BMW E46 Torque Specs — Complete Reference (All Engines)
If you're working on a BMW E46 and you're reaching for the torque wrench , this is the page you want open. The E46 3 Series is a genuinely rewarding car to maintain — the engineering is logical, parts are accessible, and the DIY community is enormous. But get the torque specs wrong and you'll be dealing with cracked plastic housings, stretched bolts, or a cooling system that lets go at the worst possible moment.
Quick answer: on a BMW E46, wheel bolts are 120 Nm (89 ft-lb), the oil drain plug is 25 Nm (18 ft-lb), and the thermostat housing bolts are 10 Nm (7.4 ft-lb) because the housing is plastic. The tables below cover engine, cooling, drivetrain, suspension, steering and brakes for the petrol and diesel E46 engines built from 1998 to 2006.
Every spec comes from BMW's own repair manual (TIS) and links to the page it came from. BMW often uses different values by engine, thread size or bolt grade, so check the Engine column and the notes before you tighten anything. ft-lb values are converted from Nm and rounded.
Last updated: October 2026
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Before you start
Replace stretch bolts. Cylinder head, main bearing cap and connecting rod bolts are torque-to-yield. BMW says replace them every time.
Go easy on plastic cooling parts. The expansion tank, thermostat housing and radiator neck are plastic and get brittle with age. Never overtighten them.
Angle steps. "Then +90°" means turn the bolt a further 90 degrees after the torque step. An angle gauge makes this easy.
Tools that cover most of this page
- TEKTON 1/2 in. drive torque wrench (10 to 150 ft-lb): wheel bolts, caliper carriers and most suspension specs.
- TEKTON 1/4 in. drive torque wrench (10 to 150 in-lb): the small stuff at 10 Nm or less, like cam cover, thermostat housing and oil pan bolts. A big wrench can't read these accurately.
- OTC 1/2 in. drive torque angle gauge: for every "then +90°" step on head, main bearing and rod bolts.
Engine
| Job | Engine | Torque | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cylinder head bolts | M43TU | 30 Nm (22 ft-lb), then +90°, then +90° | Replace bolts | BMW TIS |
| Cylinder head bolts | M54 | 40 Nm (30 ft-lb), then +90°, then +90° | Replace bolts | BMW TIS |
| Cylinder head bolts | S54 | 30 Nm (22 ft-lb), then +90°, then +90° | Replace bolts | BMW TIS |
| Cylinder head bolts | Diesel (M47, M57) | 80 Nm (59 ft-lb), loosen all bolts half a turn, 50 Nm (37 ft-lb), then +90°, then +90° | Replace bolts | BMW TIS |
| Cam cover bolts | All | M6: 10 Nm (7.4 ft-lb). M7: 15 Nm (11 ft-lb) | BMW TIS | |
| Camshaft bearing caps | All | M6: 10 Nm (7.4 ft-lb). M7: 14 Nm (10 ft-lb). M8: 20 Nm (15 ft-lb) | BMW TIS | |
| Main bearing cap bolts | M43TU | 20 Nm (15 ft-lb), then +50° | Replace bolts | BMW TIS |
| Main bearing cap bolts | M54 | 20 Nm (15 ft-lb), then +70° | Replace bolts | BMW TIS |
| Main bearing cap bolts | S54 | 25 Nm (18 ft-lb), then +50° | Replace bolts | BMW TIS |
| Main bearing cap bolts | M47, M57 | 20 Nm (15 ft-lb), then +70° | Replace bolts | BMW TIS |
| Main bearing cap bolts | M47TU, M57TU | 22 Nm (16 ft-lb), then +90° | Replace bolts | BMW TIS |
| Connecting rod bolts | M43TU, M54 | 5 Nm (3.7 ft-lb), 20 Nm (15 ft-lb), then +70° | Replace bolts | BMW TIS |
| Connecting rod bolts | S54 (M11 bolts) | 5 Nm (3.7 ft-lb), 30 Nm (22 ft-lb), then +70° | Replace bolts | BMW TIS |
| Connecting rod bolts | S54 (M10 Torx bolts) | 5 Nm (3.7 ft-lb), 30 Nm (22 ft-lb), then +105°, done three times | Replace bolts. Check which bolt type you have | BMW TIS |
| Connecting rod bolts | M47, M57 | 5 Nm (3.7 ft-lb), 20 Nm (15 ft-lb), then +70° | Replace bolts | BMW TIS |
| Oil pan bolts | All | M6 grade 8.8: 10 Nm (7.4 ft-lb). M6 grade 10.9: 12 Nm (8.9 ft-lb) | BMW TIS | |
| Oil drain plug | All | 25 Nm (18 ft-lb) | M12 x 1.5. New sealing ring | BMW TIS |
| Oil pressure switch | All | 27 Nm (20 ft-lb) | BMW TIS | |
| Rear main seal housing bolts | All | M6: 10 Nm (7.4 ft-lb). M8: 22 Nm (16 ft-lb) | BMW TIS | |
| Crankshaft hub / vibration damper bolt | M43TU | 330 Nm (243 ft-lb) | BMW TIS | |
| Crankshaft hub / vibration damper bolt | M54 | 410 Nm (302 ft-lb) | Central M18 bolt. Replace bolt | BMW TIS |
| Vibration damper hub bolts | S54 | M12 bolts: 60 Nm (44 ft-lb), then +50°, then +50° | No single central bolt on the S54 | BMW TIS |
| Crankshaft hub bolt | M47, M47TU | 100 Nm (74 ft-lb), then +60°, then +60°, then +30° | Replace bolt | BMW TIS |
| Vibration damper bolts | M57, M57TU | M10 bolts: 40 Nm (30 ft-lb), then +60° | Replace bolts | BMW TIS |
| Timing chain tensioner | M54 | 70 Nm (52 ft-lb) | BMW TIS | |
| VANOS solenoid valve | M54 | 30 Nm (22 ft-lb) | BMW TIS | |
| Spark plugs | Petrol | M12 thread: 23 ±3 Nm (17 ft-lb). M14 thread: 30 ±3 Nm (22 ft-lb) | Install dry, no anti-seize | BMW TIS |
| Glow plugs | Diesel | 18 Nm (13 ft-lb) | BMW TIS |
Parts for an oil change and plugs (six-cylinder, non-M)
- Pelican E46 oil change kit: Mann filter kit with drain plug seal plus 7 liters of Liqui Moly 5W-40 (BMW LL-01). Fits 323, 325, 328 and 330 six-cylinders.
- Mann oil filter kit (11427512300): if you already have oil. Includes the filter, O-ring and drain plug washer.
- NGK spark plugs, set of six (BKR6EQUP): the factory-type plug for M52TU and M54 engines. These are M14 plugs, so 30 Nm (22 ft-lb), installed dry.
Cooling
| Job | Engine | Torque | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thermostat housing bolts | All | 10 Nm (7.4 ft-lb) | Plastic housing. Do not overtighten | BMW TIS |
| Water pump bolts | M43TU, M54, diesel | M6: 10 Nm (7.4 ft-lb). M7: 15 Nm (11 ft-lb). M8: 22 Nm (16 ft-lb) | BMW TIS | |
| Coolant temperature sensor | All | 20 Nm (15 ft-lb) | BMW TIS | |
| Viscous fan clutch nut | All except M54 | 40 Nm (30 ft-lb) | BMW TIS | |
| Viscous fan clutch nut | M54 | 45 Nm (33 ft-lb) | BMW TIS | |
| Expansion tank to body | All | 9 Nm (6.6 ft-lb) | BMW TIS | |
| Radiator drain plug | All | 2.5 Nm (1.8 ft-lb) | Plastic part | BMW TIS |
| Coolant hose clamps (32 to 48 mm) | All | 2.5 Nm (1.8 ft-lb) | BMW TIS |
Parts for a cooling refresh (M52 and M54)
- ECS cooling system refresh kit, level 1: water pump, thermostat with housing, expansion tank with cap, both radiator hoses, fan switch and a gallon of BMW coolant. Worth doing around 80,000 miles.
Intake and fuel
| Job | Engine | Torque | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intake manifold bolts | Petrol | M6: 10 Nm (7.4 ft-lb). M7: 15 Nm (11 ft-lb). M8: 22 Nm (16 ft-lb) | BMW TIS | |
| Intake manifold | Diesel | M6 screws: 10 Nm (7.4 ft-lb). M7 nuts: 15 Nm (11 ft-lb) | BMW TIS | |
| Fuel rail / injectors to intake manifold | All | 10 Nm (7.4 ft-lb) | M6 | BMW TIS |
| Fuel tank strap bolts | All | 19 Nm (14 ft-lb) | M8 | BMW TIS |
Exhaust
| Job | Engine | Torque | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exhaust manifold nuts | M54 | M7: 20 Nm (15 ft-lb) | Replace nuts | BMW TIS |
| Exhaust manifold nuts | M43TU | M7: 15 Nm (11 ft-lb). M8: 23 Nm (17 ft-lb) | Replace nuts | BMW TIS |
| Exhaust manifold nuts | M47, M57 | M8: 20 Nm (15 ft-lb) | Replace nuts | BMW TIS |
| Downpipe to manifold | S54 | M10: 27 Nm (20 ft-lb) Euro cars, 24 Nm (18 ft-lb) US cars | BMW TIS | |
| Downpipe to manifold | M43TU | M10: 45 Nm (33 ft-lb) | BMW TIS | |
| Downpipe to manifold | M57 | M10: 42 Nm (31 ft-lb) | BMW TIS | |
| Rear muffler clamp | All | M8: 15 Nm (11 ft-lb) | BMW TIS | |
| Oxygen sensor | Petrol | 50 Nm (37 ft-lb) | M18 x 1.5 | BMW TIS |
Clutch and flywheel
| Job | Engine | Torque | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flywheel bolts | M43TU | 120 Nm (89 ft-lb) | Replace bolts | BMW TIS |
| Flywheel bolts | M54 | 105 Nm (77 ft-lb) | Replace bolts | BMW TIS |
| Pressure plate bolts | Manual | M8 grade 8.8: 25 Nm (18 ft-lb). M8 grade 10.9: 34 Nm (25 ft-lb) | BMW TIS | |
| Clutch slave cylinder | Manual | 22 Nm (16 ft-lb) | BMW TIS | |
| Clutch master cylinder | Manual | 22 Nm (16 ft-lb) | BMW TIS |
Transmission
| Job | Engine | Torque | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clutch housing to engine block | All | M8: 28 Nm (21 ft-lb). M10: 56 Nm (41 ft-lb). M12: 98 Nm (72 ft-lb) | Housing bolts into the block | BMW TIS |
| Transmission to engine (hex bolts) | All | M8: 25 Nm (18 ft-lb). M10: 49 Nm (36 ft-lb). M12: 74 Nm (55 ft-lb) | BMW TIS | |
| Transmission to engine (Torx bolts) | All | M8: 22 Nm (16 ft-lb). M10: 43 Nm (32 ft-lb). M12: 72 Nm (53 ft-lb) | Steel Torx M12: 66 Nm (49 ft-lb) | BMW TIS |
| Transmission crossmember to body | All | 21 Nm (15 ft-lb) | M8 | BMW TIS |
| Transmission mount bracket | All | 19 Nm (14 ft-lb) | M8 | BMW TIS |
| Shifter console bolts | Manual | 25 Nm (18 ft-lb) | BMW TIS | |
| Automatic transmission pan bolts | A5S 325Z | 6 Nm (4.4 ft-lb) | BMW TIS | |
| Automatic transmission pan bolts | A5S 360R/390R, GA6HP19Z | 10 Nm (7.4 ft-lb) | BMW TIS |
Driveshaft and differential
| Job | Engine | Torque | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Driveshaft flex disc | All | M10 grade 8.8: 48 Nm (35 ft-lb). M10 grade 10.9: 64 Nm (47 ft-lb). M12 grade 10.9: 100 Nm (74 ft-lb) | M3 with M12 10.9 bolts: 115 Nm (85 ft-lb) | BMW TIS |
| Driveshaft center support bearing | All | 21 Nm (15 ft-lb) | BMW TIS | |
| Driveshaft to differential (U-joint) | All | M10 compression nut: 64 Nm (47 ft-lb). M10 Torx: 85 Nm (63 ft-lb) | BMW TIS | |
| Driveshaft to differential (CV joint) | All | M8 compression nut: 32 Nm (24 ft-lb). M10 compression nut: 64 Nm (47 ft-lb). M8 finned nut: 43 Nm (32 ft-lb). M10 finned nut: 70 Nm (52 ft-lb) | M3 M10 Torx: 70 Nm (52 ft-lb) | BMW TIS |
| Differential front mount | All except M3 | 95 Nm (70 ft-lb) | M3: 200 Nm (148 ft-lb) | BMW TIS |
| Differential rear mount | All except M3 | 174 Nm (128 ft-lb) | M3: 20 Nm (15 ft-lb), then +90° | BMW TIS |
| Differential cover bolts | All | M10 grade 8.8: 45 Nm (33 ft-lb). M10 grade 10.9: 55 Nm (41 ft-lb) | 215K diff: 90 Nm (66 ft-lb) | BMW TIS |
| Differential fill and drain plugs | All | Plug with sealing ring: 65 Nm (48 ft-lb). Plug with O-ring: 60 Nm (44 ft-lb) | BMW TIS | |
| Rear axle collar nut | All | M27: 300 Nm (221 ft-lb). M24: 250 Nm (184 ft-lb) | Replace nut | BMW TIS |
Front suspension
| Job | Engine | Torque | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strut top nut (piston rod) | All | 64 Nm (47 ft-lb) | Replace nut | BMW TIS |
| Strut top mount to body | All | 34 Nm (25 ft-lb) | Replace nuts | BMW TIS |
| Strut to knuckle clamp bolt | All | 81 Nm (60 ft-lb) | M12. Replace bolt | BMW TIS |
| Control arm ball joint to knuckle | All | 65 Nm (48 ft-lb) | No impact gun | BMW TIS |
| Control arm ball joint to subframe | All | 90 Nm (66 ft-lb) | Replace nuts | BMW TIS |
| Control arm rear bushing bracket to body | All | 59 Nm (44 ft-lb) | BMW TIS | |
| Sway bar end link | All | 65 Nm (48 ft-lb) | BMW TIS | |
| Sway bar clamp | All | 21 Nm (15 ft-lb) | M8 | BMW TIS |
| Front subframe bolts | All | 110 Nm (81 ft-lb) | M12 grade 10.9. Replace bolts | BMW TIS |
| Front wheel hub nut | All | 290 Nm (214 ft-lb) | BMW TIS |
Parts for front end links
- Lemförder front sway bar end link (31351095694): the OE supplier part. Sold individually, so order two. Fits rear-wheel-drive E46 and M3, not xi models. Tighten to 65 Nm (48 ft-lb).
Rear suspension
| Job | Engine | Torque | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trailing arm bracket to body | All | 77 Nm (57 ft-lb) | BMW TIS | |
| Trailing arm to bracket | All | 110 Nm (81 ft-lb) | BMW TIS | |
| Rear control arms to subframe | All | 77 Nm (57 ft-lb) | Upper, lower, camber and toe arms | BMW TIS |
| Rear control arms to trailing arm | All | 110 Nm (81 ft-lb) | Upper, lower, camber and toe arms | BMW TIS |
| Rear subframe to body | All | 77 Nm (57 ft-lb) | M12 x 1.5. Subframe stud to body: 90 Nm (66 ft-lb) | BMW TIS |
| Rear shock to body | All | 28 Nm (21 ft-lb) | M8. Replace nuts | BMW TIS |
| Rear shock to trailing arm | All | 100 Nm (74 ft-lb) | M12 | BMW TIS |
Steering
| Job | Engine | Torque | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steering rack to subframe | All | 42 Nm (31 ft-lb) | M10 | BMW TIS |
| Inner tie rod to rack | All except M3 | 100 Nm +10 Nm (74 ft-lb +7) | M3: 110 Nm (81 ft-lb) | BMW TIS |
| Tie rod end nut | All | 65 Nm (48 ft-lb) | Replace nut. No impact gun | BMW TIS |
| Steering column coupling | All | 22 Nm (16 ft-lb) | Replace clamping bolt | BMW TIS |
Brakes and wheels
| Job | Engine | Torque | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Front caliper carrier bolts | All | 110 Nm (81 ft-lb) | BMW TIS | |
| Front caliper guide pins | All | 25 to 30 Nm (18 to 22 ft-lb) | BMW TIS | |
| Rear caliper carrier bolts | All | 65 Nm (48 ft-lb) | BMW TIS | |
| Rear caliper guide pins | All | 25 to 30 Nm (18 to 22 ft-lb) | BMW TIS | |
| Rotor retaining screw | All | 16 Nm (12 ft-lb) | Front and rear | BMW TIS |
| Brake master cylinder nuts | All | 26 Nm (19 ft-lb) | Replace self-locking nuts | BMW TIS |
| Brake booster to firewall | All | 25 Nm (18 ft-lb) | BMW TIS | |
| ABS sensor bolt | All | 8 Nm (5.9 ft-lb) | BMW TIS | |
| Wheel bolts | All | 120 ±10 Nm (89 ft-lb) | M12 | BMW TIS |
FAQ
What is the wheel bolt torque on a BMW E46?
120 Nm (89 ft-lb), plus or minus 10 Nm, for the M12 wheel bolts, per BMW's repair manual.
What is the oil drain plug torque on a BMW E46?
25 Nm (18 ft-lb) for the M12 x 1.5 drain plug. Use a new sealing ring.
What is the spark plug torque on a BMW E46?
23 Nm (17 ft-lb), plus or minus 3, for M12 plugs and 30 Nm (22 ft-lb), plus or minus 3, for M14 plugs. BMW says install them dry.
What is the crank bolt torque on an E46 M54?
410 Nm (302 ft-lb) for the central M18 bolt. BMW says replace the bolt.
Sources
All values come from BMW TIS (issue 12/2007) for the E46 330i (M54), M3 (S54), 318i (M43TU), 320d (M47) and 330d (M57), as hosted on workshop-manuals.com. A few specs from the older version of this page are left out until we can confirm them against BMW's manual.