BMW 3 Series 4 (E46) (1997-2003) Torque Spec Settings

By OSX - Own work, Public Domain

Below you'll find the tightening torques for the BMW 3 Series 4 (E46) in both Nm and ft/lbs. The first table contains the most-used torque settings. The tables after it contain all torque spec values I could find.

Most-used torque specs for BMW 3 Series 4 (E46)

Part Description Torque (Nm) Torque (ft/lbs) Remarks Applies to
Oil pan Drainage plug 25 18
  • E46
unverified source
Oil pan Drainage plug 25 18
  • E46
unverified source
Oil filter Oil filter cap 25 18
  • E46
unverified source
Spark plugs Spark plugs 24 18
  • E46
unverified source
Spark plugs Spark plugs 24 18
  • E46
unverified source
Wheels Wheel bolts 120 89
  • E46
unverified source
Wheels Wheel bolts 120 89
  • E46
unverified source
Wheels Wheel bolts 120 89
  • E46
unverified source
Wheels Wheel bolts 120 89
  • E46
unverified source

To make sure these are the correct tightening torque values, you can use the data below to verify this is the right model.

Are these torque settings right for you?

  • Production years: 1997 - 2003
  • Generation: 4
  • Type of van: car
  • Model variant: Base

All Torque Settings in Tables

engine torque settings

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Part Description Torque (Nm) Torque (ft/lbs) Remarks Applies to
Oil pan Drainage plug 25 18
  • E46
unverified source
Oil pan Drainage plug 25 18
  • E46
unverified source
Oil filter Oil filter cap 25 18
  • E46
unverified source
Oil filter Oil filter housing cover 25 18
  • E46
unverified source
Spark plugs Spark plugs 24 18
  • E46
unverified source
Spark plugs Spark plugs 24 18
  • E46
unverified source
Engine block Gearbox to Engine block fasteners 72 53
  • E46
unverified source
Engine block Gearbox to Engine block fasteners 72 53
  • E46
unverified source
Engine block Gearbox to Engine lower fasteners 22 16
  • E46
unverified source
Engine block Gearbox to Engine lower fasteners 22 16
  • E46
unverified source
Engine mounts Gearbox support to Car body fasteners 35 26
  • E46
unverified source
Engine block Gearbox support to Car body fasteners 35 26
  • E46
unverified source
Engine mounts Engine mount upper fastener 65 48
  • E46
unverified source
Engine block Engine mount upper fastener 65 48
  • E46
unverified source
Engine mounts Engine mount lower fastener 65 48
  • E46
unverified source
Engine block Engine mount lower fastener 65 48
  • E46
unverified source
Sensor MAF sensor fasteners 8 6
  • E46
unverified source
Sensor MAF sensor fasteners 8 6
  • E46
unverified source
Sensor Air duct to MAF sensor fasteners 5 4
  • E46
unverified source
Sensor Air duct to MAF sensor fasteners 5 4
  • E46
unverified source
Starter Engine starter fasteners 43 32
  • E46
unverified source
Starter Engine starter fasteners 43 32
  • E46
unverified source
Battery Ignition coil fasteners 7 5
  • E46
unverified source
Radiator Viscous fan clutch fastener 40 30
  • E46
unverified source
Radiator Viscous fan clutch fastener 40 30
  • E46
unverified source
Radiator Thermostat housing fasteners 9 7
  • E46
unverified source

drivetrain torque settings

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Part Description Torque (Nm) Torque (ft/lbs) Remarks Applies to
Wheel hub assembly Front wheel hub nut 290 214
  • E46
unverified source
Wheel hub assembly Front wheel hub nut 290 214
  • E46
unverified source
Clutch pressure plate Pressure plate fasteners 25 18
  • E46
unverified source
Clutch pressure plate Pressure plate fasteners 25 18
  • E46
unverified source
Clutch assembly Clutch slave cylinder fasteners 22 16
  • E46
unverified source
Clutch assembly Clutch slave cylinder fasteners 22 16
  • E46
unverified source
Drive/Axle shaft Propeller shaft centre support bearing fasteners 32 24
  • E46
unverified source
Drive/Axle shaft Propeller shaft centre support bearing fasteners 32 24
  • E46
unverified source
Drive/Axle shaft Propshaft coupling fasteners 100 74
  • E46
unverified source
Drive/Axle shaft Propshaft coupling fasteners 100 74
  • E46
unverified source

steering torque settings

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Part Description Torque (Nm) Torque (ft/lbs) Remarks Applies to
Tie rod end Tie rod end to Steering knuckle fastening nut 165 122 Use Torx T45
  • E46
unverified source
Tie rod end Tie rod end to Steering knuckle fastening nut 65 48 Use drive socket #18
  • E46
unverified source
Tie rod end Tie rod end to Steering knuckle fastening nut 65 48 Use drive socket #18
  • E46
unverified source
Tie rod end Tie rod end locknut 55 41
  • E46
unverified source
Tie rod end Tie rod end locknut 55 41
  • E46
unverified source

exhaust torque settings

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Part Description Torque (Nm) Torque (ft/lbs) Remarks Applies to
Exhaust manifold Exhaust system fasteners 22 16
  • E46
unverified source
Exhaust manifold Exhaust system fasteners 22 16
  • E46
unverified source
Exhaust manifold Exhaust system bracket to Car body fasteners 22 16
  • E46
unverified source
Exhaust manifold Exhaust system bracket to Car body fasteners 22 16
  • E46
unverified source
EGR EGR cooler fasteners 6 4 Use HEX No.H5
  • E46
unverified source
EGR EGR cooler fasteners 12 9 Use drive socket #13
  • E46
unverified source
EGR EGR cooler bracket 14 10
  • E46
unverified source

brakes torque settings

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Part Description Torque (Nm) Torque (ft/lbs) Remarks Applies to
Disc brake Front brake disc fastener 16 12
  • E46
unverified source
Disc brake Front brake disc fastener 16 12
  • E46
unverified source
Disc brake Rear brake disc fastener 16 12
  • E46
unverified source
Disc brake Front brake caliper 30 22
  • E46
unverified source
Disc brake Front brake caliper 30 22
  • E46
unverified source
Disc brake Rear brake caliper 30 22
  • E46
unverified source
Disc brake Rear brake caliper 30 22
  • E46
unverified source
Disc brake Front brake caliper bracket 110 81
  • E46
unverified source
Disc brake Front brake caliper bracket 110 81
  • E46
unverified source
Disc brake Rear brake caliper bracket 65 48
  • E46
unverified source
Disc brake Front brake caliper bleed screw 10 7
  • E46
unverified source
Disc brake Front brake caliper bleed screw 10 7
  • E46
unverified source
Brake line Brake pipe to Front brake caliper fastener 22 16
  • E46
unverified source
Brake line Brake pipe to Front brake caliper fastener 22 16
  • E46
unverified source
Brake line Brake hose to Brake circuit pipe fastener 14 10
  • E46
unverified source
Brake line Brake hose to Brake circuit pipe fastener 14 10
  • E46
unverified source

suspension torque settings

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Part Description Torque (Nm) Torque (ft/lbs) Remarks Applies to
Wheels Wheel bolts 120 89
  • E46
unverified source
Wheels Wheel bolts 120 89
  • E46
unverified source
Struts Front shock strut piston rod nut 64 47
  • E46
unverified source
Struts Front shock strut piston rod nut 64 47
  • E46
unverified source
Struts Rear shock strut piston rod upper fastener 20 15
  • E46
unverified source
Struts Front shock strut to Steering knuckle lower fasteners 80 59
  • E46
unverified source
Struts Front shock strut to Steering knuckle lower fasteners 80 59
  • E46
unverified source
Shock absorbers/shocks Front shock absorber strut mount upper fastener 34 25
  • E46
unverified source
Shock absorbers/shocks Front shock strut upper fasteners 34 25
  • E46
unverified source
Shock absorbers/shocks Rear shock absorber top fastener 28 21
  • E46
unverified source
Shock absorbers/shocks Rear shock absorber lower fastener 100 74
  • E46
unverified source
Stabilizer bar Front stabilizer bush brackets fasteners 28 21
  • E46
unverified source
Stabilizer bar Front stabilizer bush brackets fasteners 28 21
  • E46
unverified source
Stabilizer bar Front stabilizer link to Stabilizer bar fastener 55 41
  • E46
unverified source
Stabilizer bar Front stabilizer link to Stabilizer bar fastener 55 41
  • E46
unverified source
Sway bar links/Stabilizer links Front stabilizer link to Suspension strut 55 41
  • E46
unverified source
Sway bar links/Stabilizer links Front stabilizer link to Suspension strut 55 41
  • E46
unverified source
Control arm Control arm to Subframe front fastener 68 50
  • E46
unverified source
Control arm Arm to Subframe fastener 90 66
  • E46
unverified source
Control arm Control arm rear fastener 68 50
  • E46
unverified source
Control arm Control arm rear fastener 59 44
  • E46
unverified source
Ball joint Front ball joint fastener 65 48
  • E46
unverified source
Ball joint Front ball joint fastener 65 48
  • E46
unverified source

general torque settings

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Part Description Torque (Nm) Torque (ft/lbs) Remarks Applies to
Example of a 3 Series 4 (E46)

By Rudolf Stricker - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0


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