ECS News

Add push button convenience; raise your VW MKV Rabbit rear hatch effortlessly. The ECS Tuning Hatch Pop Kit makes it easy to open your rear hatch, whether your arms are full of groceries or golf bags. Just push the hatch release button on your key fob, and stronger-than-stock lift struts raise the hatch for you, automatically. You'll be pleasantly surprised at how easy it is to add this great convenience. Our online video shows you how to do it using standard hand tools. *Kit does require coding to operate properly*

Most truly performance-engineered European sports cars utilize a limited-slip style differential. While an open differential effectively accomplishes the task of allowing one wheel to spin faster than the other around corners, during power delivery, this behavior is not always desirable. In order for the full measure of power to be distributed to both wheels of your R52/R53 MINI, the Wavetrac® Torque-Biasing Differential automatically improves grip in low traction conditions while putting all your power to the ground.

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.

This snap-in storage cubby tray is a fast and easy way to add extra storage for small items to your MINI R50 R52 R53. Straight from the Euro market, the unit comes in panther black to match the original dash panels. The grippy rubber tray liner helps keep small items from sliding around. A spare rectangular hole in the panel accepts a stock switch so you can control any accessory you choose. Or, cover the hole with the blind plate included in the kit for a smooth appearance.

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.

The strut tower for the MINI Cooper was designed to adequately support the stresses and forces encountered during typical daily driving. Aging models or vehicles that are routinely pushed past the limitations of the chassis oftentimes experience strut tower deformation, compromising the crisp and responsive handling that defines every MINI. Machined from 15mm thick 6061-T6 aluminum, ECS Strut Tower Plate Kits eliminate the prospect of tower mushrooming while improving chassis rigidity for your MINI Cooper R50/R53.

If you need technical information about your MINI for repair or simply for personal satisfaction, a Bentley service manual is a must-have item. DIYers will appreciate the detailed repair procedures and reference data that have made Bentley a trusted source of information for decades and the industry benchmark for aftermarket technical books on European makes. Owners hungry for a better understanding of the technology and features that make MINI special will enjoy the richly illustrated, detailed explanations of vehicle components, assemblies, and operating strategies.

You won't believe the difference an LED lighting package makes for your MINI R50 R53 until you see it with your own eyes. LED illumination is a far brighter and friendlier light - crisp and clean, especially when compared to the dingy yellow glow from conventional filament style bulbs. Now you can do a complete LED conversion using our Ziza LED Interior Lighting Kit. Included are all LEDs needed for complete lighting upgrade - No need for guesswork or complicated ordering of individual bulbs.

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.

Don't let conventional spacer options leave you feeling down and out. ECS bolt-on wheel spacers are the right way to push your wheels out to the fenders. These precision machined, 6061-T6 anodized black aluminum spacers have 4140 integral steel threads. Forget the perils of extra-long wheel bolts; these come complete with all the low profile bolts needed to properly torque the spacers to the hub in factory looking black and your wheels to the spacers. ECS bolt-on spacers will have your car sitting just wide.

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.

Don't let conventional spacer options leave you feeling down and out. ECS bolt-on wheel spacers are the right way to push your wheels out to the fenders. These precision machined, 6061-T6 anodized black aluminum spacers have 4140 integral steel threads. Forget the perils of extra-long wheel bolts; these come complete with all the low profile bolts needed to properly torque the spacers to the hub in factory looking black and your wheels to the spacers. ECS bolt-on spacers will have your car sitting just wide.

Depo now offers Blackout Headlight Housings with Chrome rings for your MINI R50 R53. The DOT/SAE compliant housings are finished in classic black matte with sophisticated chrome ring surrounds. These direct-fit headlights are designed to easily replace your factory units in less than an hour. The headlight design mimics the early Gen 1 MINI Halogen headlights, ensuring that this styling upgrade looks consistent with the rest of the car. Two H7 Bulbs are required per light housing.

Many MINIs have logged significant 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 Frequency Selective Damping (FSD) technology, KONI shocks & struts are a wise performance upgrade for your R50, R52, R53 MINI Cooper/Base/S.

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.

An area of the front of the R50/R53 MINI Cooper that often receives road wear and damage is the fog lights. When the units become cracked, hazy, or excessively scuffed, the driver can lose visibility and the front of the car can look overly worn. Depo replacement Fog Lights mount on the lower front bumper, and are a direct replacement for your factory housings. Both left and right fog lights are included, and also come with a bulb and socket.

Replacing cooling system components and performing a proper coolant flush will ensure a long life for your cooling system. Most of the cooling system components are exposed to very high temperatures and repeated thermal cycling. Heat-hardening causes warping and cracking that leads to coolant loss and possible engine damage from overheating. Avoid headaches altogether and replace all problematic items at once to keep your cooling system running efficiently.

An area of the front of the R50/R53 MINI that often receives road wear and damage is the fog lights. When the units become cracked, hazy, or excessively scuffed, the driver can lose visibility and the front of the car can look overly worn. Depo replacement Fog Lights mount on the lower front bumper, and are a direct replacement for your factory housings. Both left and right fog lights are included, and also come with a bulb and socket.

Almost every truly distinguished European sports car utilizes a limited-slip style differential. While an open differential effectively accomplishes the task of allowing one wheel to spin faster than the other around corners, during power delivery, this behavior is not always desirable. The full measure of power is distributed to both wheels with a Helical LSD, for true performance-car acceleration and handling. Additionally, upgrading your differential is an excellent time to replace your differential bearings as well. ECS offers SKF Differential Bearings for your MINI R52/R53.

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.

Whenever raising your vehicle, safety is the primary concern. Reliability is a close second, and the genuine R50/R52/R53 MINI Cooper Jack Pad Replacements ensure both with their exact-fit design and rugged construction. The MINI Jack Pad Kit contains 4 pads that provide an excellent surface to place your jack on, making working under your vehicle safer and protecting fragile sheet metal from crushing or deforming. Another smart investment, take the danger and aggravation out of lifting your MINI with the anodized aluminum ECS Tuning Jack Pad Adapter.

The best oil for your MINI? Clean oil. Regular oil changes with a quality filter cartridge are cheap insurance against costly breakdowns, and the best way to keep your MINI healthy. Now you can perform this essential service yourself and save big with MINI Oil Service Kits that contain an OEM filter cartridge with drain plug, plus your choice of name brand engine oils that meet BMW LL-98 and BMW LL-01 standards. Spend a little up front and head off major repairs, down the road.

Sale is now over. With tax returns and the spring season right around the corner, we wanted to thank you for all of the hard work that you have put in. We have selected handfuls of products to feature and reduced their price for this one time sale. Deals like this go quick, so act soon or risk missing out. Limited time, limited stock, huge savings. Sale Ends February 22, 2016

Want to do something bold? Bodacious, even? Check out this line of 3M Scotchprint films. Add texture and style to interior and exterior surfaces by applying these durable adhesive backed films to body panels or trim. Want variety? Channel Darth Vader with gloss black or carbon fiber, or go sci-fi-starship with brushed aluminum. Buy rolls five feet wide in lengths from one to 20 feet. Hi-tech look. Low tech installation. User friendly and easy to apply using simple tools, 3M 1080 film lets anyone get professional results on the first try.

Ever tried removing a radio trim bezel with a screwdriver or metal putty knife? Ugly. Ineffective. Metal prying tools gouge, scratch, and crack expensive interior parts adding needless cost and aggravation to any repair or accessory installation requiring trim panel removal. Stop the madness. Invest in one of our affordable trim removal kits. Large kit or small, our trim removal tools are made of tough, non-marring molded plastic, brightly colored so you won't leave them behind when the job is done. Do it right. Do it faster. Schwaben.