DCT Center Console Trim Surround DIY for F80 M3 F82 M4
In this article, I will walk you through, with step by step instructions, to install or replace your F80 M3 F82 M4 DCT trim surround on your center console. The factory DCT trim surround comes with silver accent trims around the edges and a common upgrade is to replace it with a carbon fiber piece. I am replacing my factory one with a carbon fiber trim with Alcantara fabric.
Tools Required
- Plastic pry tool
- T10 torx bit
- Ratchet
15
Minutes
1/5
Difficulty
M Performance Carbon Fiber Center Console Trim – F80 M3, F82 M4
OEM M Performance DCT trim surround from Turner Motorsport. This F80/F82 M performance carbon fiber selector lever console for DCT transmission incorporates the same open-pore technology as the interior trim.
1. Remove trim surround
- Use a plastic trim pry tool to pop out the current trim. Start on the longer side on the passenger side.
- Insert down and pry out. It should come out pretty easily.
- Remove and disconnect the plug harness.
- Remove 3 wires from the plug that is being held in slots.
- Use a T10 Torx bit to remove 2 screws holding in the Drivelogic button.
2. Install new trim surround
- Do everything in reverse with the new DCT trim surround.
- Connect cable, insert 3 wires in slots, screw in Drivelogic button using 2 T10 Torx.
- Push down to pop the new DCT trim surround back in.
Cabin Air Filter Install DIY for F80 F82 M3 M4
Bad cabin filters can cause odor inside the cabin due to mold and mildew growth inside your vehicle’s ventilation system. The cause of mold is primarily due to moisture that is generated from the A/C system. In order to keep the ventilation clean, it is recommended to replace the cabin air filter every 30-40k miles.
The cabin air filter on the F80 M3 and F82 M4 is located underneath the passenger side (right) glove compartment. It’s really not a hard job at all. In this article I will go over step by step, with pictures, on how to replace your cabin air filter on the F8X M3 and M4.
Tools Required
- Wrench
- 10mm socket
- T20 torx bit
- Plastic trim pry tool (optional)
20
Minutes
1/5
Difficulty
Mann Cabin Filter – F80/82/83 M3 M4
For this install I will be going with the Mann filter which has a little better airflow and matches BMW part number 64119237555.
1. Preparation
- Park your car on a flat surface and gather all your tools.
2. Remove glove compartment undertray
- Remove two 10mm bolts on the bottom of the glove compartment.
- Start from the right side of the glove compartment trim and use your fingers to start dislodging the trim piece.
- Plastic trim tool can help, but optional.
- Pull the glove box undertray down and disconnect the 2 plugs.
- First plug can be found on the left hand side.
- Second plug is found towards the back in the middle.
3. Remove Cabin Filters
- Remove the two T20 torx screws holding in the cabin filter cover.
- Pry open the tabs holding in the cabin filter cover. You should now be able to pull out the filter.
- Pay attention to the arrow indicator on the filter. It should be pointing towards the passenger.
4. Install New Cabin Filters
- There is a correct orientation for the filters. Use the arrow indicated on the new filter to install in correct orientation.
5. Reinstall In Reverse Order
- Install air filter cover, plugs and bolts in reverse order.
BMW F80 M3 F82 M4 Intake Air Filter Install DIY
If you’re looking to boost the performance and sound of your BMW F80 M3 or F82 M4, upgrading or replacing the air intake system is one of the most effective and rewarding DIY modifications you can do. Whether you’re installing a high-performance aftermarket intake system like Eventuri, Dinan, VSRF, or simply replacing your factory air filters with a high flow filter, a new air intake on your S55-powered M3 or M4 is an easy way to unlock improved throttle response, better airflow and a more aggressive engine tone. In this guide, we will guide you step-by-step through the entire process with clear instructions and essential tips to replace your intake air filters.
Tools Required
- Wrench
- 6mm socket
- 10mm socket
- 13mm socket
- T20 torx bit
- Flathead driver
- Socket extensions
45
Minutes
2/5
Difficulty
BMC Performance Air Filter – S55
For this install I will be going with BMC air filters from ECS Tuning. I prefer to use factory airbox for now to eliminate any heat soak but gain performance with higher flowing filters.
1. Preparation
- Park your car on a flat surface and gather all your tools.
2. Remove Factory Strut Brace
- Start by prying the push clips on the cowling covers. There are 4 total clips, 2 on driver side and 2 on passenger side. Circled in blue.
- Remove 6 10mm nuts on the cowling covers, 3 on each side. Circled in red.
- Remove 8 13mm bolts on the strut brace. Circled in red.
- Remove 1 10mm bolt on the strut brace holding the reservoir. Circled in blue.
- Remove the carbon fiber strut brace out of the way.
3. Remove Intake Filters
- Unclip mass airflow sensor (MAF) on each of the 2 intake boxes.
- Use a 6mm socket to loosen the hose clamps connecting the pipes and intake housing box on the passenger side. The driver has enough clearance to lift the lid in place without loosening the hose clamp.
- Loosen 14 T20 torx screws that are holding the intake top lid.
- Remove the lids.
- Optional step: you can choose to remove the factory charcoal filters for improved airflow and louder sound.
- Use a flathead to pry apart the tab and discard the charcoal filter. Circled in red.
- Remove factory intake air filters and replace with the new filters.
4. Reinstall In Reverse Order
- Torque value for the F80 M3 F82 M4 13mm carbon fiber strut brace bolts are 28 Nm or 21 ft-lbs.
5. Final Checks
- Double-check all connections, hose clamps, and sensor plugs.
- Start the car and let it idle for a few minutes.
- Listen for unusual noises or air leaks.
- Take the car for a short test drive and check for CEL (Check Engine Light).
BMW E92 M3 Intake Install DIY for Turner Motorsport Carbon Fiber Plenum
Turner Carbon Fiber Intake & Plenum for E90 E92 E93 M3
The BMW E90 E92 E93 M3 S65 engine can produce additional horsepower with a simple intake install by allowing more air to come into the engine. In addition, the sound can be significantly enhanced with a carbon fiber plenum. The V8 S65 throttle bodies can scream and I wanted to enhance my driving experience with more intake sound, rather than exhaust. I guess I’m getting older.
This guide will walk you through an E92 M3 intake install on my weekend street E92 M3. It’s honestly not that hard at all and probably took about 1 hour to complete the install.
Why Turner Though?
I chose Turner Motorsport’s carbon fiber setup because not only is it the best value in terms of dollar spent ($4,125 for the same setup from Eventuri), but they also recently announced their Turner Lifetime Replacement Program which no other carbon fiber intake manufacturer does for the E9X M3. I have peace of mind knowing that incase anything happens to my intake, I can get it replaced or repaired under warranty – forever!
Turner provides 3 different options: CF Plenum only, CF Intake only and CF Plenum & Intake combo. I opted for both because I wanted the sound enhancement and power gains.
Turner Carbon Intake & Plenum - E9X M3 S65
$3,264.97
Turner Carbon Fiber Intake - E9X M3 S65
$772.71
Turner Carbon Plenum - E9X M3 S65
$2,367.72
Tools Required
- Philips screwdriver
- Ratchet
- Flexible extension
- 10mm socket (including deep socket)
- 8mm socket
- 6mm socket
- T20 torx bit
- 4mm hex bit or allen
- 5/32 hex bit or allen
E90 E92 E93 M3 Intake Installation Instructions
1. Remove factory intake
1.1 Open the hood and start by removing the factory intake scuba scoop using needle node pliers for the 2 plastic rivets and a T20 torx bit for the 2 screws.
1.2 Remove the 7 screws on the factory intake lid using a T20 torx bit.
1.3 Remove factory injection air hose on intake elbow. Squeeze tabs and pull.
1.4 Remove clamps on intake elbow with a 6mm socket.
1.5 Remove the two 10mm hex bolts that hold the intake housing.
1.6 Remove the intake air temperature sensor (IAT) on the plenum by first unclipping the plug followed by a twist and pull of the IAT sensor. Careful not to touch or dirty up the sensor tip. This will be re-used later on in the upcoming steps. Also, keep note of the orientation of the IAT sensor.
1.7 Loosen the 8 hose clamps underneath the factory plenum using a 6mm hex socket. You will need an extension for this procedure.
1.8 Before you remove the factory plenum, disconnect the 2 hoses attached. There is one in the driver side rear and one inn the front right below the intake elbow opening. Squeeze the 2 tabs and pull.
1.9 You can discard all the factory intake components except for the IAT sensor. Get ready for the new Turner intake install.
2. Prep for Turner Intake Install
2.1 Install the supplied black grommet into the bottom of the Turner intake shield (not pictured) and install the supplied ball standoff into the nutsert.
2.2 Install the green grommet onto the body.
2.3 Remove the factory black grommet that sits on the engine rail and replace it with the provided stand off. Use a hex key to tighten the stand off.
3. Install Turner CF Intake
3.1 Insert the Turner intake shield into place. Make sure the 2 grommets accept the stand offs.
3.2 Use the supplied 4mm hex bolt to secure the intake shield into the factory threaded grommet.
3.3 Install the Turner CF plenum by placing it back on the stock rubber intake boots. At this time, make sure to secure the 2 hose clamps underneath the plenum, as shown on step 1.8. Tighten the hose clamps to factory spec.
3.4 Install the intake filter using the provided intake elbow. Secure the elbow using the 2 provided 4mm hex bolts.
3.5 Insert the provided silicone coupler to the plenum and use the 2 provided hose clamps to tighten down.
3.6 Reinstall the air injection hose from Step 1.3.
3.7 Install the IAT sensor into the port with a push. Clock the sensor to factory orientation and plug in the harness.
3.8 Lastly, install the intake filter and use the provided hose clamp to secure.
Buildjournal Race Dash Center Console Install DIY for E46 M3
Do I Need a Race Dashboard?
In this article I will show you a DIY install for our Buildjournal Race Dash Center Console for the E46 M3. This race dash solution allows you to easily convert your center radio & A/C dashboard on the E46 M3 to accommodate a variety of switches, toggles and buttons for race car builds. If you’re planning to reduce weight and thin your wiring harness, you will most likely end up with several factory switches that will no longer be in use and be switched our with your own components. Therefore it is best to remove the unnecessary weight and clean up the center dashboard for a nice functional panel.
E46 M3 Race Dash
Carbon Fiber Panel + Extruded Frame
Tools Required
- 10mm socket
- 10mm wrench
- Ratchet
- Power drill
- 1/4" drill bit
- 3mm hex key / 2.5mm hex key
Race Dash Installation Instructions
1. Remove factory center dash radio and upper A/C vent
1.1 Depending on your factory package, you may have either a full size navigation unit or two separate radio/HVAC controls
1.2 Remove factory Dash Trim
2. Place Dash Panel Frame into center dash
3. Mark holes
3.1 Align the Center Panel Frame with the factory dash and make sure the edges are flush
3.2 Use a pen or paint marker to mark the two bottom holes for drilling
3.3 Use a 1/4″ drill bit to create the 2 bottom holes
3.4 Mark the hole locations on the upper half of the Dash Panel Frame – there is a hole on each side of the panel
3.5 Use a 1/4″ drill bit to create the 2 holes on each side
4. Install hardware
4.1 Use the supplied (4) M6 bolt and (4) M6 locknut to secure the Center Dash Panel
5. Cut/drill your desired holes for the Carbon Fiber Center Dash Panel
5.1 We recommend cutting the Carbon Fiber Dash Panel with a hole saw cutter drill bit
6. Install your toggles/switches
7. Secure the Carbon Fiber Dash Panel
7.1 Use the supplied (4) M4 bolt and (4) M4 washers to secure the Center Dash Panel
7.2 Use 3mm hex head for Titanium bolts or 2.5mm hex head for Black bolts
Coming Soon: 3D Race Track Wall Art Frames
3D Track Art Frames
Coming Soon
Bring the track home. Track created with professional FDM 3D printer and displayed on 8″ x 6″ matte photo paper prints with clear acrylic glass. These track frames are carefully hand assembled into shadow box frames and will be available in very limited quantities.
BMW Gear Ratio & Final Drive Compilation - E30 E36 E46 E90 E92
Quick Intro to BMW Gear Ratios
What is a BMW gear ratio? A modern day transmission consists of multiple gears, with different gear ratios, inside the gearbox and the primary purpose is to maximize the energy produced by the engine. If there was no transmission and the power being delivered to the crankshaft was directly connected to the driveshaft to spin the wheels, your maximum speed is only as great as what the engine can provide. However with multiple BMW gear ratio inside a transmission, the engine’s power can be harvested to allow greater top speed without the engine spinning faster, thus being efficient as well.
An S54 E46 M3 engine can produce a maximum of 8,000 RPM to the crankshaft. You can have no transmission and have a top speed of 60 mph at 8,000 RPM or you can add a transmission with different BMW gear ratio to go 155 mph, while still being at 8,000 RPM.
How Do BMW Gear Ratio Work?
You have 2 RC car tires. Tire A has a circumference of 1 inch. Tire B has a circumference of 2 inches. If you roll both tires equally on the ground starting at the same point, Tire A will need to roll two full rotations to cover the same distance as tire B. What does that mean? Tire A has to rotate faster. Take this concept over to gears and you have a gearbox with a 2:1 gear ratio.
Transmission gears have teeth on them to prevent slippage. A BMW gear ratio of 2:1 can have a gear with 60 teeth and 30 teeth. You can also calculate the gear ratio, such as one found in a differential, by dividing the two.
BMW Gear Ratio Table
Below is a compilation of BMW gear ratio found on BMW transmissions and also the final drive ratios on the differential. This is a work in progress and I will continue to spend hours manually scavenging through official BMW brochures to compile. Baseline guides are already out there, but mostly scattered all over the internet so I took the time to compile in one list and also adding new data points for the newer cars such as the 7-speed DCT transmission, etc. If you see any corrections, please comment below.
Differential final drive, separate from transmission gearing, ratios are also listed. A lot of people talk about changing their diff ratio e.g. upgrading to 3.91 or 4.10 on the Getrag 420G 6-speed transmission for E46 M3. Without getting into too much detail, the differential has significant impact on the overall gearing of the transmission and can improve drivability on the streets or track.
| wdt_ID | Model | Chassis | Type | Transmission | I | II | III | IV | V | VI | VII | Reverse | Final Drive | Redline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | E30 | M3 | Coupe | Manual | 3.83 | 2.20 | 1.40 | 1.00 | 0.81 | - | - | 3.46 | 4.10:1 | 7,250 |
| 2 | E30 | M3 (EU) | Coupe | Manual | 3.72 | 2.40 | 1.77 | 1.26 | 1.00 | - | - | 4.23 | 3.25:1 | 7,250 |
| 3 | E30 | M3 Evo I | Coupe | Manual | 3.72 | 2.40 | 1.77 | 1.26 | 1.00 | - | - | 4.23 | 3.25:1 | 7,250 |
| 4 | E30 | M3 Evo II | Coupe | Manual | 3.72 | 2.40 | 1.77 | 1.26 | 1.00 | - | - | 4.23 | 3.15:1 | 7,250 |
| 5 | E30 | M3 Sport Evo | Coupe | Manual | 3.72 | 2.40 | 1.77 | 1.26 | 1.00 | - | - | 4.23 | 3.15:1 | 7,250 |
| 6 | E36 | 318i | Sedan | Manual | 4.23 | 2.52 | 1.66 | 1.22 | 1.00 | - | - | 4.04 | 3.45:1 | 6,300 |
| 7 | E36 | 318is | Coupe | Manual | 4.23 | 2.52 | 1.66 | 1.22 | 1.00 | - | - | 4.04 | 3.45:1 | 6,300 |
| 8 | E36 | 318ci | Convertible | Manual | 4.23 | 2.52 | 1.66 | 1.22 | 1.00 | - | - | 4.04 | 3.45:1 | 6,300 |
| 9 | E36 | 318ti | Compact | Manual | 4.23 | 2.52 | 1.66 | 1.22 | 1.00 | - | - | 4.04 | 3.45:1 | 6,300 |
| 10 | E36 | 323i | Sedan | Manual | 4.23 | 2.52 | 1.66 | 1.22 | 1.00 | - | - | 4.04 | 2.93:1 | 6,500 |
| 11 | E36 | 323is | Coupe | Manual | 4.23 | 2.52 | 1.66 | 1.22 | 1.00 | - | - | 4.04 | 2.93:1 | 6,500 |
| 12 | E36 | 323ci | Convertible | Manual | 4.23 | 2.52 | 1.66 | 1.22 | 1.00 | - | - | 4.04 | 2.93:1 | 6,500 |
| 13 | E36 | 325i | Sedan | Manual | 4.23 | 2.52 | 1.66 | 1.22 | 1.00 | - | - | 4.04 | 3.15:1 | 6,500 |
| 14 | E36 | 325is | Coupe | Manual | 4.23 | 2.52 | 1.66 | 1.22 | 1.00 | - | - | 4.04 | 3.15:1 | 6,500 |
| 15 | E36 | 325ci | Convertible | Manual | 4.23 | 2.52 | 1.66 | 1.22 | 1.00 | - | - | 4.04 | 3.15:1 | 6,500 |
| 16 | E36 | 328i | Sedan | Manual | 4.20 | 2.49 | 1.66 | 1.24 | 1.00 | - | - | 3.89 | 2.93:1 | 6,500 |
| 17 | E36 | 328is | Coupe | Manual | 4.20 | 2.49 | 1.66 | 1.24 | 1.00 | - | - | 3.89 | 2.93:1 | 6,500 |
| 18 | E36 | 328ci | Convertible | Manual | 4.20 | 2.49 | 1.66 | 1.24 | 1.00 | - | - | 3.89 | 2.93:1 | 6,500 |
| 19 | E36 | M3 (1995) | Coupe | Manual | 4.20 | 2.49 | 1.66 | 1.24 | 1.00 | - | - | 3.89 | 3.15:1 | 6,500 |
| 20 | E36 | M3 | Coupe | Manual | 4.20 | 2.49 | 1.66 | 1.24 | 1.00 | - | - | 3.89 | 3.23:1 | 6,500 |
| 21 | E36 | M3 | Sedan | Manual | 4.20 | 2.49 | 1.66 | 1.24 | 1.00 | - | - | 3.89 | 3.23:1 | 6,500 |
| 22 | E36 | M3 | Convertible | Manual | 4.20 | 2.49 | 1.66 | 1.24 | 1.00 | - | - | 3.89 | 3.23:1 | 6,500 |
| 23 | E36 | 318i | Sedan | Auto | 2.86 | 1.62 | 1.00 | 0.72 | - | - | - | 2.00 | 4.44:1 | 6,300 |
| 24 | E36 | 318is | Coupe | Auto | 2.86 | 1.62 | 1.00 | 0.72 | - | - | - | 2.00 | 4.44:1 | 6,300 |
| 25 | E36 | 318ci | Convertible | Auto | 2.86 | 1.62 | 1.00 | 0.72 | - | - | - | 2.00 | 4.44:1 | 6,300 |
| 26 | E36 | 318ti | Compact | Auto | 2.86 | 1.62 | 1.00 | 0.72 | - | - | - | 2.00 | 4.44:1 | 6,300 |
| 27 | E36 | 323i | Sedan | Auto | 2.86 | 1.62 | 1.00 | 0.72 | - | - | - | 2.00 | 3.91:1 | 6,500 |
| 28 | E36 | 323is | Coupe | Auto | 2.86 | 1.62 | 1.00 | 0.72 | - | - | - | 2.00 | 3.91:1 | 6,500 |
| 29 | E36 | 323ci | Convertible | Auto | 2.86 | 1.62 | 1.00 | 0.72 | - | - | - | 2.00 | 3.91:1 | 6,500 |
| 30 | E36 | 325i | Sedan | Auto | 2.86 | 1.62 | 1.00 | 0.72 | - | - | - | 2.00 | 3.91:1 | 6,500 |
| 31 | E36 | 325is | Coupe | Auto | 2.86 | 1.62 | 1.00 | 0.72 | - | - | - | 2.00 | 3.91:1 | 6,500 |
| 32 | E36 | 325ci | Convertible | Auto | 2.86 | 1.62 | 1.00 | 0.72 | - | - | - | 2.00 | 3.91:1 | 6,500 |
| 33 | E36 | 328i | Sedan | Auto | 2.86 | 1.62 | 1.00 | 0.72 | - | - | - | 2.00 | 3.91:1 | 6,500 |
| 34 | E36 | 328is | Coupe | Auto | 2.86 | 1.62 | 1.00 | 0.72 | - | - | - | 2.00 | 3.91:1 | 6,500 |
| 35 | E36 | 328ci | Convertible | Auto | 2.86 | 1.62 | 1.00 | 0.72 | - | - | - | 2.00 | 3.91:1 | 6,500 |
| 36 | E36 | M3 | Coupe | Auto | 3.67 | 2.00 | 1.41 | 1.00 | 0.74 | - | - | 4.10 | 3.38:1 | 6,500 |
| 37 | E36 | M3 | Sedan | Auto | 3.67 | 2.00 | 1.41 | 1.00 | 0.74 | - | - | 4.10 | 3.38:1 | 6,500 |
| 38 | E36 | M3 | Convertible | Auto | 3.67 | 2.00 | 1.41 | 1.00 | 0.74 | - | - | 4.10 | 3.38:1 | 6,500 |
| 39 | E46 | 323i | Sedan | Manual | 4.23 | 2.52 | 1.66 | 1.22 | 1.00 | - | - | 4.04 | 3.07:1 | 6,500 |
| 40 | E46 | 323ci | Coupe | Manual | 4.23 | 2.52 | 1.66 | 1.22 | 1.00 | - | - | 4.04 | 3.07:1 | 6,500 |
| 41 | E46 | 323cic | Convertible | Manual | 4.23 | 2.52 | 1.66 | 1.22 | 1.00 | - | - | 4.04 | 3.46:1 | 6,500 |
| 42 | E46 | 323iT | Wagon | Manual | 4.23 | 2.52 | 1.66 | 1.22 | 1.00 | - | - | 4.04 | 3.46:1 | 6,500 |
| 43 | E46 | 328i | Sedan | Manual | 4.21 | 2.49 | 1.66 | 1.24 | 1.00 | - | - | 3.85 | 2.93:1 | 6,500 |
| 44 | E46 | 328ci | Coupe | Manual | 4.21 | 2.49 | 1.66 | 1.24 | 1.00 | - | - | 3.85 | 2.93:1 | 6,500 |
| 45 | E46 | 325i | Sedan | Manual | 4.23 | 2.52 | 1.66 | 1.22 | 1.00 | - | - | 4.04 | 3.15:1 | 6,500 |
| 46 | E46 | 325ci | Coupe | Manual | 4.23 | 2.52 | 1.66 | 1.22 | 1.00 | - | - | 4.04 | 3.15:1 | 6,500 |
| 47 | E46 | 325cic | Convertible | Manual | 4.23 | 2.52 | 1.66 | 1.22 | 1.00 | - | - | 4.04 | 3.46:1 | 6,500 |
| 48 | E46 | 325iT | Wagon | Manual | 4.23 | 2.52 | 1.66 | 1.22 | 1.00 | - | - | 4.04 | 3.46:1 | 6,500 |
| 49 | E46 | 325xi | Sedan AWD | Manual | 4.21 | 2.49 | 1.66 | 1.24 | 1.00 | - | - | 3.85 | 3.23:1 | 6,500 |
| 50 | E46 | 325xiT | Wagon AWD | Manual | 4.21 | 2.49 | 1.66 | 1.24 | 1.00 | - | - | 3.85 | 3.23:1 | 6,500 |
| 51 | E46 | 330i | Sedan | Manual | 4.21 | 2.49 | 1.66 | 1.24 | 1.00 | - | - | 3.85 | 2.93:1 | 6,500 |
| 52 | E46 | 330ci | Coupe | Manual | 4.21 | 2.49 | 1.66 | 1.24 | 1.00 | - | - | 3.85 | 2.93:1 | 6,500 |
| 53 | E46 | 330cic | Convertible | Manual | 4.21 | 2.49 | 1.66 | 1.24 | 1.00 | - | - | 3.85 | 3.07:1 | 6,500 |
| 54 | E46 | 330xi | Sedan AWD | Manual | 4.21 | 2.49 | 1.66 | 1.24 | 1.00 | - | - | 3.85 | 3.07:1 | 6,500 |
| 55 | E46 | 330i | Sedan | Manual | 4.35 | 2.50 | 1.66 | 1.23 | 1.00 | 0.85 | - | 3.93 | 2.93:1 | 6,500 |
| 56 | E46 | 330ci | Coupe | Manual | 4.35 | 2.50 | 1.66 | 1.23 | 1.00 | 0.85 | - | 3.93 | 2.93:1 | 6,500 |
| 57 | E46 | 330cic | Convertible | Manual | 4.35 | 2.50 | 1.66 | 1.23 | 1.00 | 0.85 | - | 3.93 | 3.07:1 | 6,500 |
| 58 | E46 | 330xi | Sedan AWD | Manual | 4.35 | 2.50 | 1.66 | 1.23 | 1.00 | 0.85 | - | 3.93 | 3.07:1 | 6,500 |
| 59 | E46 | 330i ZHP | Sedan | Manual | 4.35 | 2.50 | 1.66 | 1.23 | 1.00 | 0.85 | - | 3.93 | 3.07:1 | 6,800 |
| 60 | E46 | 330ci ZHP | Coupe | Manual | 4.35 | 2.50 | 1.66 | 1.23 | 1.00 | 0.85 | - | 3.93 | 3.07:1 | 6,800 |
| 61 | E46 | 330cic ZHP | Convertible | Manual | 4.35 | 2.50 | 1.66 | 1.23 | 1.00 | 0.85 | - | 3.93 | 3.07:1 | 6,800 |
| 62 | E46 | M3 | Coupe | Manual | 4.23 | 2.53 | 1.67 | 1.23 | 1.00 | 0.83 | - | 3.75 | 3.62:1 | 8,000 |
| 63 | E46 | M3 | Convertible | Manual | 4.23 | 2.53 | 1.67 | 1.23 | 1.00 | 0.83 | - | 3.75 | 3.62:1 | 8,000 |
| 64 | E46 | M3 | Coupe | Auto (SMG II) | 4.23 | 2.53 | 1.67 | 1.23 | 1.00 | 0.83 | - | 3.75 | 3.62:1 | 8,000 |
| 65 | E46 | M3 | Convertible | Auto (SMG II) | 4.23 | 2.53 | 1.67 | 1.23 | 1.00 | 0.83 | - | 3.75 | 3.62:1 | 8,000 |
| 66 | E46 | 323i | Sedan | Auto | 3.67 | 2.00 | 1.41 | 1.00 | 0.74 | - | - | 4.10 | 3.46:1 | 6,500 |
| 67 | E46 | 323ci | Coupe | Auto | 3.67 | 2.00 | 1.41 | 1.00 | 0.74 | - | - | 4.10 | 3.46:1 | 6,500 |
| 68 | E46 | 323cic | Convertible | Auto | 3.67 | 2.00 | 1.41 | 1.00 | 0.74 | - | - | 4.10 | 3.46:1 | 6,500 |
| 69 | E46 | 323iT | Wagon | Auto | 3.67 | 2.00 | 1.41 | 1.00 | 0.74 | - | - | 4.10 | 3.46:1 | 6,500 |
| 70 | E46 | 328i | Sedan | Auto | 3.67 | 2.00 | 1.41 | 1.00 | 0.74 | - | - | 4.10 | 3.46:1 | 6,500 |
| 71 | E46 | 328ci | Coupe | Auto | 3.67 | 2.00 | 1.41 | 1.00 | 0.74 | - | - | 4.10 | 3.46:1 | 6,500 |
| 72 | E46 | 325i | Sedan | Auto | 3.67 | 2.00 | 1.41 | 1.00 | 0.74 | - | - | 4.10 | 3.46:1 | 6,500 |
| 73 | E46 | 325ci | Coupe | Auto | 3.67 | 2.00 | 1.41 | 1.00 | 0.74 | - | - | 4.10 | 3.46:1 | 6,500 |
| 74 | E46 | 325cic | Convertible | Auto | 3.67 | 2.00 | 1.41 | 1.00 | 0.74 | - | - | 4.10 | 3.46:1 | 6,500 |
| 75 | E46 | 325iT | Wagon | Auto | 3.67 | 2.00 | 1.41 | 1.00 | 0.74 | - | - | 4.10 | 3.46:1 | 6,500 |
| 76 | E46 | 325xi | Sedan AWD | Auto | 3.45 | 2.21 | 1.59 | 1.00 | 0.76 | - | - | 3.17 | 3.46:1 | 6,500 |
| 77 | E46 | 325xiT | Wagon AWD | Auto | 3.45 | 2.21 | 1.59 | 1.00 | 0.76 | - | - | 3.17 | 3.46:1 | 6,500 |
| 78 | E46 | 330i | Sedan | Auto | 3.45 | 2.21 | 1.23 | 1.00 | 0.76 | - | - | 3.17 | 3.38:1 | 6,500 |
| 79 | E46 | 330ci | Coupe | Auto | 3.45 | 2.21 | 1.23 | 1.00 | 0.76 | - | - | 3.17 | 3.38:1 | 6,500 |
| 80 | E46 | 330cic | Convertible | Auto | 3.45 | 2.21 | 1.23 | 1.00 | 0.76 | - | - | 3.17 | 3.38:1 | 6,500 |
| 81 | E46 | 330xi | Sedan AWD | Auto | 3.42 | 2.22 | 1.60 | 1.00 | 0.75 | - | - | 3.03 | 3.46:1 | 6,500 |
| 82 | E46 | 330i ZHP | Sedan | Auto | 3.45 | 2.21 | 1.23 | 1.00 | 0.76 | - | - | 3.17 | 3.64:1 | 6,800 |
| 83 | E46 | 330ci ZHP | Coupe | Auto | 3.45 | 2.21 | 1.23 | 1.00 | 0.76 | - | - | 3.17 | 3.64:1 | 6,800 |
| 84 | E46 | 330cic ZHP | Convertible | Auto | 3.45 | 2.21 | 1.23 | 1.00 | 0.76 | - | - | 3.17 | 3.64:1 | 6,800 |
| 85 | E82 | 128i | Coupe | Manual | 4.32 | 2.46 | 1.66 | 1.23 | 1.00 | 0.85 | - | 3.94 | 3.23:1 | 7,000 |
| 86 | E82 | 135i | Coupe | Manual | 4.06 | 2.40 | 1.58 | 1.19 | 1.00 | 0.87 | - | 3.68 | 3.08:1 | 7,000 |
| 87 | E82 | 128i | Coupe | Auto | 4.07 | 2.37 | 1.55 | 1.16 | 0.85 | 0.67 | - | 3.20 | 3.73:1 | 7,000 |
| 88 | E82 | 135i | Coupe | Auto | 4.17 | 2.34 | 1.52 | 1.14 | 0.87 | 0.69 | - | 3.40 | 3.46:1 | 7,000 |
| 89 | E85 | Z4 2.5i | Roadster | Manual | 4.23 | 2.52 | 1.66 | 1.22 | 1.00 | - | - | 4.04 | 3.46:1 | 6,500 |
| 90 | E85 | Z4 3.0i | Roadster | Manual | 4.35 | 2.50 | 1.66 | 1.23 | 1.00 | 0.85 | - | 3.93 | 3.07:1 | 6,500 |
| 91 | E85 | Z4 3.0si | Roadster | Manual | 4.35 | 2.50 | 1.66 | 1.23 | 1.00 | 0.85 | - | 3.93 | 3.23:1 | 7,000 |
| 92 | E85 | Z4 3.0i N52 | Roadster | Manual | 4.32 | 2.46 | 1.66 | 1.23 | 1.00 | 0.85 | - | 3.94 | 3.38:1 | 7,000 |
| 93 | E85 | Z4 M3.2 | Roadster | Manual | 4.35 | 2.50 | 1.66 | 1.23 | 1.00 | 0.85 | - | 3.93 | 3.62:1 | 8,000 |
| 94 | E85 | Z4 2.5i | Roadster | Manual | 4.23 | 2.52 | 1.66 | 1.22 | 1.00 | - | - | 4.04 | 3.64:1 | 6,500 |
| 95 | E85 | Z4 3.0i | Roadster | Manual | 4.23 | 2.52 | 1.66 | 1.22 | 1.00 | - | - | 4.04 | 3.46:1 | 6,500 |
| 96 | E85 | Z4 3.0si | Roadster | Manual | 4.17 | 2.34 | 1.52 | 1.14 | 0.87 | 0.69 | - | 3.40 | 3.64:1 | 7,000 |
| 97 | E85 | Z4 3.0i N52 | Roadster | Manual | 4.17 | 2.34 | 1.52 | 1.14 | 0.87 | 0.69 | - | 3.40 | 3.73:1 | 7,000 |
| 98 | E86 | Z4 3.0si | Coupe | Manual | 4.35 | 2.50 | 1.66 | 1.23 | 1.00 | 0.85 | - | 3.93 | 3.46:1 | 7,000 |
| 99 | E86 | Z4 M3.2 | Coupe | Manual | 4.35 | 2.50 | 1.66 | 1.23 | 1.00 | 0.85 | - | 3.93 | 3.62:1 | 8,000 |
| 100 | E86 | Z4 3.0si | Coupe | Auto | 4.17 | 2.34 | 1.52 | 1.14 | 0.87 | 0.69 | - | 3.40 | 3.64:1 | 7,000 |
| 101 | E88 | 128i | Convertible | Manual | 4.32 | 2.46 | 1.66 | 1.23 | 1.00 | 0.85 | - | 3.94 | 3.23:1 | 7,000 |
| 102 | E88 | 135i | Convertible | Manual | 4.06 | 2.40 | 1.58 | 1.19 | 1.00 | 0.87 | - | 3.68 | 3.08:1 | 7,000 |
| 103 | E88 | 128i | Convertible | Auto | 4.07 | 2.37 | 1.55 | 1.16 | 0.85 | 0.67 | - | 3.20 | 3.73:1 | 7,000 |
| 104 | E88 | 135i | Convertible | Auto | 4.17 | 2.34 | 1.52 | 1.14 | 0.87 | 0.69 | - | 3.40 | 3.46:1 | 7,000 |
| 105 | E90 | 325i | Sedan | Manual | 4.32 | 2.46 | 1.66 | 1.23 | 1.00 | 0.85 | - | 3.94 | 3.23:1 | 7,000 |
| 106 | E90 | 325i | xDrive Sedan | Manual | 4.35 | 2.50 | 1.67 | 1.23 | 1.00 | 0.85 | - | 3.93 | 3.38:1 | 7,000 |
| 107 | E90 | 330i | Sedan | Manual | 4.32 | 2.46 | 1.66 | 1.23 | 1.00 | 0.85 | - | 3.93 | 3.15:1 | 7,000 |
| 108 | E90 | 330i | xDrive Sedan | Manual | 4.35 | 2.50 | 1.67 | 1.23 | 1.00 | 0.85 | - | 3.93 | 3.15:1 | 7,000 |
| 109 | E90 | 328i | Sedan | Manual | 4.32 | 2.46 | 1.66 | 1.23 | 1.00 | 0.85 | - | 3.94 | 3.23:1 | 7,000 |
| 110 | E90 | 328i | xDrive Sedan | Manual | 4.35 | 2.50 | 1.67 | 1.23 | 1.00 | 0.85 | - | 3.93 | 3.38:1 | 7,000 |
| 111 | E90 | 335i | Sedan | Manual | 4.06 | 2.40 | 1.58 | 1.19 | 1.00 | 0.87 | - | 3.68 | 3.08:1 | 7,000 |
| 112 | E90 | 335i | xDrive Sedan | Manual | 4.06 | 2.40 | 1.58 | 1.19 | 1.00 | 0.87 | - | 3.68 | 3.08:1 | 7,000 |
| 113 | E90 | M3 | Sedan | Manual | 4.06 | 2.37 | 1.58 | 1.19 | 1.00 | 0.87 | - | 3.68 | 3.85:1 | 8,300 |
| 114 | E90 | M3 | Sedan | Auto (DCT) | 4.78 | 2.93 | 2.15 | 1.68 | 1.39 | 1.20 | 1.00 | 4.45 | 3.15:1 | 8,300 |
| 115 | E90 | 325i | Sedan | Auto | 4.17 | 2.34 | 1.52 | 1.14 | 0.87 | 0.69 | - | 3.40 | 3.73:1 | 7,000 |
| 116 | E90 | 325i | xDrive Sedan | Auto | 4.17 | 2.34 | 1.52 | 1.14 | 0.87 | 0.69 | - | 3.40 | 3.91:1 | 7,000 |
| 117 | E90 | 330i | Sedan | Auto | 4.17 | 2.34 | 1.52 | 1.14 | 0.87 | 0.69 | - | 3.40 | 3.64:1 | 7,000 |
| 118 | E90 | 330i | xDrive Sedan | Auto | 4.17 | 2.34 | 1.52 | 1.14 | 0.87 | 0.69 | - | 3.40 | 3.64:1 | 7,000 |
| 119 | E90 | 328i | Sedan | Auto | 4.07 | 2.37 | 1.55 | 1.16 | 0.85 | 0.67 | - | 3.20 | 3.73:1 | 7,000 |
| 120 | E90 | 328i | xDrive Sedan | Auto | 4.07 | 2.37 | 1.55 | 1.16 | 0.85 | 0.67 | - | 3.20 | 3.91:1 | 7,000 |
| 121 | E90 | 335i | Sedan | Auto | 4.17 | 2.34 | 1.52 | 1.14 | 0.87 | 0.69 | - | 3.40 | 3.46:1 | 7,000 |
| 122 | E90 | 335i | xDrive Sedan | Auto | 4.17 | 2.34 | 1.52 | 1.14 | 0.87 | 0.69 | - | 3.40 | 3.46:1 | 7,000 |
| 123 | E90 | 335d | Sedan | Auto | 4.17 | 2.34 | 1.52 | 1.14 | 0.87 | 0.69 | - | 3.40 | 2.81:1 | 7,000 |
| 124 | E91 | 325i | xDrive Wagon | Manual | 4.35 | 2.50 | 1.67 | 1.23 | 1.00 | 0.85 | - | 3.93 | 3.38:1 | 7,000 |
| 125 | E91 | 328i | Wagon | Manual | 4.32 | 2.46 | 1.66 | 1.23 | 1.00 | 0.85 | - | 3.94 | 3.23:1 | 7,000 |
| 126 | E91 | 328i | xDrive Wagon | Manual | 4.35 | 2.50 | 1.67 | 1.23 | 1.00 | 0.85 | - | 3.93 | 3.38:1 | 7,000 |
| 127 | E91 | 325i | xDrive Wagon | Auto | 4.17 | 2.34 | 1.52 | 1.14 | 0.87 | 0.69 | - | 3.40 | 3.91:1 | 7,000 |
| 128 | E91 | 328i | Wagon | Auto | 4.07 | 2.37 | 1.55 | 1.16 | 0.85 | 0.67 | - | 3.20 | 3.73:1 | 7,000 |
| 129 | E91 | 328i | xDrive Wagon | Auto | 4.07 | 2.37 | 1.55 | 1.16 | 0.85 | 0.67 | - | 3.20 | 3.91:1 | 7,000 |
| 130 | E92 | 328i | Coupe | Manual | 4.32 | 2.46 | 1.66 | 1.23 | 1.00 | 0.85 | - | 3.94 | 3.23:1 | 7,000 |
| 131 | E92 | 328i | xDrive Coupe | Manual | 4.35 | 2.50 | 1.67 | 1.23 | 1.00 | 0.85 | - | 3.93 | 3.38:1 | 7,000 |
| 132 | E92 | 335i | Coupe | Manual | 4.06 | 2.40 | 1.58 | 1.19 | 1.00 | 0.87 | - | 3.68 | 3.08:1 | 7,000 |
| 133 | E92 | 335i | xDrive Coupe | Manual | 4.06 | 2.40 | 1.58 | 1.19 | 1.00 | 0.87 | - | 3.68 | 3.08:1 | 7,000 |
| 134 | E92 | M3 | Coupe | Manual | 4.06 | 2.40 | 1.58 | 1.19 | 1.00 | 0.87 | - | 3.68 | 3.85:1 | 8,300 |
| 135 | E92 | M3 | Coupe | Auto (DCT) | 4.78 | 2.93 | 2.15 | 1.68 | 1.39 | 1.20 | 1.00 | 4.45 | 3.15:1 | 8,300 |
| 136 | E92 | 328i | Coupe | Auto | 4.07 | 2.37 | 1.55 | 1.16 | 0.85 | 0.67 | - | 3.20 | 3.73:1 | 7,000 |
| 137 | E92 | 328i | xDrive Coupe | Auto | 4.07 | 2.37 | 1.55 | 1.16 | 0.85 | 0.67 | - | 3.20 | 3.91:1 | 7,000 |
| 138 | E92 | 335i | Coupe | Auto | 4.17 | 2.34 | 1.52 | 1.14 | 0.87 | 0.69 | - | 3.40 | 3.46:1 | 7,000 |
| 139 | E92 | 335i | xDrive Coupe | Auto | 4.17 | 2.34 | 1.52 | 1.14 | 0.87 | 0.69 | - | 3.40 | 3.46:1 | 7,000 |
| 140 | E93 | 328i | Convertible | Manual | 4.32 | 2.46 | 1.66 | 1.23 | 1.00 | 0.85 | - | 3.94 | 3.38:1 | 7,000 |
| 141 | E93 | 335i | Convertible | Manual | 4.06 | 2.40 | 1.58 | 1.19 | 1.00 | 0.87 | - | 3.68 | 3.08:1 | 7,000 |
| 142 | E93 | M3 | Convertible | Manual | 4.06 | 2.40 | 1.58 | 1.19 | 1.00 | 0.87 | - | 3.68 | 3.85:1 | 8,300 |
| 143 | E93 | M3 | Convertible | Auto (DCT) | 4.78 | 2.93 | 2.15 | 1.68 | 1.39 | 1.20 | 1.00 | 4.45 | 3.15:1 | 8,300 |
| 144 | E93 | 328i | Convertible | Auto | 4.07 | 2.37 | 1.55 | 1.16 | 0.85 | 0.67 | - | 3.20 | 3.91:1 | 7,000 |
| 145 | E93 | 335i | Convertible | Auto | 4.17 | 2.34 | 1.52 | 1.14 | 0.87 | 0.69 | - | 3.40 | 3.46:1 | 7,000 |
Should I Upgrade My Differential Final Drive?
A higher ratio final drive will provide more torque at the wheels and faster acceleration, but a lower top speed – and vice versa for lower final drive. The final drive itself is usually cheaper than the install. Installation requires you to drop your differential and open up the case so that’s where a lot of the money is spent. I would estimate around $2,200 for parts and labor for final drive swap on an E46 M3.
Is it worth it? I don’t think it’s worth it unless you feel like you maximized your potential on track. On track, the final drive is more about shifting and power band optimization more than it is for quicker acceleration. Another thing you can try before a final drive swap is to get shorter profile or smaller diameter tires. That allows a full rotation to happen faster on the car, so same principles as getting a shorter final drive. We list the differential/gearing upgrade for hardcore track enthusiasts in our Essential E46 M3 Track Day Mods.
Sources:
ARH E46 M3 Headers Dyno Results and Review
E46 M3 Headers
One of the best mods for the E46 M3 S54 engine are headers and it’s hard to argue it. Not only does it bring out an aggressive tone in the sound department, but it also has one of the best horsepower per dollar figures. I put together an E46 M3 Header Guide article a few years back that compiles some of the more popular header options in the market and I’ve always been curious about power results among the brands. Does it really make a difference? Luckily, I have lots of data of my runs on the same dyno at European Auto Source so whatever I test, I’ll have data to compare against a lot of different setups. And guess what? Recently I just got some ARH E46 M3 headers.
Do stepped headers make more power? Does the Supersprint enlarged diameter really produce the most horsepower? There’s a header not on that list because at the time I wrote it, the product didn’t exist. Welcome the American Racing Headers (ARH), the first 6 into 1 mass produced header, to the picture.
Quick Jump
I. ARH Background
II. Horsepower Claims
III. ARH Dyno Results
IV. Why Torque Loss Doesn’t Matter
V. Takeaways
ARH Background
Who or what is American Racing Headers? They’re an American brand (you guessed right) that takes a lot of pride in making high performance, quality exhaust systems right here in the USA – 100% of it. They focus mostly on domestic vehicles, but offer a small line of products for foreign OEM’s like Lexus and BMW. Out of nowhere, they started producing special ARH E46 M3 headers which is 6 into 1 long tube header design for the S54. It consists of six individual 1.75″ primaries mating to one 3.5″ section 1 all made in T304 stainless steel with .049 wall. What does that do? The idea is that unlike the traditional 2-piece header, a 6 into 1 with their “patented rotational firing” design will optimize airflow (even more than the traditional headers) to produce significant power on the S54.
Oh yeah and also, sound! The design of the 6 into 1 should alter the sound ever so slightly, but in a way that it replicates the sound of a V8. We’ve all seen that mysterious video uploaded on YouTube in 2007 titled “Custom M3 Headers” right? I think it’s still a mystery to what exhaust setup it is, but apparently it is a 6 into 1 like the ARH.
Horsepower Claims
ARH E46 M3 Headers Test Results
Okay let’s move onto some numbers. American Racing Headers conducted their own tests comparing a stock E46 M3 S54, traditional header setup and ARH header setup. Both header setups include an intake and tune. They published the following results:
- 65 whp gain vs stock
- 15 whp gain vs 'traditional' header
- Dyno graph shows linear horsepower and torque gains without any significant dips, especially in the low end RPM range
So when you put the data in a table, it looks something like this below. Delta (Δ) is comparing against stock run file.
| Setup | WHP | Δ (WHP) | WTQ | Δ (WTQ) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stock | ~270 | - | N/A | - |
| Traditional Header | 320.00 | 50.00 | 246.60 | N/A |
| ARH Header | 335.30 | 65.30 | 248.40 | N/A |
Community Results
I know going into this ARH setup, I knew I was going to most likely see a dip in torque – especially the low end of the RPM range. I knew this because I talked to 2 other owners and did a bunch of digging to set expectations before I pulled the trigger on the ARH. All the users I talked to and all the research I found led to strong signs of torque loss, but I still pulled through because…well I’ll tell you why exactly at the bottom of the read.
ARH E46 M3 Headers Dyno Results
Tuned ARH Results
Onto my own results. I’m running the ARH headers, Bimmerworld ‘street/track’ section 2 mated to a Bimmerworld Race 3.5″ section 3. Supporting engine mods include a Turner Motorsport CSL Airbox and Kassel Performance MAP sensor all controlled by the MSS54HP ECU with a HTE custom dyno tune. Unfortunately no off-the-shelf tune will work with this setup and Hassan has a lot of experience tuning these headers so I chose him to tune this beast. Results below:
- Red line = baseline run (no tune) on 91 octane
- Blue line = tuned on 91 octane
- Green line = tuned on E30 ethanol blend (APE Flex Fuel kit)
Summary
- 64.31 whp / 15.17 wtq against stock running 91 octane
- 68.25 whp / 17.66 wtq against stock running E30 blend
So in terms of max power, it did great! It was actually on par with the ARH claim of 65 whp over stock as I made 64 whp over stock on 91 octane. I also made more than my previous Evosport ‘traditional’ header setup so all good right? Can’t answer that yet until we look a little further. Max horsepower is just a vanity number. What you really need to see is the dyno graph and how much of that power is sustained throughout the RPM range.
Here are the max numbers in a table view. I also added in my stock tune run file with only exhaust and intake. No headers. Delta (Δ) is comparing against stock run file.
| Setup | WHP | Δ (WHP) | WTQ | Δ (WTQ) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stock | 286.37 | - | 245.43 | - |
| ARH Baseline Run (91 octane) | 328.62 | 42.25 | 244.34 | -1.09 |
| ARH Tuned Run (91 octane) | 350.68 | 64.31 | 260.60 | 15.17 |
| ARH Tuned Run (E30 ethanol) | 354.62 | 68.25 | 263.09 | 17.66 |
Tuned ARH vs Evosport 'Traditional' Header Results
This section of the article is now supportive of what the community claims have been: torque loss. I overlaid my previous setup with Evosport ‘traditional’ headers and E30 ethanol. All the others supporting mods are the same e.g. CSL airbox, Bimmerworld race exhaust, E30 ethanol, etc.
- Red line = American Racing headers
- Blue line = Evosport ‘traditional’ headers
Summary
- At 4k RPM we are seeing a ~34 wtq loss and ~26 whp loss with ARH
- We are also seeing a significant drop in torque from 3.2k-5k RPMs with ARH
- After 6.2k RPM we see a steady 1-6 whp gain and 1-4 wtq gain with ARH
- 11.72 whp more than Evosport setup (ARH claim was 15 whp)
Here are the max numbers in a table view. I also added in my stock tune run file with only exhaust and intake. No headers. Delta (Δ) is comparing against stock run file.
| WHP | Δ (WHP) | WTQ | Δ (WTQ) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stock | 286.37 | - | 245.43 | - |
| ARH Headers (E30 ethanol) | 354.62 | 68.25 | 263.09 | 17.66 |
| Evosport Headers (E30 ethanol) | 342.90 | 56.53 | 264.88 | 19.45 |
You Said Torque Loss Doesn't Matter, Why?
The loss in torque isn’t a major concern for me because this is a track-only vehicle where it lives in the 5k+ RPM range on track. This is my use case. For yours, it might be different. If you’re just mostly street driving then you’ll definitely feel a difference in power down low if you’re coming from a traditional style header setup.
So back to my track use-case. According to the dyno results, I’ll see significant torque loss if I am below 5k RPM and even if I do dip down I don’t believe it will have significant impact on my lap times. For the areas of the track where I am dipping down to the low RPM range, I can also try shifting one gear higher to keep the car in higher power range. Also worth to note, I am running shorter 3.91 gears so naturally the car wants to be in a higher RPM range which helps.
I just recently took this ARH E46 M3 headers setup to the track to see real world results and the data shows I am mostly in the 5k+ RPM range. The car pulls hard up top and I do think it’s faster than the previous traditional setup. Sacrifice low end torque, that I’m rarely in, for high end horsepower. Even when driving mindlessly around the track there wasn’t a section where I felt down on torque. Actually didn’t come across my mind at all on track even during the 2 slowest parts of the track where I leave it in a lower gear normally. This thing pulls hard all the way to redline.
Overall Takeaways
At first when I saw the dyno results I had second thoughts about sending it back to EAS and telling them to put my old headers back on. But I had to give it a shot on track. Yes, the torque just disappears down low. Yes, even with a tune the low end torque is unrecoverable. However, after actually driving it on track I am very happy and will not go back. This ARH is here to stay.
Lastly, another reason why I am keeping it. The sound! I think it sounds so much better. I mean, part of modifying is not only just to go faster but a balance of form and function. You’re not going to get this type of sound with any other traditional header so that alone makes a car so much more unique. Take a listen for yourself below and if you have these headers, please share a link down below in the comments so I can hear other setups!
Pros
- Lots of horsepower potential after 5k+ RPM, more than traditional style headers
- Unique exhaust note throughout the entire RPM range
- Mates to OEM style section 2 for bolt-on connection
- Built with high quality T304 SS
Cons
- Loss of torque below 5k RPM
- Expensive
- Tight clearance to install, may require hoisting engine in the air
- Requires custom tune to restore as much torque as possible
Ultimate BMW E90 E92 E93 M3 Maintenance Guide
E90 E92 E93 M3: What you need to know
The S65 V8 power unit found in the E9X M3 chassis is the successor to the almighty inline six S54 found in the previous generation E46 M3 – and it’s a lot more powerful. The naturally aspirated engine is also the latest and probably the last of the NA engines in BMW’s M heritage as they moved on to forced induction-based power units. If you are a owner, you have one of the best sounding BMW M3’s ever built and with proper maintenance, the S65 isn’t all that bad to maintain.
We did a complete maintenance guide for the E46 M3 a while ago and we’re going to do the same guide for the E9X M3. If you have an E46 M3, you might want to bookmark this page: E46 M3 Ultimate Maintenance Guide and Schedule
Reset On-Board Computer
The on-board computer controls and displays several service features for your E90 E92 E92 M3. It is a secondary display that cross-functions with the DME to read out values but also can be used to change some settings such as resetting service intervals. There’s even a “hidden menu” that you can access! The mileage logged on the OBC determines when to flash a service warning at you via iDrive or gauge cluster lights.
Follow the procedure below to reset your service intervals on the OBC:
- Insert key fob or use Comfort Access then press "Start" once - do not start engine
- Depress brake pedal and hold the odometer reset button on the bottom left of your gauge cluster until the yellow triangle appears on the mini display
- Use the scroll wheel on the left hand turn stalk and select an icon to reset e.g. oil icon for oil service internal reset
- Press the "BC" button on the same turn signal stalk
- Click "BC" to choose Reset
- Press and hold "BC" for a few seconds
E90 E92 E93 Basic Maintenance Schedule
The factory recommended service interval from BMW is listed below, however it is very important to note the factory oil change interval of 15,000 is considered pretty long and most owners change their oil a lot sooner. We’ll detail more below why it’s important to change the oil sooner, but long story short, the S65 has the same rod bearing tolerance and wear issues as the S54 so oil degradation can cause premature failure to your rod bearings especially if not driven after proper warm up procedures.
We recommend changing the oil every 7,500 miles or even 5,000 miles as your mileage gets higher towards the rod bearing service interval. So with that said, you can follow your own maintenance procedures for the engine oil and filter. Keep in mind, the harder to drive, the faster you should replace. Especially if your engine sees a lot of track time.
| Miles | Engine Oil & Filter | Diff Fluid | Trans Fluid (MT) | Microfilter | Spark Plug | Coil Packs | Intake Filter | Brake Fluid | Power Steering Fluid | O2 Sensor | Vehicle Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,200 | X | X | X | ||||||||
| 7,500 | X | ||||||||||
| 15,000 | X | X | X | X | X | ||||||
| 22,500 | X | ||||||||||
| 30,000 | X | X | X | X | |||||||
| 36,000 | X | ||||||||||
| 37,500 | X | ||||||||||
| 45,000 | X | X | X | X | X | ||||||
| 52,500 | X | ||||||||||
| 60,000 | X | X | X | X | X | ||||||
| 67,500 | X | ||||||||||
| 72,000 | X | ||||||||||
| 75,000 | X | X | X | X | X | ||||||
| 82,500 | X | ||||||||||
| 90,000 | X | X | X | X | |||||||
| 97,500 | |||||||||||
| 105,000 | X | X | X | X | X | ||||||
| 108,000 | X | ||||||||||
| 112,500 | X | ||||||||||
| 120,000 | X | X | X | X | X | X | |||||
| 127,500 | X | ||||||||||
| 135,000 | X | X | X | X | X | ||||||
| 142,500 | X | ||||||||||
| 144,000 | X | ||||||||||
| 150,000 | X | X | X | X | |||||||
| 157,500 | |||||||||||
| 165,000 | X | X | X | X | X | ||||||
| 172,500 | X | ||||||||||
| 180,000 | X | X | X | X | X | X | |||||
| 187,500 | |||||||||||
| 195,000 | X | X | X | X | X | ||||||
| 202,500 | |||||||||||
| 210,000 | X | X | X | X | |||||||
| 216,000 | X | ||||||||||
| 217,500 | X | ||||||||||
| 225,000 | X | X | X | X | X | ||||||
| 232,500 | X | ||||||||||
| 240,000 | X | X | X | X | X | X | |||||
| 247,500 | X |
Recommended Parts for Regular Maintenance
Oil Change Kit
Priority: ❗❗❗❗❗
LIQUI MOLY 10W-60 OIL CHANGE KIT
I use the LIQUI MOLY Synthoil Race Tech GT1 10W-60 on both my S65 E92 M3 and S54 E46 M3. You’re gonna hear a lot of mixed reviews about this product, but I’ll tell you I have 190k miles on my E46 M3 with a lot of hard track miles and my engine is still running very strong.
Oil Additives
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LIQUI MOLY CERATEC & ENGINE FLUSH
To be used occasionally during oil changes, CERATEC is a friction modifier which helps our rod bearings stay lubricated. Especially important because the S65 does have rod bearing issues similar tot he S54 on the E46 M3. Before your next oil change, pour in the ENGINE FLUSH, idle and drain the oil, do the oil change, then finally top off the engine with some CERATEC. Check out our review we did with the LIQUI MOLY MoS2 friction modifier.
Spark Plugs
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This is the spark plug I use on my S65 E92 M3 even with the ESS Tuning G1 supercharger kit. They are a reputable company and this is a direct replacement for the Bosch spark plugs (BMW P/N 12120032273) that come from factory. They come pre-gapped and allows you to retain the factory knock sensor system which is very important.
Ignition Coil Packs
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Bad coil packs will cause cylinder misfire followed by CEL codes. Why? Coil packs are responsible for delivering power to ignite your spark plugs. These are recommended to replace around 60k miles of use. If you’re getting codes for misfire, before you automatically go to replace your spark plugs, try moving around the coil packs from the problem bank to another to see if the code follows. If it does, you know it’s the coil packs.
Differential Oil
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CASTROL SYNTRAX LIMITED SLIP 75W140
Same as the Castrol “SAF-XJ” differential fluid and includes a friction modifier. Name of the product was rebranded to Syntrax. You’re probably asking me, don’t I need the FM booster? Let me clear this up as brief as possible. The “SAF-XJ+FM” has been a subject brought up all over the forums and internet because of users complaining about grinding sounds on full lock so BMW made the SAF-XJ+FM which just has more of the same friction modifier that the old one had. This pleases 90% of the street driven customers, however, this also causes problems on the track because too much friction modifier or “FM” can cause LSD to slip which is what a performance LSD should not be doing. TLDR: try the Syntrax, if you really don’t like grinding noises add a bit of off-the-shelf friction modifier. If you track, Syntrax will be just fine.
Transmission Fluid
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So far I’ve only done one transmission fluid change on the E92 M3 6 speed and I used the Red Line MT-90 which is a little thicker than the Red Line MTL but so far no issues even at cold startups. Every gear shifts super crisp. I’m very happy and haven’t thought about replacing the fluid.
Recommended Parts for Mandatory Maintenance
Rod Bearing
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You know this was coming. This can not be treated lightly and must be done as a preventative maintenance, not a reactive maintenance, because your engine can detonate. There’s no documented life expectancy from BMW because it highly depends on how you maintain and drive your car, but the community best practice is to shoot for the 80k mile mark. There’s a lot of debate on which type of bearings to get, but if it were me I would get BE simply because it has around .0024″ tolerance which is slightly larger than OEM spec. Is that the root cause of the issue? No one knows. The one thing I can tell you is that oil change and maintenance is the most important part. Which ever bearing you get, they will all wear. Do frequent oil changes, no cold start high revs, and make sure your installer knows how to properly install and torque the rod bolts to spec. Oh yeah, BE also is made with industry standard lead-copper so you can track wear with oil analysis samples.
Throttle Actuators
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Throttle Actuators are responsible for mechanically opening and closing the throttle so if it’s broken, you’re gonna be left stranded and on a flat bed back to a shop. The weak point inside the actuator are 2 things: plastic gears and electronics. The most common are the weak plastic gears which break over time. There are solutions to go with metal gears, however there is still a chance that your electronics are going to fail so it’s always recommended to replace the entire unit – both sides. We recommend the factory-supplier VDO for replacement actuators.
Does Your Windshield Trim Moulding Look Like This?
Replace Your Weathered Windshield Trim Moulding
Overtime the rubber material around the windshield begins to dry out and crack. It gets real ugly. Once it gets to my level, pictures below, it’s also harder to remove because the strip chunks off in pieces instead of just removing it as one long piece. So before it get’s really bad, I highly recommend you replace the windshield gasket as soon as it starts to show signs of dryness. You can check visually or physically. Easiest way is to just touch the moulding out lip and see if it’s brittle. Be careful when testing because it may just chunk off.
In my case, I’m replacing the windshield moulding on my E92 M3 Coupe. Part numbers are different for different body styles so make sure you get the right part number which I will also provide down below.
For E92 Coupe
- Windshield Moulding - Upper - 51317119711
- Windshield Moulding - Lower - 51137133292
For E93 Vert
- Windshield Moulding - Upper - 51317150646
- Windshield Moulding - Lower - 51137133292
Tools Required
- Goo Gone
- Rubbing alcohol
- Plastic scraper
- Flat head screwdriver or pry tool
30-60
Minutes
1/5
Difficulty
Install Directions
1. Lift old windshield moulding by prying up corners. You may need a flathead or pry tool to start the removal. The moulding has a metal u-channel that slots over the windshield.
My moulding was so bad that it was breaking off in pieces! Super annoying to remove piece by piece, but a little plastic scraper helped speed things up.
The top portion was a bit tricky to get started. It’s a tighter fit than the sides so I had to use a flat head to pry up the moudling.
2. Once the old moulding is removed, clean up the body free of dust. Use Goo Gone or adhesive remover to get all the old adhesive off.
3. Install new windshield moulding trim. DO NOT REMOVE THE DOUBLE ADHESIVE TAPE JUST YET.
Once the moulding is installed in place, then remove the double sided adhesive by pulling on the yellow tabs.
The new moulding should also have a u-channel to slot the windshield. Fitment might be tight, but it will go down.
Now you’re done!
E46 M3 Buildjournal Radiator Duct Install
Is Your E46 M3 Overheating?
The E46 M3 front air intake duct works just fine, but overtime the plastic gets brittle and the bottom portion of the duct tends to bow. This causes air to slip past the oil cooler and radiator limiting the maximum air for cooling. In addition, you do not want air to escape past the cooler/radiator as this will cause unwanted lift. Without getting too technical on aerodynamics, you want to keep faster moving air below the bumper and slower moving air on top.
Our Buildjournal Radiator Duct for the E46 M3 is an all-aluminum piece to avoid any future bowing due to wear and tear. It’s also lightweight at just 3 lbs. The install is also super easy. We’ll show you how to install it.
Parts List
- (2) End plates
- (1) Bottom plate
- (4) M6 Nutserts
- (4) M6 Hex Head Bolts
- (4) M6 Button Head Bolts
- (4) M6 Nylon Nuts
Tools Required
- 10mm socket/wrench
- 4mm allen key
- Nutsert tool
- 9mm or 23/64" drill bit
2
Hours
2/5
Difficulty
Install Directions
1. Remove Bumper
2. Remove bumper reinforcement beam/bar
3. Remove OEM radiator shroud
4. Find the (4) OEM holes on the radiator support bracket and drill using a 9mm or 23/64″ drill bit – there are 2 on each side
5. Install the provided M6 nutserts
6. Install the radiator duct using the supplied (4) M6 hex head bolts
Also watch Ride with Kee‘s step-by-step install video for our Radiator Duct!
Special thanks to Kee and Stefan for putting together this video!
