BMW S54: Everything You Need To Know - The BMW E46 M3 Engine Guide

►Getting into an S54-powered M car, whether a BMW E46 M3, a Z3M, or a Z4M is a memorable experience. The inline-six engine has been a staple in BMWs since its introduction, and few have garnered more respect and admiration than the S54B32 found in the E46 M. The high-strung, naturally aspirated mill screams motorsports pedigree at rest and shrieks its way to a 7900 rpm red line with a sound bested by few engines, regardless of cylinder count. Over twenty years since its introduction, the S54 remains a highly-capable performer on the street and on the race track, thanks to its strong output per liter and deep aftermarket support.
In this BMW S54 diagnostic guide, you will learn about the common issues such as VANOS failures, connecting rod bearings, camshaft sprocket bolts, timing chain guides, oil leaks, water pump, and the always necessary valve adjustment. If you're looking to modify your S54, this guide covers that as well, both for performance and for reliability.
00:00 - Intro
00:51 - BMW S54 Engine Cooling System
04:58 - BMW S54 Engine Oil System/Leaks
08:38 - BMW S54 Engine Bearings
10:24 - BMW S54 Engine & Transmission Mounts
11:48 - BMW S54 Engine Coils & Plugs
13:20 - BMW S54 Engine Vanos System
15:34 - BMW S54 Engine Oil Pump
16:53 - BMW S54 Engine Oil Change
18:19 - BMW S54 Engine Valve Lash
20:09 - Wrap-Up
Shop BMW S54 Parts Mentioned Here:
Crankshaft Seal Kit: www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-...
S54 Engine & Transmission Mount Kit: www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-...
S54 Vanos Screen: www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-...
S54 Waterpump & Thermostat Kit: www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-...
S54 Vanos Sealing Plate: www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-...
S54 Oil Pump: www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-...
S54 Oil Filter Housing Gasket: www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-...
S54 Constant Pressure Valve: www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-...
S54 Ignition Coils: www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-...
S54 Spark Plugs: www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-...
S54 Valve Lash Shim Kit: www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-...
S54 Oil Pan Gasket: www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-...
S54 Rod Bearing: www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-...
S54 Oil Change Kit: www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-...
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[@PaleD]

The best M3 ever made, and seeing content that helps ppl get the most out of them and the legendary S54 is amazing. More videos about them would definitely be welcome, even ones that would require an advanced or intermediate DIY level. Thank you for the vid, much appreciated. Full cooling system overhaul is in the books for me.

[@fcpeuro]

Plenty more S54 content otw Christian Haba! You know where to shop when it comes time for that cooling kit!

[@TheRedcroatian]

I just did it with their Kit

[@fcpeuro]

@@TheRedcroatian We've got the DIY for that live as well. Stay tuned as Rod Bearings DIY is coming out soon as well

[@rheinamacher1990]

Did any of you recently see on a press video on BMW Blog that one of the head managers at BMW M of Germany revealed that BMW back in the day produced a one-off, a one of one, E46 M3 CSL concept vehicle, but however, this M3 did not have its traditional S54 Inline-6 cylinder paired up with a tuned SMG-II, but rather, the BMW engineers somehow fitted a complete ///M-tuned 425 bhp, S62B50 V8 engine, borrowed from an E39 M5, paired with a six-speed manual Gertag transmission?

[@TheRedcroatian]

@@rheinamacher1990 we saw that but that's one off

[@gilgonzalez5902]

Not S54 related but Gareth looks like he’s been slimming down a bit 👍🏼

[@fcpeuro]

This was months ago, wait till you see him in some of his recent DIY's! He'll appreciate seeing the support Gil.

[@andrewa.3304]

That is first thing I notice! Good for him and good video!

[@jahmaiellis8067]

What’s the secret

[@gilgonzalez5902]

@@jahmaiellis8067 burning more calories and consuming less. I lost 65 lbs. this way, simple mathematics. How hard it is to actually implement is up to the individual and their level of discipline.

[@user-wj4ed2js2i]

I'm crying right now..... So much gratitude!!!!

[@fcpeuro]

💙

[@calculusentropy]

Love your vids Gareth. Lookin' good.

[@stevenpower3780]

Happy to see you again Gareth!!!!

[@fcpeuro]

"Don't Call it a Comeback!"

[@aaaaachew]

This was excellent! Thanks!

[@floyddasilva2719]

Great video very informative

[@blvanck]

Thanks for the video, I am looking forward to own an E46 M3 and your videos are incredibly useful!

[@WarriorsPhoto]

Have you purchased yours?

[@bryanhernandez502]

This is awesome you should do a video like this for your top 10 most searched cars on ecs 👍

[@crazyasnboy]

Great vid, I’m looking at E46 M3’s

[@xavierscott4801]

Great video. Really enjoy how good he is at explaining everything and making feel less overwhelming. Y’all definitely earned a like and subscribe from me. Especially since you didn’t say anything about it in the video. I really appreciate that.

[@fcpeuro]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you!

[@WarriorsPhoto]

I love your channel for these tips. The only European car I've owned was a Mercedes Benz. If was a wonderful experience and I wish to purchase a BMW M car soon. Listening to these tips helps me understand that owning a BMW is like any car. Understanding what you are getting yourself into is necessary. If a person doesn't wish to understand their car. They'd be best buying a Toyota. Thank you again for these tips.

[@erichernandez4179]

What an amazing video! Now I know where to go once I purchase a 2004 BMW M3 that I have been eyeing for a few weeks….

[@aviationodyssey1892]

More E46 M3 stuff please! Many thanks!

[@1411k_imnotdead]

Awesome video thank you

[@boostedciscoM3]

I have a supercharged 02 M3 myself nice to watch S54 related videos 💪 great info

[@fcpeuro]

How much power is it putting down now Eric?

[@abualghoul]

Great explanation, thank you and looking for more s54 M3 videos

[@fcpeuro]

More to come!

[@PadmaDorjee]

I am completely blown away with the amount of detail and brilliant advice, thank you. Do you sell kits for Australia?

[@russelltaylor3282]

Great explanation on “while you’re”, go ahead and knock it out. You give me hope. Got go get my SPINACH. Got main bearings to do, from a preventive standpoint. My is an 05 and 150,000. You present well. Thanks.

[@fcpeuro]

Happy to hear it, Russell, you got this!

[@MT-ir4qp]

FCP is the only place I buy parts for my M3 and RRS. Always. Ever. One of the best companies out there. I wish all industries followed their philosophy. Keep it up FCP!

[@tony4gu]

Very comprehensive, covered quite a lot, as an owner of these lovely machines they can be a handful but fun to drive.

[@fcpeuro]

They certainly are fun to drive and enjoy!

[@petrsvetr6083]

thank you for great video! Has my S54 rebuilt last year, but it was great to see all of it in detail;-)

[@fcpeuro]

Great to hear!

[@MayurPatelZA]

Thanks for the info. A great overview of what needs to be looked at. I would’ve added the guibo and radiator as something to be looked at too

[@fcpeuro]

Thanks for the note, Mayur!

[@PRAGEETHKARUNADHEERA]

The Wiseco VSK4 kit for valve lash adjustment does not have enough shims for the service. You must have two kits to get the job done.

[@ZHPBrent]

👍👍 great info. I have built a few s54s now. Great engine

[@fcpeuro]

It really is!

[@cparente7]

Ridiculously useful video, thank you! Question - are there any "while you're in there" things to think about when replacing the CPV valve? Also any tips - I wasn't able to get the old one off on first attempt. TIA.

[@964tractorboy]

Very useful and interesting video giving S54 owners plenty to lose sleep over!

[@fcpeuro]

😅

[@robertwinston2496]

Looking forward to the video on adjusting the valve lash. Did this job on my motorcycle; curious the differences on the E46 M3!

[@rugbymike60]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5KcfGyHeL1mhZo

[@carrier7676]

Great video! Now do the S62 engine next!

[@thefeydakin]

Great video. Any tips on checking used E46 M3s for buying would be great too. Vanos .. etc ways to check on test drive inspection

[@billsawyer5265]

where has he been?? Locked up at home? I see the weight loss. WELCOME back

[@jotighe2]

great content

[@fcpeuro]

Thanks for watching!

[@mohammadbenattia9102]

THANK YOU

[@fcpeuro]

You are welcome!!

[@MotherViksChaat]

Best car ever

[@peterscalise1176]

How about a video on sensors? Camshaft, Crankshaft, etc...along with where each is located and how they can be repaired...

[@PeterPounders]

Ive had my E46M3 for 15 years and have liteerly replaced everything he had on that table. Some were preventive measures, but others actually failed.

[@91Niekjuh]

Great video! You guys also planning to do this overview for the S65 Engine? Would be great

[@fcpeuro]

Appreciate that! We do!

[@lazarosalazar3366]

Just converted my 04 smg to manual, new guibo, clutch, valve lash, plugs, vanos bullet proofed, oil changed to motul 8100x power(10w 60). With 126,000 miles, this thing is still a beast. Have to give thanks to Lang racing development in Lake Forest Ca. Looks completely factory done. I loved the S.M.G. but the manual is definitely the way to go. You get so much fun for a few hundred bucks of preventative maintenance per year. I will never get rid of it... Next is full paint job.

[@fcpeuro]

Nice work Lazaro, we love to hear that! What color is next?

[@lazarosalazar3366]

@@fcpeuro Same color, Titanium Silver.

[@thehouse6443]

How was it cost wise?

[@MrTcheisejr]

Finally!

[@jessejimenez9915]

Every time I go back to considering an E4 6 I remember all of these issues and revert back to LS is the answer

[@fcpeuro]

👀

[@bryanhernandez502]

Y’all need to do one for the e92 m3 🙌

[@fcpeuro]

Coming up!

[@1hughjanus80]

Can you do this for f30 328i PLEASE PLEASE

[@aaaaachew]

I wish FCP had some vetted shops in the Tri-State area they partnered with. It’s not always easy finding genuine, reliable shops.

[@ZypherGraphics]

Rouge Engineering. There is no substitute.

[@jade-royhuntington8395]

For tri-state S54 work, Rogue is absolutely the go-to. Had them do my VANOS rebuild and valve adjustment and have a bunch of their parts on my car as well. Top-Tier company.

[@aubreyhinkson7683]

Do you have front and rear Mud Flaps for BMW E46 M3?

[@FIVECENTFISH]

s54, gods gift.

[@fcpeuro]

Not wrong.

[@mediocreman2]

To FCP and other vendors yes it's the financial gift that keeps on giving.

[@jazzfd]

You should do one for the s52

[@fcpeuro]

Added to our queue!

[@syedhussain9228]

I buy part from you guys. I have bmwx3 28i. Currently there are 2 codes P0238 and P007d. I recently replaced throttle body mounting seal and engine oil temperature sensor. Kindly help me to resolve these codes.

[@oni5909]

turned on my car to warm up at 2 am for a night drive and it was parked up a driveway but water started leaking in the front end of the car but when i turned off the AC but i was reading into forums and people were saying could be the water pump or thermostat does anyone know?

[@charlesberry4958]

WHY WHY WHY did I not buy an M3 when they were affordable???? Full disclosure: I also say this about the Ferrari 308 GTB from 30 years ago when you couldn't give those away. Awesome job Gareth!!!!

[@fcpeuro]

It pains us all looking back at cars we SHOULDA bought but didn't. Now..... good luck

[@slitherdurant]

Fr😭😭😭😭I wish I got a e39 m5 when I had the chance

[@alfyer5]

Next let’s do a s65 video

[@deplorabledave1048]

My rod bearings are fine at 120k miles. Why? "Full operating temperature is when the OIL temp is 200 degrees F. I don't even look at the coolant temp. No more than 3k RPM until oil reaches 200. Liqui Moly 10w-60 oil here in steamy South Florida. One can of Ceratec per oil change every 4,500 miles. Mahle oil filter. Mann air filter. I have gutted the cooling system and replaced everything but the radiator and oil cooler. New aftermarket silicone hoses with special $4.50 smooth hose clamps. New ELDOR coils and NGK plugs at 120K miles. It ran great before. Now, it runs perfect. Next job is those pesky valves. Getting noisy. I have done 80% of the preventative mainatence in this video. Its a VERY accurate video. However, I have ZERO oil leaks. I burn ZERO oil in between oil changes. I FLOG the engine every single day to and from work. My tuned motor red line is 8,100. I run it right up there every commute. I drive the PISS out of it. I think it runs better than it did the day I bought my 2005 M3 in 2008 when it only had 17K miles on it. Most of my wear and tear was in my cooling system. I really gutted damn near everything hanging off the front of the motor. New EVERYTHING including fan, fan shroud, fan clutch. Every single O'ring. Every sensor. Motor is good for another 120K miles. Easy. I cant tell you how quick it is and whips newer cars with greater RWHP. Like a red headed step child. Oh, and Uniden R7 top of the line radar detector plus WAZE navigation. And I commute to work at 11:30 PM in light traffic on I-95. No worries.

[@floridaheat305]

Mine were actually great a 150k when I changed them it really depends on the previous owners warm up time

[@myrajuju02]

@ 4:45 "super simple"... LOL

[@superdiver.]

Wow this information in 2022 is of immense value for those who have this classic engine aka E46 m3. Maybe do another episode on SMG? Because SMG rocks!😅

[@peterromanov46]

ROD BEARINGS!

[@rueliotube]

8:55

[@fcpeuro]

DIY Incoming

[@FW14B]

Now do one for the M57, I’ll loan you mine and you can fix it all it’s issues :)

[@fcpeuro]

No proooobbblleemmmm Liam

[@mediocreman2]

3 hour video if stock. 15 minute video if deleted. 😅

[@fvresonanator]

Do you ship to UK?

[@fcpeuro]

We do indeed!

[@Slvr_Grey_M3]

Where’s the link to the DIY for the valve adjustment?

[@fcpeuro]

Working on it Matt!

[@Slvr_Grey_M3]

@@fcpeuro any time frame on when that video would drop? 👀

[@michaelrawlings3785]

The o ring on the fan switch.. bmw does stock it.. I brought one and can give the oem part number for it… and yes they will say they only sale the switch.. but once u give the part number they will sale u the oring £1.30 ish 😂 lol

[@georgepaone7767]

I was about to buy an e46 m3 until I watch this video 😬 😂

[@guayo42]

It's a love and hate relationship with my M3. Just wait until you run into the Brake Pressure Sensor issue and its right there but a PIA to get to it. 🤣

[@fcpeuro]

The pressure sensors on the master cylinder are definitely tough to get to.

[@friguy4444]

I have everything to do my valve lash but I'm still WAY over due! My fault.

[@pepeshopping]

Wow. Makes you appreciate the brands that go 200K Miles without issues.

[@PaleD]

Yes but also, this is a 3.2L 11.5: 1 compression +100bhp/L engine made in 2000s that you could buy with a warranty... This is not your normal car, this the S65, S85, even the earlier engines S50 etc. BMW literally put race engines in these cars, it is wild to me that they sold them to the public like this. Take care of them and they'll take car of you.

[@kghunter106]

@@PaleD exactly, people shouldn't buy these if they don't understand what a race engine is, I will NEVER sale mine. Thankful that I bought mine when I did.

[@mediocreman2]

@@PaleD Not sure if HP per liter is a great argument. Still less than the older S2000. I love my BMWs but let's not pretend they couldn't do better.

[@realAlexChoi]

@@PaleD Honda and Toyota/Yamaha also made high compression 100+bhp/L engines in the 2000s, with warranties, that were known for being ultra reliable. The F20C is known to be bulletproof and makes 125bhp/L.

[@b374mxg]

Mama Mia!!!

[@fcpeuro]

🥰

[@sublimetoast1441]

anyone trying to buy an 06 e46 m3 with 88k miles on it and looks almost brand new under the hood? smg competition package in great shape.

[@moisesvazquez8655]

Where are you located?

[@sublimetoast1441]

@@moisesvazquez8655 Oklahoma

[@blakslee720]

Yeah, I think I'll buy a corvette instead. Daily is a Volvo, fun car doesn't also need to give me the euro lux experience.

[@perseus570]

I like to keep my oil changes at every 3k miles

[@fcpeuro]

Nothing wrong with that!

[@biglefty08]

The reason why the Wiseco shim kit is so much cheaper than the bmw kit is because you only get 4 shims in each size. So if you need 5 shims of 1 size ur screwed😂

[@tonymontana897]

It's so Hillarious that you call yourselves FCP Euro, but don't actually stock Euro Parts for BMW's. When I was looking for parts for my Euro spec E36 M3, I got five fifth's of fuck all from you people. Great help.

[@doctersound9630]

$

[@rudyaroki1071]

I change my oil every 3.5k miles liqui moly 10-60

[@fcpeuro]

Love to hear it, Rudy!

[@kmlckd]

It's almost like they design some of these parts to fail. Ugh.

[@fcpeuro]

That would be lucradtive but giving them too much credit!

[@dodge20071]

Who’s the slim new guy. 😂

[@fcpeuro]

G 2.0!

[@SavageBunny1]

One thing no one mentions, S54's don't like 10w60, 5w50 If you're going to track it, 5w40 is perfect for a daily, just drive to work and back, maybe a little pull here and there.

[@joshuad1716]

Horrible, incredibly stupid advice. LET YOUR MOTOR WARM UP FIRST ITS NOT HARD

[@SavageBunny1]

@@joshuad1716 you know the S54 was designed for 5w30 right?

[@rueliotube]

Hmm, my m3 has 39k miles on it. Of those over 30k are hard track miles on my 2003 (dedicated track car). Those 30k are literally on track in the upper rpm range…it’s trailered. Did the rod bearings for piece of mind last year. Pretty much looked new. Probably have over 20 Blackstone oil reports on mine…all glowing. Have used only 10w60 from BMW, Castrol, and Liqui-Moly. Just offering my 2 cents. 10w60 has worked great for me.

[@roundel171]

@@SavageBunny1 have any sources/information on this?

[@joshuad1716]

@@roundel171 “trust me bro”

[@sawyerT92]

make a s65 one? 🥲😂