Use this guide as a cheat sheet for all the torque values for your E46 M3. If you’re like me, I even forget what the basic oil drain plug and filter housing torque specs are. From door panel specs to engine head torque values we have it all listed for you. Don’t over tighten another bolt ever again!
If you want a physical copy for the garage we formatted a printable copy available for download below. Our chart torque specs were compiled from BMW E46 3 Series (1999-2005) Service Manual by Bentley Publications.
Download Our Guide
We made a printer-friendly version for your garage. No more dirty phones.
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Need a new torque wrench?
Schwaben Digital Torque Wrenches
| Category | Location | Bolt | Ft-lb | Nm | In-lb |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | Bleeder screws | 7mm | 3.7 | 5 | |
| Brakes | Bleeder screws | 11mm | 12 | 16 | |
| Brakes | Caliper to brake pad carrier mounting bolts | 22 | 30 | ||
| Brakes | Brake rotor to hub mounting screw | 12 | 16 | ||
| Brakes | Front caliper to front steering arm | 81 | 110 | ||
| Brakes | Rear caliper to rear trailing arm | 48 | 65 | ||
| Brakes | Brake master cylinder to brake booster | 19 | 26 | ||
| Brakes | Brake fluid lines to master cylinder | 13 | 18 | ||
| Brakes | Brake booster to bulkhead | 16 | 22 | ||
| Brakes | Brake fluid line to master cylinder or hydraulic unit | 13 | 18 | ||
| Brakes | ABS wheel speed sensor to steering arm / trailing arm | 6 | 8 | ||
| Brakes | Rotational rate sensor to bracket | 6 | 8 | ||
| Brakes | Sensor bracket to body | 6 | 8 | ||
| Brakes | Pressure sensor to hydraulic unit | 14 | 19 | ||
| Brakes | Pressure sensor to master cylinder | 11 + 3 | 15 + 4 | ||
| Brakes | Brake caliper to steering arm | 81 | 110 | ||
| Engine | Engine oil drain plug | M12 | 18 | 25 | |
| Engine | Oil filter cover filter housing | 18 | 25 | ||
| Engine | Oxygen sensor to exhaust manifold | 37 | 50 | ||
| Engine | Spark plug to cylinder head | 18 | 25 | ||
| Engine | Intake manifold to cylinder head | M7 | 11 | 15 | |
| Engine | Intake manifold to cylinder head | M8 | 16 | 22 | |
| Engine | Coolant drain plug to cylinder block | 18 | 25 | ||
| Engine | Engine mount to subframe | M10 | 33 | 45 | |
| Engine | Engine mount to subframe | M7 | 15 | 20 | |
| Engine | Engine mount to subframe | M8 | 15 | 20 | |
| Engine | Radiator drain screw to radiator | 2.5 | 22 | ||
| Engine | Cylinder head to engine block (stage 1) | Torx E12 M10 | 40 | 55 | |
| Engine | Cylinder head to engine block (stage 2) | Torx E12 M10 | +90° | +90° | |
| Engine | Cylinder head to engine block (stage 3) | Torx E12 M10 | +90° | +90° | |
| Engine | Secondary chain guide to cylinder head | 10 | 98 | ||
| Engine | Camshaft bearing cap to cylinder head | M7 | 10 | 14 | |
| Engine | Impulse wheel studs to intake camshaft | M7 | 15 | 20 | |
| Engine | Exhaust camshaft locating stud | 15 | 20 | ||
| Engine | Primary chain tensioner preload | 0.7 | 6 | ||
| Engine | Sprocket assembly to camshaft (initial torque) | 5 | 44 | ||
| Engine | Sprocket assembly wheel to camshaft | M7 Torx | 15 | 20 | |
| Engine | Sprocket assembly wheel to camshaft | M6 | 8 | 10 | |
| Engine | VANOS unit to cylinder head | M6 | 10 | 89 | |
| Engine | VANOS unit to cylinder head | M7 | 10 | 14 | |
| Engine | Sealing plug to VANOS unit | 37 | 50 | ||
| Engine | Oil line to VANOS unit (banjo bolt) | 24 | 32 | ||
| Engine | Primary chain tensioner cylinder to cylinder head | 52 | 70 | ||
| Engine | Cylinder head cover to cylinder head | M6 | 10 | 89 | |
| Engine | Exhaust manifold to cylinder head | M7 | 15 | 20 | |
| Engine | Mounting bracket to cylinder block | M10 | 33 | 47 | |
| Engine | Mounting bracket to intake manifold | M6 | 7 | 10 | |
| Engine | Vibration damper | 302 | 410 | ||
| Engine | Hub to crankshaft | ||||
| Engine | Vibration damper to crankshaft hub | M8 | 16 | 22 | |
| Engine | Lower timing cover to cylinder block | M6 | 10 | 89 | |
| Engine | Oil pan to engine block (8.8 grade) | M6 | 10 | 89 | |
| Engine | Oil pan to engine block (10.9 grade) | 9 | 12 | ||
| Engine | Sprocket assembly to camshaft | M7 Torx | 15 | 20 | |
| Engine | Sprocket assembly to camshaft | M6 | 10 | 89 | |
| Engine | Cylinder head cover to cylinder head | 10 | 89 | ||
| Engine | Hydraulic piston to splined shaft | M6 | 10 | 89 | |
| Engine | Oil pressure switch to oil filter housing | 20 | 27 | ||
| Engine | Oil drain plug to oil pan | M12 | 18 | 25 | |
| Engine | Oil pan to engine block (10.9 grade) | M6 | 12 | 106 | |
| Engine | Transmission bellhousing to oil pan | M8 Allen | 17 | 24 | |
| Engine | Transmission bellhousing to oil pan | M8 Torx | 15 | 21 | |
| Engine | Oil pump to engine block | M8 | 16 | 22 | |
| Engine | Oil pump sprocket to oil pump shaft (left-hand threads) | M10 | 18 | 25 | |
| Engine | Intake camshaft sensor to cylinder head | 3.5 | 5 | ||
| Engine | VANOS solenoid to VANOS control unit | 22 | 30 | ||
| Engine | Knock sensor to cylinder block | 15 | 20 | ||
| Engine | ECT sensor to cylinder head | 10 | 13 | ||
| Engine | Engine block drain plug to block | 18 | 25 | ||
| Engine | Radiator drain plug to radiator | 3 | 27 | ||
| Engine | Radiator bleed screw | 2.5 | 22 | ||
| Engine | Fan clutch nut to coolant pump (left-hand threads; without BMW tool) | 29 | 40 | ||
| Engine | Fan clutch nut to coolant pump (left-hand threads; with BMW tool) | 22 | 30 | ||
| Engine | Fan to viscous clutch | 10 | 89 | ||
| Engine | Coolant pump to timing chain cover | 10 | 89 | ||
| Engine | Coolant pump pulley to coolant pump | 10 | 89 | ||
| Exterior | Door hinge to door | 15 | 20 | ||
| Exterior | Door check to door | 16 | 24 | ||
| Exterior | Tailgate to tailgate hinge | M8 | 15 | 20 | |
| Exterior | Hatchback window to hinge | M8 | 12 | 16 | |
| Exterior | Lock nut for stop buffer | M8 | 11 | 15 | |
| Exterior | Outside mirror to door | M6 | 4.5 | 6 | |
| Exterior | Bumper to impact absorber | M10 | 39 | 41 | |
| Exterior | Bumper bracket to impact absorber | M10 | 30 | 41 | |
| Exterior | Impact absorber to chassis | M8 | 16 | 22 | |
| Exterior | Front bumper to bumper bracket | M8 | 16 | 22 | |
| Exterior | Front bumper bracket to impact absorber | M10 | 41 | 55 | |
| Exterior | Rear bumper bracket to impact absorber | M10 | 31 | 42 | |
| Exterior | Window regulator guide rail to door | 9 | 80 | ||
| Exterior | Side-impact airbag to door | 8.5 | 75 | ||
| Exterior | Window to regulator guide | 8 | 71 | ||
| Exterior | Window to guide | 8 | 71 | ||
| Exterior | Vent window to body | M6 | 6.2 | 55 | |
| Exterior | Window regulator to door | 7 | 9 | ||
| Exterior | Window motor to regulator | 4 | 5 | ||
| Exterior | Door lock adjustment screw | 3 + 2 | 27 + 18 | ||
| Exterior | Outside handle to lock (left-hand thread) | 2.0 ± 0.4 | 18 ± 3.5 | ||
| Exterior | Striker plate to body pillar | 18 | 24 | ||
| Exterior | Sunroof panel to roof | 4.5 | 40 | ||
| Exterior | Wind blocker to roof | 1 | 9 | ||
| Exterior | Sunroof motor to sunroof carrier | 2.8 | 25 | ||
| Exterior | Filler plug to hydraulic unit | 10 + 1 | 89 + 9 | ||
| Exterior | Hydraulic unit to body | 10 | 89 | ||
| Exterior | Front wiper arm to wiper shaft | 22 | 30 | ||
| Exterior | Rear wiper arm to wiper shaft | 7 | 9.5 | ||
| Exterior | Center wiper assembly mount to cowl | 10 | 88 | ||
| Exterior | Wiper arm to wiper shaft | 22 | 30 | ||
| Exterior | Wiper shaft nut at cow | 10 | 88 | ||
| Exterior | Wiper motor to rear deck | 7 | 9.5 | ||
| Exterior | Rear window button to rear window | 7 | 9.5 | ||
| Exterior | Wiper shaft housing to rear window | 7 | 9.5 | ||
| Exterior | Rear spoiler to rear glass | 4 | 6 | ||
| Exterior | Coolant hose clamp (32-48mm) | 2.5 | 22 | ||
| Exterior | Steering column to dashboard reinforcement | 16 | 22 | ||
| Exterior | A/C line to A/C compressor | 15 | 20 | ||
| Interior | Airbag to door | 8.5 | 75 | ||
| Interior | Door lock to door | M6 | 9 | 80 | |
| Interior | Front seat to floor | 33 | 45 | ||
| Interior | Seat belt end to seat | 35 | 48 | ||
| Interior | Steering wheel to steering column spindle shaft | 46 | 63 | ||
| Interior | Front seat to floor | M10 | 33 | 45 | |
| Interior | Tensioner mounting bracket to seat rail | 18 | 24 | ||
| Interior | Tensioner to mounting bracket | 35 | 48 | ||
| Interior | Seat belt anchor bar to door sill | 23 | 31 | ||
| Interior | Seat belt to B-pillar sliding anchor | 23 | 31 | ||
| Interior | Seat belt reel to B-pillar bottom | 23 | 31 | ||
| Interior | Sliding seat height adjuster to B-pillar | 18 | 24 | ||
| Interior | Airbag to steering wheel (MFL) | 8 | 71 | ||
| Interior | Airbag cover strap to dashboard | M6 | 7 | 9 | |
| Interior | Passenger air bag to dashboard | M8 | 16 | 22 | |
| Interior | Side-impact airbag to door | 8.5 | 75 | ||
| Interior | HPS airbag to body | 8 | 11 | ||
| Interior | HPS airbag mounting bracket to A or B-pillar | 2.5 | 22 | ||
| Interior | HPS gas generator to dashboard reinforcement | M6 | 4 | 35 | |
| Suspension | Front differential filler plug to housing | 48 | 65 | ||
| Suspension | Rear differential filler plug to housing | 52 | 70 | ||
| Suspension | Control arm ball joint to suspension subframe | 66 | 90 | ||
| Suspension | Front subframe to frame rails (8.8 grade) | M12 | 57 | 77 | |
| Suspension | Front subframe to frame rails (10.9 grade) | M12 | 81 | 110 | |
| Suspension | Front subframe to frame rails (12.9 grade) | M12 | 77 | 105 | |
| Suspension | Front end reinforcement to frame rails or suspension subframe (initial torque) | M10 | 44 | 59 | |
| Suspension | Front end reinforcement to frame rails or suspension subframe | M10 | 90° + 30° | 90° + 30° | |
| Suspension | Stabilizer bar to frame rail | M8 | 16 | 22 | |
| Suspension | Steering column universal joint clamping screw | M8 | 16 | 22 | |
| Suspension | Control arm mounting bracket to subframe | M10 | 44 | 59 | |
| Suspension | Control arm ball joint bracket to subframe | M12 | 57 | 77 | |
| Suspension | Engine mount to subframe | M10 | 33 | 45 | |
| Suspension | Front end reinforcement to chassis and subframe (tubular style) | M10 | 31 | 42 | |
| Suspension | Front end reinforcement to chassis and subframe (pan style; stage 1) | M10 | 44 | 59 | |
| Suspension | Front end reinforcement to chassis and subframe (pan style; stage 2) | M10 | + 90° | + 90° | |
| Suspension | Road wheel to hub | 74 ± 7 | 100 ± 10 | ||
| Suspension | Stabilizer bar link to strut | 44 | 59 | ||
| Suspension | Steering tie rod to steering arm | 48 | 65 | ||
| Suspension | Steering arm to control arm | 48 | 65 | ||
| Suspension | Steering arm pinch bolt at strut housing | 60 | 81 | ||
| Suspension | Front strut assembly to strut tower (selflocking nuts) | 18 | 24 | ||
| Suspension | Front upper strut mount to strut tower (18mm flange) | M8 | 18 | 24 | |
| Suspension | Front upper strut mount to strut tower (21mm flange) | M8 | 25 | 34 | |
| Suspension | Front upper strut mount to strut shaft | M14 | 47 | 64 | |
| Suspension | Front end reinforcement to front subframe or body frame rails (stage 1) | M10 | 43 | 59 | |
| Suspension | Front end reinforcement to front subframe or body frame rails (stage 2) | M10 | 90° + 30° | 90° + 30° | |
| Suspension | Control arm ball joint to subframe | M14 | 66 | 90 | |
| Suspension | Control arm bushing carrier to body | M10 | 43 | 59 | |
| Suspension | Steering rack to subframe | M10 | 31 | 42 | |
| Suspension | Subframe to body (8.8 grade) | M12 | 57 | 77 | |
| Suspension | Subframe to body (10.9 grade) | M12 | 81 | 110 | |
| Suspension | Subframe to body (12.9 grade) | M12 | 77 | 105 | |
| Suspension | Control arm rear bracket to subframe | M10 | 44 | 59 | |
| Suspension | Inner ball joint to control arm | M14 | 59 | 80 | |
| Suspension | Inner ball joint mount to subframe | M12 | 57 | 77 | |
| Suspension | Stabilizer anchor to subframe | M8 | 16 | 22 | |
| Suspension | Subframe adapter to body | M10 | 44 | 59 | |
| Suspension | Subframe front to body (8.8 grade) | M12 | 57 | 77 | |
| Suspension | Subframe front to body (10.9 grade) | M12 | 81 | 110 | |
| Suspension | Subframe front to body (12.9 grade) | M12 | 77 | 105 | |
| Suspension | Outer ball joint to steering arm | M12 | 48 | 65 | |
| Suspension | Control arm rear | 44 | 59 | ||
| Suspension | Stabilizer bar bushing brackets to subframe | 16 | 22 | ||
| Suspension | Stabilizer bar link to stabilizer bar | M10 | 48 | 65 | |
| Suspension | Stabilizer bar link to strut | M10 | 48 | 65 | |
| Suspension | Brake rotor to wheel hub | 12 | 16 | ||
| Suspension | Collar nut to stub axle | 214 | 290 | ||
| Suspension | ABS pulse sensor to steering arm | 8 | 71 | ||
| Suspension | Tie rod to steering arm | 48 | 65 | ||
| Suspension | Drive flange collar nut to front hub | 310 | 420 | ||
| Suspension | Control arm bracket to front axle subframe | 44 | 59 | ||
| Suspension | Front axle differential drain / fill plug | 48 | 65 | ||
| Suspension | Control arm bracket to front suspension subframe | 44 | 59 | ||
| Suspension | Hydraulic hoses to power steering pump | M14 Banjo | 26 | 35 | |
| Suspension | Hydraulic hoses to power steering pump | M16 Banjo | 30 | 40 | |
| Suspension | Steering arm to lower ball joint | 48 | 65 | ||
| Suspension | Steering column to steering rack | 16 | 22 | ||
| Suspension | Steering arm clamping bolt at strut housing | 60 | 81 | ||
| Suspension | Subframe rear to adapter | M12 | 81 | 110 | |
| Suspension | Bearing pedestal to oil pan | 33 | 45 | ||
| Suspension | Input flange collar nut to differentia | Align | Align | ||
| Suspension | Airbag to steering wheel | 8 | 71 | ||
| Suspension | Pinch bolts at steering columns joints | 16 | 22 | ||
| Suspension | Universal joint pinch bolt at steering column | 16 | 22 | ||
| Suspension | Steering column to dashboard carrier | 16 | 22 | ||
| Suspension | Outer tie rod end to steering arm replace self-locking nut | 48 | 65 | ||
| Suspension | Outer tie rod end lock nut | 33 | 45 | ||
| Suspension | Steering column flexible joint to steering rack shaft | 16 | 22 | ||
| Suspension | Steering fluid lines | M14 Banjo | 26 | 35 | |
| Suspension | Steering fluid lines | M16 Banjo | 30 | 40 | |
| Suspension | Inner tie rod to steering rack | 74 + 7 | 100 + 10 | ||
| Suspension | Tie rod lock nut | 33 | 45 | ||
| Suspension | Rear lower control arm to rear trailing arm | 57 | 77 | ||
| Suspension | Rear trailing arm bracket to body | 57 | 77 | ||
| Suspension | Rear shock absorber to trailing arm (car in normal loaded position) | 74 | 100 | ||
| Suspension | Rear shock absorber upper mount to body | M8 | 21 | 28 | |
| Suspension | Drive axle to final drive flange (20mm bolt) | M10 | 61 | 83 | |
| Suspension | Drive axle to final drive flange (46mm bolt) | M10 | 74 | 100 | |
| Suspension | Drive axle to final drive flange (46mm bolt; silver) | M10 | 59 | 80 | |
| Suspension | Trailing arm to front bracket | 81 | 110 | ||
| Suspension | Drive axle collar nut to drive flange | M24 | 184 | 250 | |
| Suspension | Drive axle collar nut to drive flange | M27 | 221 | 300 | |
| Suspension | Upper control arm to rear subframe | M12 | 57 | 77 | |
| Suspension | Upper control arm to trailing arm | M12 | 81 | 110 | |
| Suspension | Lower control arm to rear subframe | M12 | 81 | 110 | |
| Suspension | Lower control arm to trailing arm | M12 | 81 | 110 | |
| Suspension | Differential to subframe front bolt | M12 | 81 | 110 | |
| Suspension | Differential to subframe rear bolt | M14 | 128 | 174 | |
| Suspension | Driveshaft to differential flange | M10 Compressed | 47 | 64 | |
| Suspension | Driveshaft to differential flange | M10 Torx | 63 | 85 | |
| Suspension | Lower control arm to subframe | M12 | 81 | 110 | |
| Suspension | Subframe to body | M12 | 57 | 77 | |
| Suspension | Upper control arm to subframe | M12 | 57 | 77 | |
| Suspension | Differential to rear subframe | M12 | 70 | 95 | |
| Suspension | Differential to rear subframe | M14 | 128 | 174 | |
| Suspension | Rear suspension reinforcement to undercarriage | M12 | 57 | 77 | |
| Suspension | Rear suspension reinforcement to undercarriage (8.8 grade) | M8 | 15 | 21 | |
| Suspension | Rear suspension reinforcement to undercarriage (10.9 grade) | M8 | 22 | 30 | |
| Suspension | Wheel to wheel hub | 74 ± 7 | 100 ± 10 | ||
| Transmission | Clutch slave cylinder to transmission | 16 | 22 | ||
| Transmission | Clutch master cylinder to pedal cluster | 16 | 22 | ||
| Transmission | Fluid line to master cylinder or slave cylinder | 15 + 4 | 20 + 5 | ||
| Transmission | Clutch to flywheel (8.8 grade) | 18 | 24 | ||
| Transmission | Clutch to flywheel (10.9 grade) | 25 | 34 | ||
| Transmission | Transmission to engine | M8 Torx | 16 | 22 | |
| Transmission | Transmission to engine | M10 Torx | 32 | 43 | |
| Transmission | Transmission to engine | M12 Torx | 53 | 72 | |
| Transmission | Transmission drain or fill plug | 37 | 50 | ||
| Transmission | Back-up light switch to transmission | 15 | 20 | ||
| Transmission | Center bearing (driveshaft) to body | 15 | 21 | ||
| Transmission | Clamping sleeve (driveshaft) | 10 | 89 | ||
| Transmission | Driveshaft to final drive flange | M10 Ribbed | 59 | 80 | |
| Transmission | Driveshaft to final drive flange | M10 Compressed | 47 | 64 | |
| Transmission | Flex-disc (guibo) to driveshaft or transmission flange (8.8 grade) | M10 | 35 | 48 | |
| Transmission | Flex-disc (guibo) to driveshaft or transmission flange (10.9 grade) | M10 | 44 | 60 | |
| Transmission | Flex-disc (guibo) to driveshaft or transmission flange (12.9 grade) | M10 | 74 | 100 | |
| Transmission | Transmission / transfer case crossmember to chassis | M8 | 15 | 21 | |
| Transmission | Transfer case to transmission | M10 | 30 | 41 | |
| Transmission | Transmission output flange to output shaft (stage 1) | 140 | 190 | ||
| Transmission | Transmission output flange to output shaft (stage 2; after loosening) | 89 | 120 | ||
| Transmission | Guide sleeve to transmission | M6 | 10 | 89 | |
| Transmission | Rubber mount to transmission or bracket nut | M8 | 15 | 21 | |
| Transmission | Slave cylinder to transmission | 16 | 22 | ||
| Transmission | ATF drain plug to ATF sump (A5S 360R / A5S 390R) | M14 | 15 | 20 | |
| Transmission | ATF drain plug to ATF sump (A5S 325Z) | 26 | 35 | ||
| Transmission | ATF fill plug to ATF sump (A5S 360R / A5S 390R) | M14 | 15 | 20 | |
| Transmission | ATF fill plug to ATF sump (A5S 325Z) | 22 | 30 | ||
| Transmission | ATF sump to transmission (A5S 360R / A5S 390R) | M14 | 7 | 10 | |
| Transmission | ATF sump to transmission (A5S 325Z) | 4 | 6 | ||
| Transmission | Front suspension reinforcement to chassis | M10 | 30 | 42 | |
| Transmission | Torque converter to drive plate | M10 | 33 | 45 | |
| Transmission | Transmission support crossmember to chassis | 17 | 23 | ||
| Transmission | Transmission to engine (Torx-head with washer) | M8 | 15 | 21 | |
| Transmission | Transmission to engine (Torx-head with washer) | M10 | 31 | 42 | |
| Transmission | Transmission to engine (Torx-head with washer) | M12 | 53 | 72 | |
| Transmission | Shift cable clamping nut | 9 | 12 | ||
| Transmission | Center bearing to body | 15 | 21 | ||
| Transmission | Clamping sleeve | 10 | 89 | ||
| Transmission | Drive axle to differential flange | M10 Torx | 61 | 83 | |
| Transmission | Drive axle to differential flange (with locking teeth) | M10 | 71 | 96 | |
| Transmission | Drive axle to differential flange (with ribbed teeth) | M10 | 74 | 100 | |
| Transmission | Drive axle to differential flange (with ribbed teeth; silver ZNS) | M10 | 59 | 80 |
BMW 3 Series (E46): Service Manual: M3, 323i, 323Ci, 325i, 325Ci, 325xi, 328i, 328Ci, 330i, 330Ci, 330xi: Sedan, Coupe, Convertible, and Sport Wagon: 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005. (2005). Cambridge, MA: Bentley.
I believe that I found an error….
Exterior Bumper to impact absorber M10 39 41
Exterior Bumper bracket to impact absorber M10 30 41