BMW engine codes contain an order of numbers and letters which represent specific technical information.  Although at first glance these numbers may seem random, they actually have a meaning.  This is very similar to a VIN or Vehicle Identification Number.  It is a way more manufacturers to record which version the vehicle has.

Understanding the meaning of how the engine codes are written will allow one to remember them easier and apply what they mean to other models.  These engine codes can also be important to the owner when finding replacement parts or learning more about the vehicle specifications.

In the tables below, the example engine code in the upper left hand corner is a typical engine naming convention.  The BOLD portion of the engine code is explained in each table.  The rows below show the different options and the meanings for these configurations.

It is important to note, the format below is for BMW engines created since the mid 1980's.  Previous generation motors had a simpler naming designation, M10 were 4 cylinders, M20 were small displacement 6 cylinders and M30s were large displacement 6 cylinders.  Since BMW vehicle production expanded greatly in the 1980s onward, many new engine variants were created and the basic engine naming convention of the past would simply no longer.  Introducing the naming convention below provide detailed information about the engine in a short format.

Make sure to check out the images below with the engine codes written in the bottom left corner.  See if you can decode the engine model and apply what you learned above.

Where does the E46 store its mileage data?

The BMW E46 has important data stored within the car at two primary locations.  The instrument cluster and light switch module.  This ensures that data cannot be lost if one device goes bad or if one becomes destroyed in a crash.  It is similar to why aircraft have redundant flight controls if one set goes out there is another system in place as a backup.  The three types of data stored redundantly in the BMW E46 are: the vehicle identification number (VIN), current mileage and service interval data.

How do I know if my E46 mileage is accurate?

Each time the "accessory switch" is engaged on the ignition the data compares itself to each other.  If the computers find conflicting data there will be a manipulation / tamper dot that appears on the gauge cluster next to the trip mileage.  If the VIN does not match, the manipulation dot will appear.  Also, if the two mileages stored vary greater than 120 miles but the VINs are the same, the cluster will continue to accumulate mileage and a fault will be stored in the cluster.

Once the manipulation / tamper dot has appeared, there is no removing it.  You must go to the dealer to order a new cluster and have it programmed.  This can be very costly.  However, when buying a new BMW E46 this should be something all prospective buyers should look out for.  If you see the tamper dot you know either the mileage, VIN or service data is not matching.  Reference the image below for what the tamper dot looks like so you know what to look for.

What does the tamper dot look like?

Reference the image below with the arrow pointing to it.

Where can I learn BMW fun facts?

Learn more interesting BMW conntent by clicking HERE

Slop or play in the E30 steering wheel is a very common issue given the current age of the vehicle. There are many causes of the sloppy steering wheel problem. For example, a sloppy steering guibo, a worn or faulty steering rack or bad steering knuckle to name a few. There is another factor oftentimes gets overlooked and can very well be the root cause of your steering slop. Most notably, this solution is the quickest and cheapest fix of them all. There is a coupler on the steering column that tends to loosen over time that likely needs attention. We will go over the procedure on how to gain access and tighten this steering coupler below.

How do I gain access to the E30 steering coupler?

Firstly, to gain access to the steering coupler, simply remove the knee panel by removing the quantity (4) philips head screws and the quantity (4) 8mm hex head screws on the kick panel. Once removed, you will see a large coupler just above the pedals on the steering column itself. To clarify, refer to the images below this post for a visual reference.

How to tighten the E30 steering coupler:

Simply place an adjustable wrench on the coupler and turn COUNTER CLOCKWISE. This will tighten the coupler, not loosen it. Turning clockwise will loosen the coupler further and make your problem worse. A few good turns will tighten it back up. Lastly, reassemble your kick panel in reverse order and go for a test drive. After than, take your vehicle out for a test drive and you should notice a significant difference in direct steering feel.

If after you try this fix and slop remains, you know you have eliminated one of the potential causes and can further trouble shoot by trying some of the other potential causes. If E30 steering slop still exists, start chasing down issues with the steering rack or steering guibo.

Learn more BMW E30 Tips, Tricks and Reference Guide Informaiton:

Paint codes, wiring diagrams, owners manuals and more, click HERE

BMW Style 24 wheels were first introduced in 1994 as an optional wheel for the E36 M3 at a dealer price tag of $1,850.  These wheels came standard on the limited production E36 M3 LTW and E36 M3 GT in 1995 which are the model M3s which made these wheels gain some real recognition.  

Style 24's came only in 17-inch diameter with 7.5 inch wide fronts and 8.5 inch wide rears.  The offset is ET+41 and each front wheel weighs 8.94 kg (19.71 lbs) with the rears weighing 9.48 kg (20.90 lbs) each.  Although an inch difference in width, both the front and rear wheels use the same tire dimensions of 234/40-17. Each wheel produced was individually inspected using X-ray and precision balanced after forging and machining, as a result some wheels show evidence of grinding on the inside get true balance.

The preface E36 M3 (3.0L S50 engine 1994 - 1995) had a slightly different version of wheel than the facelifted E36 M3 (3.2L S52 engine 1996 - 1999).  These wheels are still a popular OEM wheel option for the E36 M3 and as a result, the design is replicated by many companies trying to profit off the look.  

It is worth knowing what to look for in differences if you are in the market for a set.  Let's get into the details of what makes the wheel original from a replica.

Style 24 Dealer Details

The 1994 - 1995 wheel has the "BMW MOTORSPORT" stamp on the outside of the wheel.
The 1995 - 1999 wheel has the "M" badge decal below the center cap.
Only offered with a painted silver finish or polished.
Has BMW stamped on the inside of the spoke.

Manufacturer Stamp Codes

A 3 digit stamp exists on the outside of the wheel next to the valve stem, the 3 digits decode to:
350 : original painted front rim through 1995 stamped "BMW MOTORSPORT"
360 : original painted rear rim through 1995 stamped "BMW MOTORSPORT"

759 : original polished front rim M3 GT only
760 : original polished rear rim M3 GT only

850 : polished front rim with "M badge decal" below center cap
860 : polished rear rim "M badge decal" below center cap

851 : later polished 7.5" rim but I have no info on when or where these were used

BMW Wheel Style 24 Replica Warning Signs

Any replica wheel will obviously not have the official BMW stamp on the back.  The wheels will often be stamped with Italy as the country of origin. In addition, the majority of the replica wheels will only have the "MOTORSPORT" stamped on the front, it will NOT have the full "BMW MOTORSPORT".  If the wheels are replicating the facelifted version many will omit the recessed area for the "M" badged sticker below the center cap.  See below pictures for examples of authentic LTW / GT Style 24 wheel markings.  

Although it may seem elementary, we often are asked how to remove an OEM BMW shift knob.  There are numerous reasons to want to remove your shift knob.  To replace a worn knob, go with an aftermarket knob, upgrade to a newer OEM knob or maybe to replace the entire shift linkage for a short shifter.  The process is simple and the only tool you need is your hands.

What is the removal procedure?

➊ Pull up!!

That is correct, the only process to the procedure is to pull up. OEM BMW shift knobs are simply pressed on the shift lever.  Some knobs are more stubborn than others and may require a lot of force.  It may seem like its fastened or bonded in place but I assure you, it is not. Some aftermarket knobs have set screws, ensure your existing shift knob is NOT aftermarket and is the original factory knob.

What is a trick for stuck shift knobs?

For stuck knobs, I like to put the lever in 4th gear, make sure to open the sunroof if you are tall for extra head clearance.  Next, straddle the center console and use two hands to pull straight back.

It is not uncommon for your hand to fly in your face and give you a nice shiner as a result, so be warned.  Once the knob is off, to reinstall you simply insert the new OEM knob on top of the gear lever and pound down on the knob with your fist.  Make note if you are using an aftermarket knob and lever, the installation may require a set screw, the OEM BMW knobs do not.

What is the best OEM BMW shift knob?

We recommend the BMW ZHP weighted shift knob, it is by far the BEST OEM shift knob available from BMW.  It is featured in our pictures above and below. The BIMMERtips team uses it in all of our manual BMWs and see no reason to change to any other knob in the future.  The nappa leather wrapped knob is weighted to give the throws a nice solid, quality feel. In addition, the knob itself is shorter than the standard BMW shift knos, this allows for shorter throws. The ZHP shift knob comes both in 5 and 6-speed shift patterns.

Where can I purchase ZHP shift knob?

We sell them in our store and you can order now by clicking HERE

Where can I learn how to remove the BMW hood emblem?

Learn the hood emblem removal procedure HERE