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      11-30-2016, 09:50 PM   #1
Theodore
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Drives: 2011.5 E92 M3
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Tampa Bay, FL

iTrader: (6)

DIY Reference - Common E9X M3 Torque Specs

For those times when you just want the damn torque spec! Click the underlined links for additional DIY help.

Engine:
Alternator B+ Lead (BMW TIS Link) - 19 NM (14 ft lb) - 17mm socket
Alternator to Mounting Bracket Bolts (M10 ZNS) (BMW TIS Link) - 38 NM (28 ft lb) - 16mm socket
ARP Rod Bearing Bolts with BE Brand Bearings - 68 NM (50 ft lb) - 3/8" 12 Point Socket
BMW OEM Rod Bearing Bolts with WPC Treated OEM Bearings - Tighten each bolt to 6 NM (4 ft lb), tighten to 20 NM (15 ft lb), tighten to 130 degrees - Remove, clean and reoil bolts. Repeat two more times for each bolt. - 12mm "Double Hex" socket (also called a Bi-Hex or Bi-Hexagon socket)
Belt Tensioner Machine Screws (machine screws on either side of belt tensioners, both belt tensioners) - 40NM (30 ft lb) Note: BMW TIS for E9X M3 does not specifically speak to the torque requirement for this machine screw, refer to generic BMW standard for M8 course thread 10.9 strength bolts/machine screws to get this torque
Coolant Temperature Sensor - 14 NM (10 ft lb) - 22mm deep socket (to fit over sensor connector)
Coolant Bleeder Screw - 8 NM (6 ft lb) - Flat Head or Phillips Head Screw Driver Bit
Gaiter (Elbow) Intake Piece to Intake Manifold Hose Clamps - 3 NM (2 ft lb or 27 inch lb) - 6mm socket or flat head screw driver
Idler (Deflection) Pulley Bolt - For build dates before 4/29/08 (while facing engine you have a clockwise rotating power steering pump) (BMW TIS link) = 40 NM (30 ft lb) - 16mm socket
Idler (Deflection) Pulley Bolt - For build dates after 4/29/08 (while facing engine you have a counter-clockwise rotating power steering pump) (BMW TIS link)= 15 NM (11 ft lbs) + 70 degrees additional turn - 16mm socket
Low Pressure Fuel Sensor - *Range per BMW 20 -3 NM* = Minimum 17 NM (13 ft lb) to Maximum 20 NM (15 ft lb) - 24mm deep socket (to fit over sensor connector)
Motor Mounts (Upper) Nut - 56 NM (41 ft lb) - 16mm open or box wrench (ratcheting wrench w/extra long handle recommended)
Motor Mounts (Lower) Nut - 56 NM (41 ft lb) - 13mm socket
Oil Filter Cap - 40 NM (30 ft lb) - 36mm socket
Oil Level Sensor nuts to mounting studs - (BMW TIS Link 1) (BMW TIS Link 2) Note 2 step process: Initial Tightening 2 NM (1 ft lbs) and then Final Tightening 9 NM 18 NM (7 ft lb) - 10mm socket
Oil Filter Housing to Engine Block - 10 NM (7 ft lb) - T30 Torx
Oil Pipes to Oil Filter Housing - 18 NM (13 ft lb) - ___ Torx
Oil Pan Assembly Bolts (caution - this is not the oil pan drain plug spec) - 10 NM (7 ft lb) - T30 Torx (6" length T30 Torx required to reach all oil pan bolts)
Oil Pan Drain Plug - 25 NM (18 ft lb) - 6mm Hex
Spark Plugs (BMW TIS Link) - 23 NM (17 ft lb) - 16mm socket
Starter B+ Lead Wire Nut (BMW TIS Link) - 14 NM (10 ft lb) - 10mm socket
Starter to Transmission Housing Bolts (BMW TIS Link) - 42 NM (31 ft lb) - E-14 Torx and T30 Torx *Note flexible wrench is needed for the two E-14 Torx bolts. See link.
Throttle Actuator to Crankcase (Engine Block) Bolts (BMW TIS Link) - 8 NM (6 ft lb) - T30 Torx
Throttle Bodies to Intake Manifold Hose Clamps - 1 NM (0.74 ft lb or 9 inch lb) - 6mm socket or flat head screw driver
Water Pump Pulley - 10 NM (7 ft lb) - 10mm socket
Thermostat Housing Bolts - 10 NM (7 ft lb) - T30 Torx
Decoupling Adapter Screws to Valve Cover (aka Valve Cover Bolts) - 6 NM (4 ft lb) - 6mm socket


(13/14) Coolant Drain Plug to Crankcase (must replace crush washer BMW part # 07119963200) - 25 NM (19 ft lb) - ___ Hex

Exhaust:



(16) Exhaust Manifold (aka headers) to Cylinder Head (BMW TIS Link) - CHECK SCREW SIZE size M10 screws = 27 NM (20 ft lb) size M8 screws = 25 NM (18 ft lbs) - a 12mm socket



(2/4) Exhaust Manifold (aka Headers) to Exhaust System (BMW TIS Link) - 27 NM (20 ft lb) - on the muffler side an E-12 Torx wrench or socket (you want a German tool made to Germany's DIN spec for the best fit, American ANSI and Japanese JIS spec don't fit well) and simultaneously a 15mm wrench or socket on the engine side



(2) Rear Muffler to Intermediate Muffler (aka mid-section) (BMW TIS Link) 35 Nm (26 ft lbs) - a 13mm socket
(6) Exhaust System Bolts Attached to Rear Differential (BMW TIS Link) 35 Nm (26 ft lbs) - an 18mm socket
(7) Rear Muffler Hangers to Body (BMW TIS Link) 21 NM (15 ft lbs) - a 13mm socket for E92/E93 (or E-10 Torx for some E90 models) and minimum 6" extension (longer is better)
(13) Rear Muffler Hangers to Body (BMW TIS Link) 21 NM (15 ft lbs) - a 13mm socket and minimum 6" extension (longer is better)



(1) Pre-Catalytic Converter O2 Sensor (aka Oxygen Sensor) (BMW TIS Link) 50 NM (37 ft lbs) - 22mm open-end wrench (getting the exact torque requires either a open-end bar type torque wrench or a crows foot type torque wrench set-up)
(3) Post-Catalytic Converter O2 Sensor (aka Oxygen Sensor) (BMW TIS Link) 25 NM (18 ft lbs) - 22mm open-end wrench (getting the exact torque requires either a open-end bar type torque wrench or a crows foot type torque wrench set-up)
(10) Exhaust system to bracket on transmission (BMW TIS Link) 21 NM (15 ft lbs) - a 13 mm socket

Drivetrain:


(Not Numbered) Side Cover to Differential - 21.7 NM (16 ft lb) - ___mm socket (BMW says "Tighten down screws in crosswise sequence")
(Not Pictured) Differential Drain Plug - 60 NM (44 ft lb) - 14mm Hex
(Not Pictured) Differential Rear Cover - 60NM (44 ft lb) ___mm socket (BMW says you must use Loctite 270 aka "green thread locker")
(2) Differential Bushings (front) - 100 NM (74 ft lb) - 18mm socket
(4) Differential Bushing (rear) - 165 NM (122 ft lb) - 21mm socket and simultaneously a 21mm wrench



(3) Differential Drive Axle (BMW TIS Link)- 120 NM (89 ft lb) - E-14 Torx (BMW says to replace screws, part# 33211227944)
(4) Rear Axle Collar Nut - 300 NM (221 ft lbs) - 36mm socket 12 point socket



(6) Giubo (aka Flex Disc) Screw and Nut (BMW TIS Link) - 55 NM (41 ft lb) plus 90 degrees - 18mm socket for bolt and 18mm offset box end wrench for nut (BMW says to replace screw, part # 26117527475 and replace the nuts, part # 26127536563)
(9) Driveshaft Center Bearing (aka Center Support Bracket) (BMW TIS Link) - 21 NM (15 ft lb) - 13mm socket (BMW says to replace screw, part # 22326760945)
(11) Drive Shaft Connecting Bolt (connects both drive shafts together) 97 NM (72 ft lbs) + green loctite (pre applied to new BMW bolt, add if re-using bolt) - 18mm box end wrench with slim profile (18mm ratcheting wrench helpful) and some way to mechanically hold drive shaft in place, ie. bench vice, pipe wrench, very large pliers (BMW says to replace bolt, part # 26117551339)
(13) Drive Shaft to Differential (BMW TIS Link) - M12 bolt size WITH RIBS ON BOLT HEAD ONLY - 40 NM (30 ft lb) plus 45 degrees - E-12 Torx socket (BMW says to replace screw, part # 26117526322)



(3) DCT Transmission Fluid Pan Screws - (BMW TIS Link) Tighten screws in 1-14 order shown in image - 10 NM (7 ft lbs) - 8mm Hex



(1-12) DCT Hydraulic Cap aka "Mechatronics Cover" Screws (BMW TIS Link) - Tighten screws in 1-12 order shown in image - 10 NM (7 ft lbs) - 8mm Hex



(3)(4) Transmission Mounts to Transmission Cross Member Nuts (both DCT and Manual) (BMW TIS Link) - 19 NM (14 ft lbs) - 13mm Socket
(5) Transmission Cross Member to Vehicle Body Bolts (both DCT and Manual) (BMW TIS Link) - 19 NM (14 ft lbs) - 13mm Socket
(7) Transmission Bearing Support to Transmission (both DCT and Manual) (BMW TIS Link) - 48 NM (35 ft lbs) - T55 Torx



(6) Manual Transmission Fill and Drain Plugs 35 NM (26 fl lbs) 8mm Hex



(1) Bell Housing Bolt - 43 NM (32 ft lb) - T55 Torx
(12) Manual Transmission Fluid Strainer - 25 NM (18 ft lb) - 22mm socket



(Not Labeled) Flywheel to Crankshaft Bolts - 105NM (77 ft lb) - requires special BMW Tool 11 4 180 (BMW TIS says you must oil screw threads prior to install and it also says do not use any threadlocker/Loctite)

Wheels/Steering/Brakes:



(3) Front Caliper Bracket to Steering Knuckle Bolts* - 110 NM (81 ft lbs) - 18mm socket *Note rears require significantly less torque, see below
NOT PICTURED - Rear Caliper Bracket to Wheel Carrier Bolts - 65 NM (48 ft-lbs) - 16mm socket
(6) Both Front and Rear Caliper to Caliper Bracket Bolts - 30 NM (22 ft lb) - 7mm Hex



(2) Rotor Retaining/Set Screw: 16 NM (12 ft lb) - 6mm Hex
(4) Dust Shield or Heat Shield to Steering Knuckle - 12 NM (9 ft lbs) - 10mm socket



(3) Wheel Lug Nuts - 120 NM (89 ft lb) - 17mm socket



(2) Steering Gear to Front Axle Carrier - 56 NM (41 ft lb) + 90 degrees additional turn - 18mm socket
NOT PICTURED - Self Locking Nut Hydraulic Power Steering Lines to Subframe - 8 NM (6 ft lb) - 10mm socket - BMW says to replace th10nuts, BMW Part# 07129904553
NOT PICTURED - Machine Screws Holding Steering Hydraulic Lines to Subframe - 8 NM (6 ft lb) - 10mm socket
NOT PICTURED - "Pressure Line" (top hydraulic line connecting to the steering rack) - Special Torque Spec for S65 engine (M3) models - 33 NM (24 ft lb) - 19mm socket, BMW says to replace the aluminum crush washers (two of them, one on either side of the bolt), BMW Part# 07119906464
NOT PICTURED - "Return Line" (lower hydraulic line connecting to the steering rack) - 35 NM (26 ft lb) - 22mm socket, BMW says to replace the aluminum crush washers (two of them, one on either side of the bolt), BMW Part# 07119906463
NOT PICTURED - Bolts and Nuts Holding Steering Rack to Subframe - 56 NM (41 ft lb) + an additional 90 degree turn - E12 Torx socket for lower bolt and 16mm (box wrench is best) for the nut on top - BMW says to replace both the bolts and nuts, BMW Part# 32106773068 and 31356757707 (two of each required)



(6) Tie Rod End to Tie Rod - 40 NM (30 ft lbs) - T50 Torx (BMW says to replace screw, part # 32106765080)
(7) Tie Rod End to Steering Knuckle - 165 NM (122 ft lb) - 21mm wrench and T40 Torx socket - (BMW says to replace nut, use part # 33306787062)
Tie Rod to Steering Rack* - 100 NM (74 ft lbs) for TRW manufactured part or 110 NM (82 ft lbs) for ZF Lemforder manufactured part (look for manufacturer name printed on tie rod, this will be there even for BMW OEM parts) - _mm wrench and simultaneously _mm wrench

Front Suspension and Body Hardware:



(2) Front Axle Carrier M12 Bolts (Front x 2) - (BMW TIS) - 108 NM (80 ft lb) - 19mm socket - Bolt size M12 X 90mm
(3) Front Axle Carrier M12 Bolts (Middle x 2) - (BMW TIS) - 108 NM (80 ft lb) - 19mm socket - Bolt size M12 X 145mm
(4) Front Axle Carrier M12 Bolts (Rear x 2) - (BMW TIS) - 108 NM (80 ft lb) - 19mm socket - Bolt size M12 X 53mm
(9) Front Axle Carrier M10 Bolts (Far Rear x 2) - 56 NM + 90 degrees further (41 ft lb + 90 degrees further) - (BMW TIS) - 16mm socket (For the S65 engine models or M3, BMW says to replace bolts after each use, use BMW part# 33326768354) - Bolt size M10 x 33mm length
(9) Reinforcement Plate M10 Bolts x 7 (aka Metal Skid Plate, aka Belly Pan) - 56 NM + 90 degrees further (41 ft lb + 90 degrees further) - (BMW TIS) - 16mm socket (For the S65 engine models or M3, BMW says to replace bolts after each use, use BMW part# 33326768354) - Bolt size M10 x 33mm length
(17) Thrust Arm aka "Trailing Link" to Sub-Frame - 100 NM (74 ft lbs) + an additional 90 degrees turn - 18mm socket (BMW says to replace nut, use part # 31106767496)
(18) Thrust Arm aka "Trailing Link" to Steering Knuckle - 175 NM (129 ft lb) - 21mm wrench and a T40 Torx - (BMW says to replace nut, use part # 33306787062)
(18) Control Arm aka "Wishbone" to Steering Knuckle - 175 NM (129 ft lb) - a 21mm wrench and T40 Torx socket - (BMW says to replace nut, use part # 33306787062)
(20) Control Arm aka "Wishbone" to Sub-Frame - 100 NM (74 ft lbs) + an additional 90 degrees turn - 18mm socket and simultaneously an 18mm wrench - (BMW says to replace nut, use part # 33326760668)



(3/4) Strut Sleeve Bolt and Nut (front) - 45 NM (33 ft lb) - 16mm socket and an 16mm open or box end wrench other side simultaneously
(6) Front Wheel Bearing to Steering Knuckle - 110 NM (82 ft lbs) - 18mm socket - (BMW says to replace bolts, use part # 31126760203)
Strut Top Nut (Front) - 64 NM (47 ft lb) - 21mm socket (10mm socket and 21mm open end wrench also needed, or specialty strut wrench or strut nut socket) *NOTE - Many aftermarket suspension kits utilize a 22mm nut instead of the OEM 21mm size



(7) Stabilizer Link Bolt aka Sway Bar Link End (front) - 58 NM (42 ft lb) - 16mm socket and a 19mm(top bolt)/17mm(bottom bolt) open end tappet (aka thin) wrench *note you may need to spin the bolt first to properly line up access for the 19mm/17mm wrench. Strongly recommend "pliers wrench" as a first choice alternative, followed by regular "water pump" pliers as alternatives to the 19mm wrench in this case



(3) Strut Tower Bolts (front) - 34 NM (25 ft lb) - 13mm socket



(5) Jointed Rod to Ride Height Sensor (front) - 8 NM (6 ft lb) - 10mm socket and simultaneously a 10mm open end wrench

Rear Suspension and Body Hardware:



(5) Camber Arm to Shock Absorber Bolt - 100 NM (73 ft lb) - 18mm socket - per BMW "Tighten in normal position"
(6/7) Camber Arm to Wheel Carrier Bolt - 165 NM (122 ft lb) - 21mm socket to turn the bolt and simultaneously a 21mm wrench to hold the nut in place
Strut Top Nut (Rear) - 37 NM (27 ft lb) - 16mm socket




(2) Front Rubber Subframe Bushings to Body (BMW TIS Spec)- 108 NM (80 ft lb) - E-18 Torx socket
(3) Rear Rubber Subframe Bushings to Body (BMW TIS Spec)- 108 NM (80 ft lb) - E-18 Torx socket
(9) Front Rubber Differential Bushings to Axle Carrier (BMW TIS Spec) - 100 NM (74 ft lb) - 18mm socket
(12) Rear Rubber Differential Bushing to Axle Carrier (BMW TIS Spec) - 165 NM (122 ft lb) - 21mm socket to turn the bolt and simultaneously a 21mm wrench to hold the nut in place



(A) Stabilizer Link to Stabilizer (rear) - 58 NM (43 ft lb) - 58 NM (42 ft lb) - 16mm socket and a 19mm(top bolt) open end tappet (aka thin) wrench *note you may need to spin the bolt first to properly line up access for the 19mm wrench. Strongly recommend "pliers wrench" as a first choice alternative, followed by regular "water pump" pliers as alternatives to the 19mm wrench in this case

(B) Stabilizer Link to Wheel Carrier (rear) - 21 NM (15 ft lb) - 13mm socket



(5) Jointed Rod to Ride Height Sensor (rear) - 8 NM (6 ft lb) - 10mm socket and simultaneously a 10mm open end wrench

Interior:



(3) Steering Wheel Screw (BMW TIS) - 62.5 NM (46 ft lb) - 16mm socket




(1) Front Seat Screws to Floor (BMW TIS) - 42 NM (31 ft lb) - T50 Torx - (BMW says to replace screws, part# 07149156953)



(1) Buckle Retractor to Front Seat Screw aka Seat Belt Assembly Screw to Seat (BMW TIS) - 38 NM (28 ft lb) - T50 Torx



(2) Front Seat Seat Belt Slide Bar Screw [E92 M3 Only] (BMW TIS) - 36 Nm (27 ft lb) - T50 Torx

Exterior:



(1) Inner Rear Tail Lights to Trunk (E92 and E93) (BMW TIS) - 4 NM (3 ft lb) - 10mm deep socket



(1, 3) Outer Rear Tail Lights to Rear Quarter Panel (E90, E92 and E93) (BMW TIS) - 2.5 NM (2 ft lb) - 8mm deep socket [tighten nuts labeled (3) prior to nut labeled (1)]


Post what you know to help improve the list.
__________________
What I Wish I Knew When I First Bought My E9X M3 Can Be Found Here
E9X M3 Exact Original Equipment (OE) Equivalent Parts Can Be Found Here
E9X M3 Common Torque Specs Can Be Found Here
E9X M3 "Factory" Tools Can Be Found Here

Last edited by Theodore; 10-30-2023 at 10:21 AM..
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