ECS News

An extremely effective method of enhancing your driving experience is shortening your shift throws. The long shift throw distance that comes from the factory is simply there to increase the comfort in shifting gears. For a harder-edged, aggressive, performance-oriented driving experience, UUC offers the excellent Ultimate Short Shifter for your BMW E46 323/325i/Ci. Made from CNC machined, flex-resistant 303 stainless steel parts, longevity and durability are industry standard.

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.

A series of exceptionally convenient and useful specialty tools have recently been made available by Schwaben, the leader in European performance car tools and accessories. Wheel install and metrics tools are the subject of this release. Long Reach Protecta Sockets prevent damage during the installation or removal of wheels, while the strong and attractive Portable 4-Way Lug Wrench Kit is ideal for regular or emergency use. Reliable and accurate Schwaben Digital Tire Pressure Gauges and Wheel Bolt Pattern Gauges give you precise measurements for professional-level DIY work.

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.

If you plan on attending to any part of your vehicle's cylinder head, you will likely need to re-time your camshafts. During this type of work, the crankshaft must be set at Top Dead Center (TDC), and the camshafts themselves must remain locked. Cam positioning is a critical procedure on today's computer-controlled vehicles - a camshaft that is timed in error will run very poorly and eventually cause catastrophic damage. The Schwaben Camshaft Locking Tool Set will lock your camshaft and crankshaft at the correct position during assembly. Also included is a top dead center pin.

Over time, it is common for the BMW E46 328i/Ci to develop weak spots in the rubber and plastic components, making them prone to clogging, cracking, or bending - leading to performance loss. ECS Tuning has developed two kits to help take care of one of the most common areas to suffer from these symptoms. A very poorly functioning Oil Separator Hose can let small amounts of water into your system, leading to freezing in the winter time. ECS kits will give you a complete refresh on parts that can become clogged from years of oil vapor running through.

There are several critical automotive projects that require pulling fluid lines – these jobs oftentimes end in an unnecessary mess from using inadequate tools and procedures. The tool experts at Schwaben have developed the highly convenient Fluid Stopper Kit for this reason, allowing you to properly clamp any fluid hoses and avoid messes or fluid losses. Additionally, the clamps offer a temporary seal, meaning you will not compromise any lines for later use. Address all common hard lines, including fuel lines, brake lines, and banjo connections.

Many enthusiasts have had to do a tie rod service on their vehicle at one point or another, and many have had to deal with stubborn tie rods. The Schwaben Inner Tie Rod tool makes it as easy as it looks by automatically adjusting to the right size while in use, giving you the proper leverage required to break the tie rod free - A must have that can cut hours down on your job. The other difficult area of a tie rod replacement is getting the ball joint end at the knuckle to break loose. The Schwaben tie rod separator is perfect for wedging in between the knuckle and ball joint.

ECS now offers several incredible Big Brake Kits for your E46 3 Series, bringing over-the-top braking power to your BMW in a single package. The ECS 6-Piston Front Big Brake Kit includes 6-piston calipers from the E82/ E88 and the E9X BMW Performance big brake kit with original equipment pads. Massive 325x25 semi-floating BMW Performance Rotors, ECS caliper brackets, ECS Exact-Fit braided stainless reinforced brake lines, and all necessary hardware are included. The OE Big Brake Kit featuring ECS GEOMET® cross drilled and slotted rotors and Hawk HPS pads is also available.

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 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 simply meaning, consistent hard braking.

Schwaben Specialty Tools has been making at-home vehicle repair more simple and more professional with each successive release. Each member of their unparalleled catalog represents a significant achievement in tool design and engineering; their Drain and Fill Service Tools are excellent examples of Schwaben's success. The 5" Diameter Funnel features a 12"-24" flexible neck, making transmission and differential fluid change service procedures quicker and cleaner. Schwaben's 6-10 liter Oil Storage Cans allow for a mess-free oil change and easy transport of all drained oil.

Companies that dedicate themselves to a specific industry niche have a head start on large, excessively diverse manufacturers. A familiarity with the challenges of making superior products is gained through the sheer time spent within a more narrow market. Sonax produces car care products. Each release by the company is a leader in its category, & their catalog is growing every day. ECS offers a staggering array of Sonax products, from the highly effective acid-free Wheel Cleaner, to deep-cleaning & odor-eliminating Upholstery/Carpet Cleaner and Premium Class Carnauba.

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.

This time of year for almost all drivers is maintenance time or upgraded performance. The ECS oil service kits offer a touch of both, with our billet filter housing caps and drain plugs both being more durable and aesthetically appealing combined with quality oil designed just for your vehicle. Having all of these pieces put together in one box is what makes the Assembled by ECS experience so great, we have selected all the correct quality parts so you can do the job with without the feeling of forgetting something.

Everywhere there is a seam on your engine, there is the potential for an oil leak. The valve cover gasket he gasket is used to seal the gap between the valve cover & the cylinder head. However, since this gasket is made of rubber, it has a tendency to become brittle and begin to leak due to constant exposure to heat and engine oil. Valve clearances can also change due to excessive exposure to heat and lack of adequate lubrication. ECS assembled and OEM BMW Valve Cover Gasket Kits and Valve Adjustment Kits are offered for a professional cylinder head servicing of your BMW E46 M3.

Everywhere there is a seam on your engine, there is the potential for an oil leak. This is prevented through the use of gaskets and seals. A critical gasket that prevents oil leaks is the valve cover gasket. The gasket is used to seal the gap between the valve cover & the cylinder head. However, since this gasket is made of rubber, it has a tendency to become brittle and begin to leak due to constant exposure to heat and engine oil. OEM BMW & Elring Valve Cover Gasket Sets include a valve cover gasket and sealing washers - An OEM Complete Valve Cover Assembly is also available.

Everywhere there is a seam on your engine, there is the potential for an oil leak. This is prevented through the use of gaskets and seals. A critical gasket that prevents oil leaks is the valve cover gasket. The gasket is used to seal the gap between the valve cover & the cylinder head. However, since this gasket is made of rubber, it has a tendency to become brittle and begin to leak due to constant exposure to heat and engine oil. OEM BMW & Elring Valve Cover Gasket Sets include a valve cover gasket and sealing washers - An OEM Complete Valve Cover Assembly is also available.

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.

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. The 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.

ECS Exact-Fit stainless reinforced brake lines provide more confident and dependable stopping by maintaining consistent brake pressure, long lasting corrosion resistance, and increased protection from failure. Even when new, factory style fabric mesh lined rubber hoses are prone to expansion under the pressure of hard braking, whether it be highway panic stops or threshold braking at the track. Our lines are braided with stainless steel mesh, affording expansion resistance. This resistance to expansion creates a firmer pedal, and more direct pedal feel.

Many E46 generation 3 Series BMWs have logged a ton of miles to date, and most have road-weary suspension setups. KONI Struts and Shocks have been a favorite replacement choice for performance enthusiasts; they offer a perfect blend of even, more stable handling dynamics with ride compliance & comfort. KONI fine tunes their shocks & strut kits by application, refusing to take the 'one-size-fits-all' approach used by less thorough manufacturers. Available with adjustable or preset damping, KONI shocks and struts are a wise performance upgrade for your BMW E46 3 Series.

Many E46 generation 3 Series BMWs have logged a ton of miles to date, and most have road-weary suspension setups. KONI Struts and Shocks have been a favorite replacement choice for performance enthusiasts; they offer a perfect blend of even, more stable handling dynamics with ride compliance & comfort. KONI fine tunes their shocks & strut kits by application, refusing to take the 'one-size-fits-all' approach used by less thorough manufacturers. Available with adjustable or preset damping, KONI shocks and struts are a wise performance upgrade for your BMW E46 325/330xi.

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.

Many E46 generation M3 BMWs have logged a ton of miles to date, and most have road-weary suspension setups. KONI Struts and Shocks have been a favorite replacement choice for performance enthusiasts; they offer a perfect blend of even, more stable handling dynamics with ride compliance & comfort. KONI fine tunes their shocks & strut kits by application, refusing to take the 'one-size-fits-all' approach used by less thorough manufacturers. Available with adjustable or preset damping, KONI shocks and struts are a wise performance upgrade for BMW E46 M3 owners.

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. These carts are offered, 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.

During suspension work, there are a few critical tools that make installation and removal infinitely more simple. In order to remove the retaining nut at the top of struts on European cars, a dedicated tool that fits the unique shape of the strut mount is required. Many enthusiasts will damage the strut nut using a wrench or inappropriate socket to accomplish the task, bringing their project to a halt. For professional quality work, Schwaben Specialty Tools has assembled a collection of premium Strut Nut Sockets in all the most popular sizes for your European car.

Oxygen sensors are a key component in fuel efficiency and idle. The O2 sensor measures the amount of unburned fuel in the exhaust pipe to adjust fuel mapping for less emissions and better fuel economy. When these sensors fail, you'll likely experience a check engine light and code directing you right to the problematic sensor. When driving with a problematic O2 sensor, your MPG and performance will often suffer. Replaced fairly easily, new O2 sensors will help restore your BMW E46's performance and mileage back to factory standards.

A well-known weakness in the design of the S54 engine fitted to the BMW E46 M3 is the cooling system and it's affiliated components. In most cases, the S54 will function adequately for the majority of the vehicle's lifespan; auxiliary engine systems can therefore require servicing before the engine itself displays signs of failure. ECS assembled and Genuine OEM BMW Cooling System Refresh Kits give you unparalleled assurance that you wont be left on the side of the road with an over heated engine.

The engine in the E46 325/330 series are 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 most cases these engines will make it most of the life of the vehicle, meaning by this time there will be more wear and tare on these components than they were guaranteed. ECS created Cooling System Refresh Kits with varying levels of components for this very reason.

The engine in the E46 323/328 3 series are 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 most cases these engines will make it most of the life of the vehicle, meaning by this time there will be more wear and tare on these components than they were guaranteed. ECS created Cooling System Refresh Kits with varying levels of components for this very reason.