ECS News
BMW's newest high-performance powertrain�the S58B30�has proven to be an extremely durable platform built to last! Unfortunately, its factory oil cooler location is an egregious weak link in an otherwise bulletproof oiling system. Positioned just inches above the ground, the engine oil cooler is vulnerable to damage from debris, potholes, parking blocks, and other unavoidable road hazards. To safeguard the oil cooler, we've engineered a high-strength Aluminum Skid Plate for the F97 X3M and F98 X4M. Designed for peak performance and protection, our skid plate acts as a shield, preventing damage to the oil cooler while maintaining proper cooling efficiency.
Turners Single-Mass Lightweight Flywheel Conversion addresses the shortcomings of the factory BMW S55 dual-mass flywheel with a purpose-built, lightweight, single-mass design that prioritizes performance. Weighing in at only 18.5 lbs., this design significantly reduces rotational mass, allowing your S55 to achieve its true motorsport potential!
Welcome back to another Built by Mike series! This time around, we're doing things a little bit differently. Instead of doing a massive build right off the bat, we're going to show you how to take a bone stock E90 into the perfect seat time car! We'll start with basic mods that won't sacrifice drivability, working our way up to a competitive drift missile! Tali & Mike have engineered some simple and inexpensive solutions to help you get into drifting!
New E9X M3 S65 Exact-Fit Silicone Radiator Hoses
Made from heavy-duty, reinforced silicone, this silicone coolant hose set can handle higher temperatures and greater pressure than the stock rubber hoses. Designed to resist oil, fuel, and electrochemical degradation and tested up to continuous 250� Fahrenheit operating temperature and over 45 psi, you can expect greater reliability, less fluid turbulence, and improved flow with our smooth silicone hoses. Our hose kit features smoother internal passageways, consistent internal hose diameters, and smoother bends. This will result in improved flow for greater cooling system performance with added durability.
The factory-installed plastic gears in S65 and S85 throttle body actuators are prone to degradation due to constant mechanical stress, vibration, and heat cycling. After years of use, internal actuator gear wear leads to excessive play, improper throttle response, and eventual failure�often triggering DME trouble codes, limp mode, and DSC malfunctions. Replacing both throttle body actuator assemblies can prove expensive, and replacement units will experience the same failure in due time. We've engineered a high-quality replacement for the internal actuator gears to solve this issue. ECS Upgraded Throttle Body Actuator Gears are constructed from durable Teflon-reinforced nylon, safeguarding gear teeth from wear and ensuring long-term reliability.
Are you ready to radically transform the driving experience in your Volkswagen VW Passat 2.0T? Take your docile, stock exhaust and replace it with the ECS Tuning in-house engineered Cat Back Exhaust System! Our Cat-Back exhaust provides a sporty European exhaust note, and a deep, aggressive sound without too much drone. Intoxicating exhaust notes fuel your desire to push your engine to its limits with every ounce of power and every engine revolution. Experience true driving passion with our ECS Cat Back Exhaust System!
Unlike conventional one-piece rotors, this two-piece design drastically improves heat dissipation by bolting the aluminum rotor hat directly to the cast iron ring. The heat-treated rings undergo a specialized process to minimize internal stress, reducing the likelihood of cracking under extreme braking forces. Additionally, directional curved veins efficiently channel hot air away from the braking surface for faster, more consistent cooling compared to traditional straight-veined designs.
Our design starts with dual 4.25 inch air filters strategically positioned on both sides of the engine bay to make use of all available space. By increasing the volume of incoming air, this design ensures a steady, unrestricted flow to the twin-turbocharged 4.0T engine. This results in faster spool times, improved throttle response, and increased overall efficiency. The filters are fed by large, high-flowing inlets, precision crafted for an exact fit with factory turbocharger inlets. These inlets are manufactured from high-quality silicone, increasing component durability and eliminating the factory corrugated design in favor of increased airflow. To reduce intake air temperatures (IATs), our system features aluminum heat shields on both sides of the engine bay. The Luft-Technik kit includes pre-cut rubber edge trim, sealing the airboxes to the underside of the hood to prevent hot engine bay air from entering the airbox. Twin billet aluminum adapters seamlessly adapt the silicone inlets to the heat shields, providing a reliable seal that eliminates the possibility of air leaks in the intact tract.
Caleb's B9 S4
In 2023, I began searching for a new high-performance, track-capable vehicle to replace my MK6 GLI, which had since been converted into an autocross toy. I found this low-mileage 2018 B9 S4 Prestige with almost every available option at an unbelievable price, and it checked all the boxes for me. I've always felt that the aggressive styling of the B9 generation doesn't need much to stand out. However, the goal for this build was a stealthy, OEM+ look. To achieve that, I replaced the Audi rings, S4 emblems, fender badges, lower bumper grilles, window trim, bumper reflectors, and mirror caps with gloss black versions. The front grille was then swapped for an RS-style gloss black piece, and our black front lip and rear diffuser completed the look. For wheels, I partnered with Rohana Wheels to spec out a perfectly suited set of RFX13s in gloss black. Under the hood, the car boasts a full lineup of ECS performance upgrades: intake system, turbo inlet and outlet, intercooler, charge pipes, post-throttle pipes, catch can, diverter valve spacer, and more. It's lowered on our ECS lowering springs, which pair beautifully with the OEM adaptive suspension. The car is tuned by our friends at Integrated Engineering, running their Stage 2 ECU and TCU tunes, making the car absolutely RIP while maintaining all factory safety protocols. It sounds just as good as it drives, thanks to a higher-flowing cat, Supersprint downpipes, and an ECS X-pipe, all while retaining the factory valved mufflers. This car has been used in the development of several new products here in R&D, with more exciting upgrades to come.
New ECS MK7.5 Jetta 1.5T Catback Exhaust!
Looking to enhance the exhaust note on your MK7.5 Jetta 1.5T? Our In-House Designed & Engineered Turndown Cat-Back Exhaust System gives your VW the enhanced performance upgrade you've been looking for! Not only is our exhaust system stealthy, we bump up the volume by replacing the OEM muffler with our in-house engineered resonator, adding an aggressive, yet refined exhaust note that enhances your driving experience!
The ECS Tuning Center Support Bearing Brace is designed to enhance the performance and longevity of your drivetrain. To improve upon the factory design, and to create a performance alternative, our engineers started by designing a set of exact-fit, split polyurethane bushings that clamp around your existing driveshaft bearing. Crafted from 30A durometer polyurethane, our material choice effectively eliminates bushing deflection without causing an increase in noise, vibration, and harshness. By eliminating deflection, this design ensures a longer lifespan than the stock center support bearing, making it a great investment for enthusiasts looking to maintain their aging BMW chassis.
Designed specifically for your chassis our F80 lowering springs feature a linear style spring similar to a coilover. The issue with coilovers is the rough ride due to a drastic drop and much higher spring rates. When you have a higher spring rate like coilovers, it takes much more force to compress the spring, leading to a much more rigid ride. ECS lowering springs provide a happy medium between the factory suspension and coilover suspension. Our springs are stiffer than factory but softer than a coilover spring to achieve the balance of increased performance and aesthetics while retaining a comfortable ride.
Our Engineers Favorite Products They Designed For Audis
From the minds that engineered them to the machines they personally drive, these are our top product picks, straight from our enthusiast engineers! As die-hard automotive lovers themselves, our team pours their passion and expertise into every design. If it's not good enough for our own vehicles, you won't find it here. Get a glimpse into the parts we trust and install on our personal rides � we truly are enthusiasts built!
From the minds that engineered them to the machines they personally drive, these are our top product picks, straight from our enthusiast engineers! As die-hard automotive lovers themselves, our team pours their passion and expertise into every design. If it's not good enough for our own vehicles, you won't find it here. Get a glimpse into the parts we trust and install on our personal rides � we truly are enthusiasts built!
From the minds that engineered them to the machines they personally drive, these are our top product picks, straight from our enthusiast engineers! As die-hard automotive lovers themselves, our team pours their passion and expertise into every design. If it's not good enough for our own vehicles, you won't find it here. Get a glimpse into the parts we trust and install on our personal rides � we truly are enthusiasts built!
From the minds that engineered them to the machines they personally drive, these are our top product picks, straight from our enthusiast engineers! As die-hard automotive lovers themselves, our team pours their passion and expertise into every design. If it's not good enough for our own vehicles, you won't find it here. Get a glimpse into the parts we trust and install on our personal rides and we truly are enthusiasts built!
The ZF 5-speed is widely regarded by BMW enthusiasts as a stout, capable, and reliable transmission perfect for swapping into a variety of different chassis. It is, however, plagued with detent issues that tend to appear on higher-mileage units. This full-service kit aims to remedy the issue, keeping your ZF reliable for many years to come! Together, these components will result in a transmission that shifts smoothly and is free of centering defects. Installation is fairly simple provided the transmission is removed from the vehicle, with many write-ups and DIY guides available online. This kit includes a set of drift/punch tools that are required for installation. How do I know if my ZF 5-speed transmission needs new detents? Shifter leans towards the 5th gear position while in neutral Resistance when shifting between gears Intermittent sticking in gear, specifically between 1st and 2nd
Audi 8Y RS3 Sweepstakes Full Build List
When the 8V RS3 came out, it quickly became one of the best performing "hot compact sedans" on the market! Naturally we had to get an 8Y RS3 into the shop for R&D and oh boy did we! Our engineering team went to work fast and made sure that everything we developed was that perfect OEM+ look and feel. We reviewed an 8Y RS3 earlier this year with our full catalog of ECS Upgrades and fell in LOVE! We fell so much in love with it and decided to purchase one, bolt on $20,000+ worth of top performance mods in the aftermarket industry and you guess it! LAUNCH A SWEEPSTAKES where YOU could take this beauty home! Plus we are giving the winner $10,000 additional to help with those pesky taxes! We partnered with top names in the performance and maintenance aftermarket industry to bring you the best 8Y RS3 as decked out as possible! Check out all the performance products from APR, BILSTEIN, AWE, Integrated Engineering and APEX Wheels below. Also dont forget we topped off all fluids with LIQUI MOLY and swapped out filters with HENGST Filters our preferred filtration supplier!
Gary's MK2 Jetta GLI Build List
Gary, a long-time employee and beloved member of our R&D staff, has a real soft spot for the MK2 chassis and you can tell with the way he lovingly restored his 1990 Jetta GLI. Restore may not do this build justice; this car was reborn from effectively a bare shell to the absolute beauty you see today. With a freshly rebuilt motor, a funny-looking turbo, and a chassis that left no part untouched, this car is ready to hit the streets as if it were fresh off the factory floor with a few very fun tweaks.
If you're experiencing misfires, poor fuel economy, reduced engine power, or ignition-related DTCs, a failing ignition coil is the likely culprit. The S85's MSS65 DME�uses a unique ignition system known as�"Ionic Current Control". During engine development, BMW realized that standard knock sensors were insufficient for observing�pre-ignition and misfires on a high-revving ten-cylinder engine. In lieu of standard�knock sensors, Ionic Current Control uses each spark plug as a current probe, applying a low voltage to the electrode immediately after the power stroke and sending the resulting current to the Ionic Current Control Unit (ISS) for evaluation. To accomplish this, the S85 used a modified "pencil" style ignition coil, which eliminated the Zener diode in the secondary winding for accurate current measurement. These ignition coils are manufactured to the exact specifications of the OE Ionic Current Control-compatible ignition coil, and will not trigger ignition-related fault codes in the DME.�
New VW MK6 Golf Gloss Black Hatch Spoiler Extension
Upgrade the exterior styling on your Volkswagen MK6 Golf with the ECS Tuning Gloss Black Hatch Spoiler Extension. Our Hatch Spoiler was engineered in-house and designed to follow the curves and lines of the body to offer a more aggressive look that matches the factory appeal of the factory body lines.
Our replacement wiring harness requires you to cut your factory engine harness and re-pin the wiring into the provided male connector, then plug in the ECS replacement harness, connect your coils, and be on your way. DON'T WORRY WE HAVE A COMPREHENSIVE INSTALL PDF! No need to worry about how long you have until the OEM wiring finally decides to give out, with ECS Tuning's Ignition Wiring Replacement Harness Kit you can make a clean and solid repair in no time!
New ECS Audi C8 RS6 / RS7 Intake System
The ECS Tuning Carbon Fiber Intake for the C8 RS6 / RS7 is not just a performance upgrade; it's a masterpiece under the hood. Our innovative design replaces the factory panel filter with dual cone filters, resulting in improved airflow and an intoxicating induction and turbo sound. The cool air travels through the cone filters into our upgraded carbon fiber turbo inlets. Our inlets feature a larger cross-sectional area than the factory inlets, removing the restrictive fins found in the OEM design to maximize airflow and let your turbos breathe freely. Additional efficiency is gained due to a lower pressure ratio by reducing inlet pressure drop. Silicone couplers connect the turbo inlets to the filters, replacing the OEM ribbed plastic tubes that cause air turbulence with a smooth, direct flow path from the filters to the turbo inlets. The heat shield is crafted from beautiful gloss carbon fiber. Sealing against the hood, the shroud seamlessly merges with the OEM ram air duct, channeling cool outside air directly to the filters.
Constructed from sturdy 3.3mm thick 5052 lightweight aluminum, our skid plate is sure to withstand harsh road conditions that your OEM plastic belly pan could not. The ECS skid plate encompasses the full length of the engine undercarriage from the front bumper cover to the front engine subframe to provide complete protection. This plate is laser cut for a perfect fit and includes all-new mounting hardware and aluminum brackets for perfect fitment and maximum security. Furthermore, our Street Shield incorporates perforations for increased cooling performance of engine oil. In short, our skid plate protects your vehicle's undercarriage and maintains factory performance and cooling, all while maximizing aerodynamics by smoothing airflow under the engine and transmission!
For this exhaust system, our goal was simple: amplify the exhilarating 4.0T exhaust note with a proper "straight pipe" cat-back exhaust system. To accomplish this goal, our engineers started by incorporating full 3" piping from downpipes to tips. We specifically designed this catback with flow in mind to ensure the exhaust would never be a restriction. Compared to the OEM 2.5" diameter exhaust piping, the 3" ECS Race Cat-Back offers a significant increase in exhaust flow and expedited exhaust gas expulsion. For exhaust construction, high-quality 304 Stainless Steel was used to ensure long-term corrosion resistance, durability, and weight reduction. Next, an optimized x-pipe was added to aid in exhaust scavenging. This x-pipe further improves the flow of this system and results in substantial horsepower and torque gains. Black chrome RS-style oval exhaust tips are included with the exhaust for OEM+ styling and precise fitment inside the factory diffuser.
New Emissions Upgrades for your BMW M57!
Maximize the true potential of your M57 diesel engine with proven emissions upgrades designed to improve reliability, fuel economy, and power. These upgrades help reduce restrictions, lower exhaust temps, and enhance long-term performance�without compromising drivability. Perfect for enthusiasts looking to future-proof their BMW and eliminate common diesel issues.
Joe's MK7 Jetta GLI
My Volkswagen journey ignited with a B5.5 Passat, a car that instantly captivated me. The smooth 30V V6, married to a 5-speed manual, offered the perfect blend of comfortable backroad cruising and the thrill of a well-timed downshift. While I enjoyed the efficiency of my subsequent 2013 Jetta TDI, the allure of a spirited gasoline engine proved too strong to resist. March 2023 saw me behind the wheel of a brand new Jetta GLI, and I haven't glanced in the rearview mirror since. The IE tune unleashed a significant surge in power, while the ECS exhaust, complemented by the ARM downpipe, delivers the exact auditory experience I crave. The Go Fast Bits blow-off valve and CTS intake create an intoxicating symphony of turbo and induction sounds. To match this newfound power and auditory delight, the GLI's aesthetics received a significant upgrade. Our ECS carbon fiber trunk spoiler, coupled with ECS lowering springs and stunning Alzor Style 040 wheels wrapped in 255/40R18 tires, has completely transformed its summer presence and feel. For the colder months, a set of 17" Alzor Style MB8 wheels with snow tires ensures confident grip, and the ECS Street Shield provides invaluable peace of mind against road hazards.
New N52 ECS Performance Coolant Hose Kits
Some of the biggest issues when owning a BMW can come from cooling system components. Failure is seen with the plastic fittings and adapters from years of hot to cold temperature fluctuation. The N52 engine sees failure at the plastic adapter connecting the thermostat hose to the cylinder head, this adapter simply shears off at the end of the barbed fitting. Our engineering team decided a billet aluminum piece was a much better option to contend with the temperature fluctuation.
Austin's MK6 Golf R
After months of hunting for a fun, budget-friendly upgrade from my MK4 Jetta, I planned to buy a MK6 GTI in cash. Tired of clapped-out listings on Marketplace, I checked out a promising ad from a local Audi dealership. I came across a listing for a manual, black, 2-door MK6 GTI at the local Audi dealership and called right away. When I arrived, they showed me a completely different car a gray, 4-door DSG. Disappointed, I was ready to leave when I spotted a black, 2-door MK6 Golf R manual, just like I wanted. The listing online was posted incorrectly! Love at first sight, I signed for it immediately. The MK6 R is criminally underrated, and in 2025 one of only a few performance cars I think you can snag for under 15k. I love the haldex All Wheel Drive, I love how aggressive the front bumper looks, and I think the MK6 R's are some of the best designed VWs ever made, inside and out. why you picked the mods you have on there I wanted to go after the performance mods first, and get the car as fast as I could on the stock turbo. Next I wanted to get it lowered and get the best fitment possible on coilovers, since bags are for groceries. It's still a work in progress, the build is never finished. I plan on getting some Rotiforms next, and an Intake manifold by IE.
Nikko's F30 340i xDrive B58
Hey! I'm Nikko and I am a Sales Rep here at ECS Tuning. When I was 17 I was very blessed to have gotten the opportunity to get a 2018 340i Xdrive. This was a huge upgrade from my previous 2014 328i Xdrive which was my first car. I originally was going to do the classic "Downpipe & Tune" and leave it at that but the itch for more that most enthusiasts get hit me hard. I ended up going with a Pure 800 Turbo, meth injection, E85, the whole 9 yards. I was making around 650hp with that setup. Unfortunately, my transmission started to slip. I went ahead and got a transmission upgrade from Pure Drivetrain which was not a Pretty Penny but it was worth it in the end. I ended up getting a Speedtech Top Mount Turbo Kit, specifically a 6466 setup since "why not, I have the transmission that can hold the power now". Now I am running port injection as well with E85. I am pushing around 40PSI which is around 800hp give or take. Safe to say at this point I know these cars like the back of my hand and I would be glad to help find parts for this chassis or any German car for that matter!