ECS News

Is your car making more noise than a halftime show and pounding down the road instead of gliding over tar strips and potholes? Tired shocks let your tires bounce and rebound fast enough to be whistled for double dribble, resulting in poor vehicle control and a rough ride. If your car is a high-miler, fresh dampers at all four corners are a great way to restore handling and ride comfort. Check out our new struts, to get your car back to a smooth ride. While you're here, browse our extensive line of suspension parts, including bushings, ball joints, and springs.

Reduce unsprung weight and keep your brakes running cooler with upgraded calipers from a MKIV. We've made it simple to upgrade your worn-out, high mileage calipers with new stainless steel brake lines, banjo bolts with washers, and even anti-squeal compound and Pentosin brake fluid for a hassle-free installation. Powder-coat or paint them for a truly one-of-a-kind touch! Reuses your factory pads and rotors - but why not upgrade them, too?

Certain Volkswagen owners have had the luxury of being able to control window up and down functions via the keyfob remote. Now you can enjoy the same feature on your VW Passat/New Beetle. The KVW100 is a single use flash load device that will program your Jetta convenience control module with the necessary coding to control your windows via key fob remote. Installation is extremely easy and can be completed in minutes. Please note, this is not a feature that can be enabled via VAG-COM; this unit flashes the convenience control module with new coding.

Ready to blow off a little steam? Get Forge under your hood. Stock diverter valves just can't handle performance upgrades. Add a little boost and they get all weak in the knees and go to pieces. Forge knows this. That's why they've engineered boost-hardy diverter valves tough enough to take the pressure without blowing their lids. Aluminum housing. Faster Response. Works and plays well with engine management systems.

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.

Make sure your plugs are firing at voltage levels that ensure optimal combustion and peak performance. If your old coils are tired and unable to do the job, an ignition service kit from ECS Tuning will put some zap in the gap when you need it most. Our ignition service kits are easy to install and come with everything you need to restore secondary ignition efficiency firing at voltage levels sure to get the most from each and every power stroke.

When the 2.0T engine was introduced, the rubber diaphragm in the original diverter valve failed regularly, even at stock boost levels. The improved Pierburg diverter valve has a piston valve design that eliminates the original, failure-prone rubber diaphragm. This mechanical design is more durable and is an excellent upgrade for all stock or modified 2.0T FSI & TSI engines. Kits also include the highly convenient VAG Connector Removal Tool. Spend more time driving, less time fixing!

The ECS Super-lightweight VR6 crank pulley allows for faster revs off the line, redesigned from the billet up for good looks and less weight. Machined from premium, anodized aluminum, this super-lightweight weighs in at a fraction of the cast iron original, but has the same outside diameter, so you can go on using a standard length accessory belt. Complete with new crank bolt and woodruff key, the ECS Tuning VR6 lightweight pulley is easy to install. Neuspeed lightweight pullies are now also available.

The problem is widespread and chronic: cam followers for the high pressure fuel pump in FSI engines are prone to wear. Savvy FSI owners periodically pull the pump and check the follower to avoid costly fuel pump and camshaft damage. Symptoms of advanced 'cam follower-itis' include loss of power, rough running, and an illuminated check engine light. To help you understand and mitigate the problem, we've put together a photo tutorial that demonstrates how to inspect and replace your cam follower. Use it with our handy repair kit to keep your FSI running strong.

Volkswagen recognized the demand from older model MKIV and B5 owners for a modern Bluetooth-enabled, full-function head unit. The genuine VW Radio Upgrade adds an auxiliary input, USB port, and Bluetooth calling and audio streaming to your car, updating your calling and media experience in a single upgrade. The most authentic, complete head unit upgrade available for your B5 Passat, the red-lit buttons & white screen modernizes your interior while matching your existing controls. Enjoy hands-free calling, MP3 and Bluetooth Streaming, and AUX input with this plug-and-play unit.

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.

Ready to blow off a little steam? Get Forge under your hood. The Atmospheric Blow-off Valve Spacer Kit from Forge Motorsport is the first system of its kind for the VW 2.0-liter TSI/TFSI engines. The aluminum spacer acts as a pressure release system that can be used with the stock diverter valve to vent extra boost air into the atmosphere instead of sending it back through the engine's intake piping. The billet aluminum spacer is a superb solution for open-air venting, saving the time and money associated with a full blow-off valve conversion.

An easy way to transform the appearance of the front of your B5 Passat is through simple, effective lighting upgrades. Spyder Lighting Products for your VW European Headlight Kits in Black or Chrome finishes. The increased power output possible with these upgrades is a welcomed safety feature, while the unique, subtle styling refresh of the housings themselves adds a needed design upgrade to your Passat.

The ECS Tuning 6-speed short shift kit shortens shift throws to let you grab the next gear faster. Reduce fore and aft movement needed to engage gears by 49, 28, or 7 percent--or leave it stock. Then do something you can't do with other shift kits: pick the exact shifter feel that suits your preference. The kit includes five balance weights to let you dial in a feel that matches your new, reduced throws. Comes with a complete installation kit, including plate, weights, bolts, washers, and shift pin.

The experts at ECS Tuning have developed a series of kits for your VW 2.5L to take the guesswork out of the 40k or 60k mile Audi/VW-recommended service intervals. While there can be a great deal of confusion concerning which parts need replaced and which do not, Scheduled Service Kits have been developed using the factory recommended protocols for service. ECS assembled and genuine VW/Audi Kits thoroughly service your ignition, fuel, oiling, & intake systems. Kits are available to address the often overlooked parts of your car, like the cabin air filter and fuel filter.

Bentley Service Manuals are the most comprehensive source of repair information and specifications for VW B5 Passat 1.8T models from 1998 to 2005. The aim throughout this manual is simplicity and clarity, with practical explanations, step-by-step procedures and accurate specifications in abundance. Whether you're a service professional or do-it-yourself VW owner, this manual will help you understand, care for and repair your Passat.

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.

South Bend Clutch has been manufacturing performance and street clutches for 40+ years. This dedication to product specialization makes today's South Bend products incredibly refined. Three clutch stages and four driving styles are accommodated for, allowing you to carefully choose the exact clutch for your VW's needs. The torque requirements of daily drivers, drag racers, endurance cars, and more extreme applications are covered by 400 ft/lbs through 600+ ft/lbs clutch ratings.

The DICE MediaBridge takes the hassle and aggravation out of playing your favorite audio source through your VW B5 Passat sound system. The DICE Media Bridge module turns your car stereo into a master control for USB storage drives, IPhone, iPod, or any audio device that can be plugged into the standard audio port. The unit supplies high-fidelity audio to meet the demands of even the most discerning audiophile.

Developed by the most distinguished experts of this industry, the VAG Professional Scan Tool is one of the most powerful aftermarket tools available for VW/AUDI vehicles. Delivering OE-level diagnostic power, the Foxwell Scanner requests and records live sensor data, provides live data graphing, reads and clear codes, turns off MILs and supports all 10 OBD II test modes. Owning a Foxwell Scan Tool separates you from the average car enthusiast, empowering you with manufacturer-level diagnostic and analytic capabilities.

We've all found ourselves using highly "creative" methods for separating old parts in the midst of an intense project. Some methods do work - usually at the expense of personal injury and a few broken or damaged parts. The new Remover Tools from Schwaben leave your knuckles and expensive parts intact. The new Exhaust Hanger Removal Tool has a slim profile for work in tight areas, easily pulling off hangers from behind. Steering and Suspension Ball Joint Separators offer a combined 12mm to 80mm jaw opening range. New rugged 3/8” drive Schwaben E-Socket Sets are also available.

Don't wait for valves and pistons to bang heads in the dark. Avoid costly engine damage and choose one of several tiers of Timing Belt Service Kits for your VW B5 Passat V6 30V. The ECS assembled Standard Kit includes the minimum service requirement: a new belt, tensioner, and rollers. Maximum-performance, complete refresh Ultimate Plus kits are also available, complete with a Gates Racing Kevlar timing belt, idler roller, tensioner roller, hydraulic tensioner, relay lever for hydraulic tensioner, a water pump, cam seal, and a Schwaben cam locking tool.

You won't believe the difference an LED lighting package makes in your car 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 B6 Passat LED Interior Lighting Kit. It contains all the LEDs needed for a total lighting upgrade. No need for guesswork or complicated ordering of individual bulbs.

If you're running more boost than your stock hose can handle, Forge has your replacement. The thick silicone rubber Turbo Inlet Hose is reinforced with nylon cording to provide stability and durability. An attractive gloss finish imprinted with the Forge brand name oozes performance, while smooth bends and inner surfaces increase airflow for real-world results. Forge has even included new hose clamps for a professional-quality installation.

Browsing through our world-class parts catalog can be overwhelming - with such a deep well of heart-pounding performance additions, convenient tools and accessories, and limitless OEM replacement parts, you'll need a way to control your lustful thoughts this Valentine's Day. ECS helps you cool off with the Wish List tool - setup a vehicle make and model, and click on the "Heart" logo next to any product that catches your eye. And if you're looking to spice things up this holiday with a thoughtful gift, $10-$100 ECS gift cards will make your sweetheart's wishes come true.

Schwaben Specialty Tools has released three new products that eliminate the pains and inconveniences associated with automotive repairs and installations. Get off the ground and move around with the Six Wheel Creeper - ruggedly designed to reliably keep your body off the ground while working underneath your Euro. The Schwaben LED Under Hood Shop Light features 120 LEDs & a polycarbonate transparent lens that instantly illuminates every crevice of your engine bay. The Rolling Creeper Seat and Tray keeps your body at an ideal height while keeping your tools close at hand.