Why so little M54 aftermarket?

[Sturmgreif]

Hi,

Two weeks ago I purchased a 2001 Z3 3.0i, and after looking at Dinan's lineup (along with a few others), it seems as though not many companies offer very much for the Z3's with the M54 motor. Am I right, or am I just missing something? If so, why do they seem to neglect the M54 when it comes to tuning? Just curious; after all, they have plenty of M54 products for the E46, E39, and such...

Just a thought...

 

[Z3JT]

The M54 is the most reliable BMW engine ever built. Here's why:

>The camshaft chain drive and the V-belt drive are maintenance-free and designed for the life of the engine.

>Valve clearances are kept consistent throughout the entire running life of the engine by a self-adjusting hydraulic valve clearance mechanism. There is no need to adjust valve clearances, ever.

>There is no need to reset the clutch since it is self-adjusting.

>The air filters and spark plugs only have to be replaced after 100,000 km or 62,000 miles.

>The oil in the transmission and final drive is a lifetime filling not requiring any replacement.

>There is no need for any particular running-in service.

>The BMW Service Interval Indicator informs the driver of the remaining distance until the next oil change. You no longer have to change the oil after a fixed, rigid mileage.

>The engine is able to adjust automatically to all fuel grades between 87 and 98 octane.
Anti-knock control automatically adjusts the engine's running conditions to the respective fuel grade and quality.

Please note that the engine's maximum output is only achieved when running on 98 octane premium fuel.

 

[Sturmgreif]

Yeah, I work on them for a living, and when I saw this one on the preowned lot, I jumped right on it. I love my 3.0i as it is, but as always, there is room for at least a little improvement...*coughsupercharger* Even stock, though, my favourite comment from passengers is "I can't believe they could get that much power from a 3 litre/six cylinder engine!" That is always worth a payment or two. BTW, have you done anything to your Z yet? I ask not out of idle curiosity, for I am trying to decide on which suspension to go with...

Drive safe (and fun )
Sturm

 

[Z3JT]

Purchased mine in Oklahoma and had shipped to my home here in West Virginia. Waited a long time for one of these fun machines. It's now in storage until next Spring unless we get a nice day here and there without snow. I've did some interior and exterior modifications (click on my profile for lists) but nothing as far as any type of performance modifications except tires but that really does not count. LOL! Do you have any pics of your Z3 to share? I have a few in the member galleries section. Have fun!

 

[Sturmgreif]

Well, I just washed her, and it naturally rained all over it the next day, lol. I will go take a couple pictures, and put them here, and the member gallery. They should be up in half an hour or so. Oh, and I have yet to drive her with the top up.

Sturm

 

[Sturmgreif]

DOH!

Murphy's Law strikes again. I was only able to squeeze one picture out of the batteries in my camera, lol. After they recharge, I will take a couple more tomorrow, but I already posted the one I took in the gallery.

Sturm

 

[Z3JT]

Nice color. My family doctor has the same color as yours but it's not as new as yours. Looking forward to seeing more when you get those batteries recharged. Season Greetings!

 

[Sturmgreif]

I was just thinking the other day, and probably realized the answer to my own question...the M54/S54 have greater compression than the M52/S52. Thus, a supercharger/turbocharger would not even be very cost effective. However, I know of an E46 M3 that was just totalled...*cough S54* Oh, and I found my only main gripe about my car. Anything over 130, and the top comes up 1/4 of the way, lol. Manual top; I suppose the air is just getting underneath the top. Oh well, makes a good excuse to get a tonneau, rofl.

Happy New Year,
Sturm

 

[Z3JT]

Never imagined the top would open at any speed. Been up to 100mph a few times but that was quick enough for me.

 

[Sturmgreif]

No, I mean, when I have the top down, it sort of lifts up about 1/4 of the way from the fully open position. Like, just enough to block my rear view mirror, lol. That way, a tonneau cover SHOULD hold it down.

 

[Z3JT]

I understand now, Sturm. You should have seen the smoke coming from my head thinking how the roof would open at any speed not realizing you meant with the top open. I have a soft boot cover but hardly ever use it.