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06/08/2026LAST POST
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, this is a German Fastener Standard known by the acronym DIN, so a tool built for DIN fasteners will fit best such as most tools by made by German tool brands such as Wera, Hazet, Stahwille, Gedore, Wiha, etc. while American and Japanese tools will still work, they will not fit as well)
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

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

Exhaust:

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(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

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(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

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(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)

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(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:

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(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

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(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

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(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)

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(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

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(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

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(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

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

(Not Labeled) Clutch to Flywheel Screws - 15NM plus an additional 25 degree turn - 6mm Hex (BMW says to replace screws)

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

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(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:

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(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

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(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

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

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(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)

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(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:

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(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)

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(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)
(8) ABS / Speed Sensor - 10 NM (7 ft lbs) - 5mm Hex

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

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(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

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

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(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:

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(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

Upper Rear Control Arm (11/12) 100 NM (74 ft lb) - 18mm long socket and simultaneously a second 18mm socket or wrench
Rear Trailing Arm Inner Bolt / Nut (15/16) 100 NM (74 ft lb) - 18mm socket and simultaneously an 18mm wrench
(8) ABS / Speed Sensor - 5mm Hex 10 NM (7 ft lbs)
(Not Pictured)
Strut Top Nut (Rear) - 37 NM (27 ft lb) - 16mm socket

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(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

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(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

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

Interior:

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

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

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

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

Exterior:

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

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(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.
Post referenced by kolosy in What have you done with or to your M3 today? 25/07/2022 · and 11 more related references...
Thread referenced by SonnyJack in . 12/10/2017
Thread referenced by Mdriv3r in Test pipe install problem HELP 07/05/2018
Thread referenced by exVtekGuy in Exhaust rear section removal 02/10/2018
Thread referenced by Theodore in Buying new tools before getting my M3 05/12/2018
Thread referenced by Helmsman in Interesting Convo w/ Indy BMW Shop Sales Manager 04/01/2019
Thread referenced by dogbone in My E90 M3 Dedicated Track build (with pix!) 16/04/2019
Post referenced by frankc in Flex Disc / Guibo Torque Spec 31/05/2020
Post referenced by SAMM3Y in torque specs for under engine skid plate? 16/08/2021
Post referenced by Davisca455 in Help with part# 28/06/2022
Post referenced by drwankel in Tension strut torque specs? 01/07/2022
Post referenced by chutak in tensioner torque specs 06/01/2026
Pouvez-vous m'aider avec les spécifications de couple pour l'écrou pignon? J'ai fait des recherches sur Internet et j'ai même contacté mes amis du service BMW local. Personne ne semble connaître la réponse, et je suis coincé. Merci pour votre aide!

Peggy
BMW M3 E46 Conv.
pspiers a écrit
Pouvez-vous m'aider avec les spécifications de couple pour l'écrou pignon? J'ai fait des recherches sur Internet et j'ai même contacté mes amis du service BMW local. Personne ne semble connaître la réponse, et je suis coincé. Merci pour votre aide!

Peggy
BMW M3 E46 Conv.

Pinion pour la crémaillère ? Et je suppose par votre signature que c'est pour votre E46 ? Ceci est un forum E9X, mais voici les couples de la crémaillère de direction pour l'E46:

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/e46-m3-cab/repair-manuals/32-steering-wheel-alignment/32-13-steering-gear-with-power-steering-unit/5ZkQ13q


Le manuel BMW TIS est votre ami:

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/fr/e46-m3-cab/repair-manuals/


Si vous voulez dire E9X, il suffit de changer le catalogue E9X sur le lien.

Post referenced by B8bydesign in Belt Tensioner Torque Specs 28/02/2023
Bumping this just because it's such a nice piece of work put together by Theodore.
I have always had these concerns and OP making an awesome document for all of us. Thanks OP
Thread referenced by Helmsman in Must have tools? 19/11/2019
great stuff OP.

Wanted to check on "simultaneously" part. Do I need 2 torque wrench to do that or just torque wrench on the nut side or bolt side?

thanks
romero1990 wrote
great stuff OP.

Wanted to check on "simultaneously" part. Do I need 2 torque wrench to do that or just torque wrench on the nut side or bolt side?

thanks
Just one torque wrench needed on one side (you choose, bolt or nut side) and simultaneously hold the other side steady with a regular wrench or socket.

EDIT: This either side (bolt side or nut side application of the torque wrench) approach applies when the material on either side of the joint are the same material, that material has the same finish on both sides, the hole size is the same through both sides of the material and both the nut face and bolt head sizes have the same diameter and finish. This is true for most of the BMW M3 Suspension components listed above. Otherwise when not specified and the above criteria is not met, by default torque values apply to the use of a torque wrench on the nut, not bolt head.

EDIT 2: For the E92 M3, the BMW TIS has at least one special exception where BMW only provides a torque value for the bolt head and specifically does not provide a torque value for the nut. See this BMW TIS for the driveshaft to flex disc (aka Giubo) bolt torque procedure under "Installation Note".
Theodore wrote
romero1990 wrote
great stuff OP.

Wanted to check on "simultaneously" part. Do I need 2 torque wrench to do that or just torque wrench on the nut side or bolt side?

thanks
Just one torque wrench needed on one side (you choose, bolt or nut side) and simultaneously hold the other side steady with a regular wrench or socket.
great, thanks!
I thought that is exactly how the screw/bolt/nut are supposed to be tighten properly. ;)
Does anybody have torque spec for mechatronic gasket screws? Thank you
Thanks for putting this together. FYI, oil filter caps torque is 25nm = 18.44 ft-lb (it says so on the cap, unless my LCI is different than non-LCI).
Signature Wheel BMW wrote
Thanks for putting this together. FYI, oil filter caps torque is 25nm = 18.44 ft-lb (it says so on the cap, unless my LCI is different than non-LCI).
BMW changed it after your oil filter cap was produced. Here is info provided by SaNGRia.
does anyone know if the bolts for this belly pan are one time use stretch bolts? I was trying to torque them down to 80 ft lbs and it felt like i was over-torquing them and either stretching them or stripping the threads. I never got my torque wrench to click on them. I know what 80 ft lbs feels like and I def think i was way above that.

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PYE46M3 wrote
does anyone know if the bolts for this belly pan are one time use stretch bolts? I was trying to torque them down to 80 ft lbs and it felt like i was over-torquing them and either stretching them or stripping the threads. I never got my torque wrench to click on them. I know what 80 ft lbs feels like and I def think i was way above that.

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80lbs is waaaayyyyy too tight, that's approaching a lut nut.. I've never bothered torquing them just tight enough..
SAMM3Y wrote
80lbs is waaaayyyyy too tight, that's approaching a lut nut.. I've never bothered torquing them just tight enough..
In this thread it says 80 lbs for the front ones and 40 ft lbs for the rear. Im very confused why they would be different. Also the initial post says "Front 6 and rear 2"... there are 7 bolts, not 8. This pan on the E46 uses stretch bolts and it is critical to replace them and properly torque then as it ties the front suspension together. I am not sure if this is the same with the E9X.
PYE46M3 wrote
SAMM3Y wrote
80lbs is waaaayyyyy too tight, that's approaching a lut nut.. I've never bothered torquing them just tight enough..
In this thread it says 80 lbs for the front ones and 40 ft lbs for the rear. Im very confused why they would be different. Also the initial post says "Front 6 and rear 2"... there are 7 bolts, not 8. This pan on the E46 uses stretch bolts and it is critical to replace them and properly torque then as it ties the front suspension together. I am not sure if this is the same with the E9X.
Weird, looked at the diagram and I can see what you're saying about the published torque specs. Weirder thing is on my car all the belly pan bolts are 16mm and I probably give them 40lbsish.. my cars an '08 build. Maybe they were replaced before so maybe they do strip easy.
SAMM3Y wrote
Weird, looked at the diagram and I can see what you're saying about the published torque specs. Weirder thing is on my car all the belly pan bolts are 16mm and I probably give them 40lbsish.. my cars an '08 build.
mine is 16mm too. I beginning to think the #9 refers to something else and the belly pan torque spec isnt included in the post !
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Updated the post to include the 7 reinforcement plate bolts (aka skid plate, belly pan, pictured above) as they were not included in the original post. BMW says they are one time use, torque to yield bolts, which require 56 NM (41 ft lbs) plus turning the bolt an additional 90 degrees after you have achieved the initial torque which stretches the bolt to a very tight final resting point.

Relabeled the "Front of Car Sub-Frame/K Member" bolts to the proper BMW terminology "Front Axle Carrier" bolts to reduce confusion.

The 6 forward most "Front Axle Carrier M12 Bolts" require 108 NM (80 ft lb)
The 2 far rear most "Front Axle Carrier M10 Bolts" are the same bolts [labeled (9) in the image] as used on the reinforcement plate and require 56 NM (41 ft lbs) + a 90 degree additional turn.

Edit: Also corrected 16mm socket is required for these M10 bolts, not a 17mm socket as previously stated.
Thank you Theodore.
Thread referenced by drwillb in e9x M3 front and rear end swap 11/05/2020
This is just the most useful post. Thank you.
This should be a sticky.

Thanks Theodore!
Just an FYI since the TIS site is closed. The torque for the rear brake caliper to wheel carrier is 65nm (47.9 ft-lbs)