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:

Get free parts from FCP Euro:

Follow FCP Euro on:

[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.

[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.

[CraigSheedy]

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

[lazarosalazar]

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.

[jessejimenez]

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

[gilgonzalez]

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

[tractorboy]

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

[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.

[MT-irqp]

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!

[blvanck]

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

[erichernandez]

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….

[robertwinston]

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

[russelltaylor]

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.

[boostedciscoM]

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

[xavierscott]

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.

[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.

[billsawyer]

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

[cameron]

I would love to have an s54 but I would probably make it a track motor instead of putting it in a daily. Running it hard having fun keeping it hot then doing all the maintenance at once after a set of races or soemthing

[abualghoul]

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

[tonygu]

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