport will be sure to turn heads!

These brake or clutch pedal bushings get rid of that annoying side to side sloppy play in your BMW's worn out pedals.

Auto repair professionals understand the importance of properly torqued fasteners. Too tight, and the fastener may be weakened and break. Too loose and things come apart. Work efficiently and productively with Schwaben digital torque wrenches. Enabling you to accurately apply specific torque. Trust the tool the pros know, Schwaben.

Are you spending some quality time with your car this Fall? Equip yourself for the season and make the most of your plans with Schwaben Garage Gear! We offer an extensive line of standard & European specialty tools for your collection, as well as high quality items to help keep your car cleaner while getting work done and improve the DIY experience for both you and your tools.

View Your Order Status Or Submit a Return Online

Be a hero to the car enthusiast in your life! With ECS Virtual Gift Cards, worrying about fitment, years, makes, models, or any other difficulty you find in shopping for them is gone! These cards are the gift of tuning: you can know their next project was on you, without having to play a guessing game to get the right parts!

Carista is a smartphone app that allows you to diagnose, customize, and service your car. Diagnose: Check your car's health and report any stored faults. Access manufacturer-specific diagnostics, clear fault codes and reset your CEL. Customize: Personalize the behavior of your car’s windows, lights and more, with a click of a button. Service: With Carista’s DIY tools, resetting your service indicator, or checking your launch control count becomes a 1-click action. Engage: Simply plug in the Carista dongle and download the app subscription from your play store.

Schwaben Specialty tools has earned a reputation for producing exceptionally clever tools for a variety of difficult automotive projects. Their latest Wheel Essentials release contains superb examples of the Schwaben approach to premium tool design and manufacturing. The unique Protecta Socket Kit helps prevent damage during wheel installation & removal. Quickly measure bolt circle on wheels or hubs with the Schwaben Wheel Bolt Pattern Gauge. The Schwaben Low Profile Aluminum Floor Jack is loaded with design details that make this floor jack one of the best jacks on the market.

Free up horsepower easily without sacrificing comfort with the ECS Vacuum Actuated Exhaust Cutouts! A simple modification that allows you to flip between the factory exhaust routing through the full system or dumped out the open valve when you need extra performance. Since the vacuum-actuated valve is not electronic, it will not stick or burn out, meaning you will enjoy this effective modification for a long time without worry. No welding required, instant power, and a fraction the cost of a full exhaust system makes this the perfect upgrade for your German performance car.

LIQUI MOLY is not only our favorite producer of lubrication and additive products, but they hold the title as the best oil producers in Germany: for seven consecutive years. A major part of any service is often a frequently forgotten one: using proper flushes and additives to ensure buildup and sludge are eliminated with maximum effect. LIQUI MOLY is a leading producer of oil additives, engine flushes, and fuel system cleaners, so we have picked out exactly which of their products your car needs to maintain peak performance at all times.

LIQUI MOLY is not only our favorite producer of lubrication and additive products, but they hold the title as the best oil producers in Germany: for seven consecutive years. A major part of any service is often a frequently forgotten one: using proper flushes and additives to ensure buildup and sludge are eliminated with maximum effect. LIQUI MOLY is a leading producer of oil additives, engine flushes, and fuel system cleaners, so we have picked out exactly which of their products your car needs to maintain peak performance at all times.

ECS loves helping you make your car all it can be, that’s why we’ve put all our top performance parts for your BMW together in one place. This list, compiled by our BMW gurus and designed by our fantastic R&D team, is everything you need to outfit your car with all those goodies you’ve wanted for your build. Let’s make your summer even more fun with all the best ECS Performance parts for your BMW.

The ECS Billet Aluminum Oil Filter Housing for your BMW will add a touch of class to an ordinary part generally overlooked with durable and attractive convenience. The factory plastic housing can be brittle and is the most appealing part of your engine bay. Give your BMW engine another piece to set it apart from the masses with this aluminum oil filter housing.

The perfect stocking stuffers for any European car enthusiast and backyard mechanic are right here at ECS. Everything from specialty tools to make your life easier, ECS has something for every stocking.

BMW dual-mass flywheels are comfortable and forgiving for the casual driver, but their excessive weight has disadvantages the enthusiast could do without. Fortunately, OEM options like the N54 single-mass flywheel offer lower rotational mass for quicker throttle response that feels more engaging. With our N54 Single-Mass Flywheel Kit and a performance clutch, your E46 can feel snappier and rev faster. Using the N54 flywheel and our conversion kit, you can update your E46 with parts you trust for a permanent drivetrain upgrade.

We've all found ourselves using highly "creative" methods for separating or removing parts in the midst of an intense project. Some methods do work... but usually at the expense of personal injury and a few broken or damaged parts. So why not start with the right tool? The Schwaben Open Barrel Crimping/Stripping Pliers feature hard-to-find open barrel crimp option used on many German cars.