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880 Posts
Hey All:
So for YEARS now I have taken from the community, and other than $40 a year -- I never give really anything back, so I am consolidating a ton of research into one thread to give the e46 Community a "one stop shop" for the various torque specs needs.
I have ripped about a half dozen screw and bolt heads off various screws and bolts, and I figured -- I am likely not the only one so here it goes from the most common stuff to the least common stuff.
First I'll start off with how to look this stuff up on your own;
Every BMW bolt has a name. No BMW bolt lacks a name. Let me say this again. If you drive a BMW -- ever single bolt and screw in the car has a name -- and it means something.
If you look at a combination of two things with the attached document:
You can always find out the torque specs for the bolt, unless the housing limits it, which I will highlight below.
Lets take a bolt that holds the main drive belt tensioner in place.
Its BMW part number: 07119905533
It looks like this:
And its Name is this: M8X35-U1
The M8 tells you what class* (class meaning the size of the head M = Metric and 8 = 8 mm) of bolt it is.
The X means "by"
The 35 tells you its length in millimetres.
If you look at the photo, you see an 8,8 which translated into American means "8.8" which if you look at page 2 of the attached PDF gives you the torque specs;
17.7 Ft Pounds
24 NM
A lot of people call an 8mm bolt 13mm, because that's the size of wrench you use. 8mm is the outside diameter of the threads.
If you measure the threads of an 8mm nut, it will read less than 8mmm, since your are measuring the inside diameter.
"Pitch" is another spec that's useful to know.
A typical 8 mm bolt has the pitch of 1.25mm. This means the bolt travels 1.25mm over one turn, or the distance between adjacent threads.
The lower the pitch, the "finer" the threads are.
To add to what Jfoj said, you should use a 1/4" ratchet for small bolts, like the 6mm on the valve cover.
The 3/8" ratchet that is used for most applications is too big for them, it's easy to over tighten.
If I do not cover your specific torque below, please PM me with what bolt it is and the correct torque specs, and I will keep this thread updated.
----
Excellent Question
Step 2) Pop said part number in Google images
Step 3) Click on the ECS tuning photos
Step 4) While you are there go ahead and spend the $5 on new bolts
Step 5) Go to Amazon.com and Purchase Rust Encapsulator, which you can coat the bolt in to prevent it from rusting in the future.
-----
This is the Torque Wrench I purchased here in Germany after I ripped enough valve cover bolts off two weekends ago -- and I can tell you this thing is awesome;
Here is the American Version --
http://www.amazon.com/Proxxon-23349...2642133&sr=8-2&keywords=proxxon+torque+wrench
Its great because it is a low torque torque wrench accurate from 6 NM up to 30 NM, which is perfect for our motors.
For the rest of the car, here is its big brother;
http://www.amazon.com/Proxxon-23353...2642133&sr=8-3&keywords=proxxon+torque+wrench
You can never have too many tools -- and if you are doing the work yourself -- you are saving hundreds in labor at the shop, so go ahead and spend some of that on a good torque wrench you can use your entire life.
Here is a review (by a German -- obviously) in English for the torque Wrench.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utumXTK3e98&spfreload=10
And how to use a Torque Wrench for Newbies--
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AriiR1i0DmI&spfreload=10
Seriously guys -- if you work on these cars (where everything is fricking aluminium) -- and not paying ($$$$$$/***8364;***8364;***8364;***8364;***8364;***8364;/££££££) someone to do it for you -- spend the money you would have on labor on the correct tools.
If you purchase the correct tools -- the tools and the "know how" will stick with you your entire life, and will transfer from car to car to car.
Good tools are an investment in yourself.
Here in Germany we have a saying
"Für alle diejenigen die günstig kaufen, kauft zweimal." It translates "Those who buy cheap buy twice." Spend the cash to get good tools, and you could be buried with them if you wanted to.
(Will edit this into first post as soon as I am allowed to edit it again)
:thanks:
Engine and Engine/Trans/Drive Train Related
Oil Change
Oil Filter Housing
18.5 Ft Pounds
25 NM
Oil Filter Drain Plug
18.5 Ft Pounds
25 NM
Manual Transmission Oil Change
5 Speed Manual
Drain & Fill Plugs
37 Ft Pounds
50 NM
Drain & Fill Plugs with an Alan Head
26 Ft Pounds
35 NM
6 Speed Manual
Drain & Fill Plugs
38.5 Ft Pounds
52 NM
Drain & Fill Plugs with an Alan Head
26 Ft Pounds
35 NM
Automatic Transmission
14 Ft Pounds
19 NM
Rear Differential
For Plugs with a Metal Seal Ring
48 Ft. Pounds
65 NM
For Plugs with a Rubber O-Ring
44.5 Ft. Pounds
60 NM
Oil Filter Housing Bolts (For Accessing Oil Filter Housing Gasket)
15 Ft. Pounds
22 NM
Valve Cover (Bolts & Stand-Offs)
7 Ft. Pounds
10 NM
Vanos Oil Hose from Oil Filter Housing (Hose with Hollow Bolt)
23.5 Ft. Pounds
32 NM
Bolts Holding the Vanos onto the top of the Motor (Nuts & Stand-Offs + 1 Securing Bolt)
6 Ft. Pounds
8 NM
Reverse Thread Vanos Bolts Connecting Vanos to Cam Shafts
6 Ft. Pounds
8 NM
VANOS Piston Plug Caps (the biggest thing you have to screw down in VANOS job)
37 Ft. Pounds
50 NM
Spark Plugs
22 Ft. Pounds
30 NM
Throttle Body Bolts
7.3 Ft. Pounds
10 NM
Belt Tensioners & Pully (Both Mechanical & Hydraulic)
Main Belt
17.7 Ft Pounds
24 NM
A/C Belt
34.7 Ft Pounds
47 NM
Drive Line Belt Pully
34.7 Ft Pounds
47 NM
Thermostat
1 of 3 Identical Bolts (Part Number 11531740317)
7.3 Ft Pounds
9.9 NM
1 of 1 Bolts (Part Number 11531740316)
17.7 Ft Pounds
24 NM
Coolant Pump
Pump
7.4 Ft Pounds
10 NM
Pully (4x 07119904524)
7.4 Ft Pounds
10 NM
Oil Pan Bolts (THESE CHANGE SO ALWAYS REMEMBER WHAT BOLTS YOU REMOVE FROM WHERE
If they have an "8,8" on the head
7.4 Ft Pounds
10 NM
If they have a 10,9 on the head
10.3 Ft Pounds
14 NM
Rear Diff Back Cover Bolts
34.6 Ft Pounds
47 NM
Alternator
Short of the Two (125 MM)
47 Ft Pounds
63.75 NM
Longer of the Two (150 mm)
47 Ft Pounds
63.75 NM
Starter Motor
47 Ft Pounds
63.75 NM
Intake Manifold
M7 Nuts
11 Ft Pounds
15 NM
M8 Nuts
16 Ft Pounds
22 NM
DISA Screws
7 Ft Pounds
10 NM
Suspension & Braking
Caliber Guide Bolts
22 Ft Pounds
30 NM
Wheel/Rim Lug Nut
87 Ft Pounds
118 NM
Control Arm Bushing
44 Ft. Pounds
59 NM
Control Arms
Inner Ball Joint to Subframe
66 Ft Pounds
89.5 NM
Out Ball Joint to Steering Arm
48 Ft Pounds
65 NM
Outer Tie-Rod
Connecting to Steering Arm
48 Ft. Pounds
65 NM
Outer tie rod end lock nut 33 ft lb (what's in the center of the entire tie rod)
33 Ft Pounds
44.75 NM
Inner Tie Rod to Steering Rack
74 + 7 Ft Pounds
100 + 8 NM
Aluminium Brace Subframe Underplate
43.5 Ft Pounds
59 NM
Brake Caliber Mounting Bolts
81 Ft Pounds
110 NM
Rear Trailing Arm
Bracket to Body
57 Ft. Pounds
77.25 NM
Bushing Through Bolt
81 Ft Pounds
110 NM
Rear lower control arm to trailing arm bolt
57 Ft. Pounds
77.25 NM
Front Rear Subframe Bolts
66.3 Ft Pounds
90 NM
Rear Rear Subframe Bolts
57.8 Ft Pounds
77 NM
1 Front Rear Diff Mount Bolt
128 Ft. Pounds
174 NM
2 Rear Rear Diff Mount Bolts
70 Ft Pounds
95 NM
Guibo to Transmission/Driveshaft
74 Ft Pounds
100 NM
Driveshaft to Rear Differential Flange
63 Ft Pounds
85 NM
Front Wheel Bearing Axel Bolt Release
157.8 Ft Pounds
214 NM
Rear Wheel Bearing Axel Bolt Release
157.8 Ft Pounds
214 NM
Rear Axel Bolts to Rear Diff
73.75 Ft Pounds
100 NM
Rear Lower Strut Mount Bolt
84.8 Ft Pounds
115 NM
2 Lower Front Strut Mount Bolts
84.8 Ft Pounds
115 NM
Driveshaft
Driveshaft to Rear Diff
48.7 Ft Pounds
66 NM
Driveshaft to Trans
84.8 Ft Pounds
115 NM
As I said above, I know I am missing tooooonnnnnns of stuff, so if you guys would message me and PM me what is missing I will gladly add it to the list. Please see the follow post for attachment.
Keywords;
"e46 torque specs" "e46 torque specifications" "BMW 3 series torque specs" "BMW 3 series torque specifications" "M54 torque specs" "M54 torque specifications" "M54B20 torque specs" "M54B22 torque specs" "M54B20 torque specifications" "M54B22 torque specifications" "M54B25 torque specifications" "M54B25 torque specs" "M54B30 torque specs" "M54B30 torque specifications" "Z3 torque specifications" "Z3 torque specs" "X3 torque specs" "X3 torque specifications"
So for YEARS now I have taken from the community, and other than $40 a year -- I never give really anything back, so I am consolidating a ton of research into one thread to give the e46 Community a "one stop shop" for the various torque specs needs.
I have ripped about a half dozen screw and bolt heads off various screws and bolts, and I figured -- I am likely not the only one so here it goes from the most common stuff to the least common stuff.
First I'll start off with how to look this stuff up on your own;
Every BMW bolt has a name. No BMW bolt lacks a name. Let me say this again. If you drive a BMW -- ever single bolt and screw in the car has a name -- and it means something.
If you look at a combination of two things with the attached document:
You can always find out the torque specs for the bolt, unless the housing limits it, which I will highlight below.
Lets take a bolt that holds the main drive belt tensioner in place.
Its BMW part number: 07119905533
It looks like this:

And its Name is this: M8X35-U1
The M8 tells you what class* (class meaning the size of the head M = Metric and 8 = 8 mm) of bolt it is.
The X means "by"
The 35 tells you its length in millimetres.
If you look at the photo, you see an 8,8 which translated into American means "8.8" which if you look at page 2 of the attached PDF gives you the torque specs;
17.7 Ft Pounds
24 NM
A lot of people call an 8mm bolt 13mm, because that's the size of wrench you use. 8mm is the outside diameter of the threads.
If you measure the threads of an 8mm nut, it will read less than 8mmm, since your are measuring the inside diameter.
"Pitch" is another spec that's useful to know.
A typical 8 mm bolt has the pitch of 1.25mm. This means the bolt travels 1.25mm over one turn, or the distance between adjacent threads.
The lower the pitch, the "finer" the threads are.
To add to what Jfoj said, you should use a 1/4" ratchet for small bolts, like the 6mm on the valve cover.
The 3/8" ratchet that is used for most applications is too big for them, it's easy to over tighten.
If I do not cover your specific torque below, please PM me with what bolt it is and the correct torque specs, and I will keep this thread updated.
----
Excellent Question
Step 1) Go to RealOEM and find the part numberHow do you find the name of a bolt whose head is rusted beyond any readability?
Step 2) Pop said part number in Google images
Step 3) Click on the ECS tuning photos
Step 4) While you are there go ahead and spend the $5 on new bolts
Step 5) Go to Amazon.com and Purchase Rust Encapsulator, which you can coat the bolt in to prevent it from rusting in the future.
-----
Thats a great idea!excellent thread...
also a suggestion since this is about torque, maybe links of recommended torque wrench and a how to use it (video)?
This is the Torque Wrench I purchased here in Germany after I ripped enough valve cover bolts off two weekends ago -- and I can tell you this thing is awesome;
Here is the American Version --
http://www.amazon.com/Proxxon-23349...2642133&sr=8-2&keywords=proxxon+torque+wrench
Its great because it is a low torque torque wrench accurate from 6 NM up to 30 NM, which is perfect for our motors.
For the rest of the car, here is its big brother;
http://www.amazon.com/Proxxon-23353...2642133&sr=8-3&keywords=proxxon+torque+wrench
You can never have too many tools -- and if you are doing the work yourself -- you are saving hundreds in labor at the shop, so go ahead and spend some of that on a good torque wrench you can use your entire life.
Here is a review (by a German -- obviously) in English for the torque Wrench.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utumXTK3e98&spfreload=10
And how to use a Torque Wrench for Newbies--
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AriiR1i0DmI&spfreload=10
Seriously guys -- if you work on these cars (where everything is fricking aluminium) -- and not paying ($$$$$$/***8364;***8364;***8364;***8364;***8364;***8364;/££££££) someone to do it for you -- spend the money you would have on labor on the correct tools.
If you purchase the correct tools -- the tools and the "know how" will stick with you your entire life, and will transfer from car to car to car.
Good tools are an investment in yourself.
Here in Germany we have a saying
"Für alle diejenigen die günstig kaufen, kauft zweimal." It translates "Those who buy cheap buy twice." Spend the cash to get good tools, and you could be buried with them if you wanted to.
(Will edit this into first post as soon as I am allowed to edit it again)
:thanks:
Engine and Engine/Trans/Drive Train Related
Oil Change
Oil Filter Housing
18.5 Ft Pounds
25 NM
Oil Filter Drain Plug
18.5 Ft Pounds
25 NM
Manual Transmission Oil Change
5 Speed Manual
Drain & Fill Plugs
37 Ft Pounds
50 NM
Drain & Fill Plugs with an Alan Head
26 Ft Pounds
35 NM
6 Speed Manual
Drain & Fill Plugs
38.5 Ft Pounds
52 NM
Drain & Fill Plugs with an Alan Head
26 Ft Pounds
35 NM
Automatic Transmission
14 Ft Pounds
19 NM
Rear Differential
For Plugs with a Metal Seal Ring
48 Ft. Pounds
65 NM
For Plugs with a Rubber O-Ring
44.5 Ft. Pounds
60 NM
Oil Filter Housing Bolts (For Accessing Oil Filter Housing Gasket)
15 Ft. Pounds
22 NM
Valve Cover (Bolts & Stand-Offs)
7 Ft. Pounds
10 NM
Vanos Oil Hose from Oil Filter Housing (Hose with Hollow Bolt)
23.5 Ft. Pounds
32 NM
Bolts Holding the Vanos onto the top of the Motor (Nuts & Stand-Offs + 1 Securing Bolt)
6 Ft. Pounds
8 NM
Reverse Thread Vanos Bolts Connecting Vanos to Cam Shafts
6 Ft. Pounds
8 NM
VANOS Piston Plug Caps (the biggest thing you have to screw down in VANOS job)
37 Ft. Pounds
50 NM
Spark Plugs
22 Ft. Pounds
30 NM
Throttle Body Bolts
7.3 Ft. Pounds
10 NM
Belt Tensioners & Pully (Both Mechanical & Hydraulic)
Main Belt
17.7 Ft Pounds
24 NM
A/C Belt
34.7 Ft Pounds
47 NM
Drive Line Belt Pully
34.7 Ft Pounds
47 NM
Thermostat
1 of 3 Identical Bolts (Part Number 11531740317)
7.3 Ft Pounds
9.9 NM
1 of 1 Bolts (Part Number 11531740316)
17.7 Ft Pounds
24 NM
Coolant Pump
Pump
7.4 Ft Pounds
10 NM
Pully (4x 07119904524)
7.4 Ft Pounds
10 NM
Oil Pan Bolts (THESE CHANGE SO ALWAYS REMEMBER WHAT BOLTS YOU REMOVE FROM WHERE
If they have an "8,8" on the head
7.4 Ft Pounds
10 NM
If they have a 10,9 on the head
10.3 Ft Pounds
14 NM
Rear Diff Back Cover Bolts
34.6 Ft Pounds
47 NM
Alternator
Short of the Two (125 MM)
47 Ft Pounds
63.75 NM
Longer of the Two (150 mm)
47 Ft Pounds
63.75 NM
Starter Motor
47 Ft Pounds
63.75 NM
Intake Manifold
M7 Nuts
11 Ft Pounds
15 NM
M8 Nuts
16 Ft Pounds
22 NM
DISA Screws
7 Ft Pounds
10 NM
Suspension & Braking
Caliber Guide Bolts
22 Ft Pounds
30 NM
Wheel/Rim Lug Nut
87 Ft Pounds
118 NM
Control Arm Bushing
44 Ft. Pounds
59 NM
Control Arms
Inner Ball Joint to Subframe
66 Ft Pounds
89.5 NM
Out Ball Joint to Steering Arm
48 Ft Pounds
65 NM
Outer Tie-Rod
Connecting to Steering Arm
48 Ft. Pounds
65 NM
Outer tie rod end lock nut 33 ft lb (what's in the center of the entire tie rod)
33 Ft Pounds
44.75 NM
Inner Tie Rod to Steering Rack
74 + 7 Ft Pounds
100 + 8 NM
Aluminium Brace Subframe Underplate
43.5 Ft Pounds
59 NM
Brake Caliber Mounting Bolts
81 Ft Pounds
110 NM
Rear Trailing Arm
Bracket to Body
57 Ft. Pounds
77.25 NM
Bushing Through Bolt
81 Ft Pounds
110 NM
Rear lower control arm to trailing arm bolt
57 Ft. Pounds
77.25 NM
Front Rear Subframe Bolts
66.3 Ft Pounds
90 NM
Rear Rear Subframe Bolts
57.8 Ft Pounds
77 NM
1 Front Rear Diff Mount Bolt
128 Ft. Pounds
174 NM
2 Rear Rear Diff Mount Bolts
70 Ft Pounds
95 NM
Guibo to Transmission/Driveshaft
74 Ft Pounds
100 NM
Driveshaft to Rear Differential Flange
63 Ft Pounds
85 NM
Front Wheel Bearing Axel Bolt Release
157.8 Ft Pounds
214 NM
Rear Wheel Bearing Axel Bolt Release
157.8 Ft Pounds
214 NM
Rear Axel Bolts to Rear Diff
73.75 Ft Pounds
100 NM
Rear Lower Strut Mount Bolt
84.8 Ft Pounds
115 NM
2 Lower Front Strut Mount Bolts
84.8 Ft Pounds
115 NM
Driveshaft
Driveshaft to Rear Diff
48.7 Ft Pounds
66 NM
Driveshaft to Trans
84.8 Ft Pounds
115 NM
As I said above, I know I am missing tooooonnnnnns of stuff, so if you guys would message me and PM me what is missing I will gladly add it to the list. Please see the follow post for attachment.
Keywords;
"e46 torque specs" "e46 torque specifications" "BMW 3 series torque specs" "BMW 3 series torque specifications" "M54 torque specs" "M54 torque specifications" "M54B20 torque specs" "M54B22 torque specs" "M54B20 torque specifications" "M54B22 torque specifications" "M54B25 torque specifications" "M54B25 torque specs" "M54B30 torque specs" "M54B30 torque specifications" "Z3 torque specifications" "Z3 torque specs" "X3 torque specs" "X3 torque specifications"