- Exhaust systems that exceed 95 decibels.
- Engine tune that is not certified by the California Air Resources Board (CARB)
- Front windshield and front side windows with less than 70% VLT.
- Underglow system emits more than the allowed 0.05 candela/square inch.
Are engine swaps illegal in California?
All vehicles with engine changes must pass an initial inspection at a Referee Center and must have a BAR Referee label affixed to the vehicle inside the engine compartment. After the initial Referee inspection, future Smog Check inspections can be obtained at a regular Smog Check station.
Which E46 has the M54 engine?
The BMW M54 is a naturally aspirated straight-6 petrol engine produced from 2000 to 2006. It was released in the E53 X5 and is the replacement for the M52 engine. The S54 is the equivalent high performance engine, used in the E46 M3, the Z3 M Coupé/Roadster and the E85/E86 Z4 M.
What engine does a M3 E46 have?
The BMW M3 E46 Engine. Outstanding performance is provided by the typical BMW M Series 6-cylinder engine. The 3.2-litre S54B32 engine built on the legacy of its predecessor.
Are M54 engines reliable?
The M54 engine is a naturally aspirated inline-6 that was primarily featured in the 2000-2006 E46 3-series, in addition to the Z3/Z4 and X3/X5 models of the time. They are known to be overall great performers, reliable, and tons of fun.
Why E46 is the best?
It had a high-revving inline-6 engine, and lightweight construction, capturing the essence of the iconic BMW M3 E30. Since then, people considered the E46 generation as the greatest M car built due to its simplicity, appeal, and just overall design of it all.
Can I pass smog with a swapped engine?
This means the newly installed engine must be the same year (or newer) as the vehicle, and all emissions controls on the newly installed engine must be installed and functional.
Is a turbo illegal in California?
In California laws on car modification, the answer to the question “are turbos legal?” is “occasionally.” Since many turbos are prohibited under California’s Vehicle Code Section 27156 and are one of the unlawful auto modifications in California, they can get you into legal problems.
How much HP can a stock M54 handle?
The BMW M54 engine first hit markets in 2000. It’s available in 2.2L, 2.5L, and 3.0L variants that offer 170-228 horsepower.
Can you turbo a M54?
The M54 comes standard as a straight-6 naturally aspirated engine—meaning it doesn’t have any turbochargers or superchargers installed by default. If you install an aftermarket turbocharger, you can boost the car’s horsepower up into the high 300s or low 400s.
Does M54 have VANOS?
The Dual Vanos fits all M52tu/M54/M56 engines. Note that special tools are NOT required for the Dual Vanos installation. You can simply remove and replace the vanos without worrying about cam timing.
Will E46 go up in value?
Values of the E46 M3 have started rising in recent years, and this upward trend is expected to continue. Despite it not being the rarest M car, it’s still a very sought-after model.
What is a common E46 issues?
Valve cover gaskets and valve covers are one of the most common issues on all E46 models. You identify this problem by seeing oil dripping from the valve cover and smelling burning oil. Replace them as soon as you notice the first signs of trouble! Another issue with older vehicles, in general, are the worn bushings.
Is the E46 reliable?
The BMW E46 3 Series was one of BMW’s more reliable cars of this modern era, so you don’t have to worry about too much. However, that doesn’t mean it isn’t without its faults.
Is M54 better than N52?
According to Wikipedia the earlier M54 makes slightly more power at 228hp vs 215hp for the latter N52. Probably not enough difference to worry about. Although there does seem to be a 35ft-lb torque difference, in favour of the older engine.
What is the best year for E46?
While it’s hard to go wrong with any iteration of the E46, we would steer driving enthusiasts towards the 2002 and newer model years for their added power and unadulterated steering feel — as well as for the updated styling that debuted in ’02 on the sedan and wagon (and came a year later for coupes and convertibles).
Which BMW engine is the most reliable?
- BMW B58 Engine.
- BMW M20 Engine.
- BMW M50 Engine.
- BMW S62 Engine.
- BMW N52 Engine.
- BMW M54 Engine.
What is the fastest E46?
Fresh from the dyno, the M3 claimed the title of “Fastest BMW” with a speed of 178mph.
How fast can a E46 go?
Interestingly, it has an electronically governed max speed of 155 mph (250 kph), though, obviously, the example from the video reaches speeds well above that limit.
What is the rarest E46?
BMW M3 GTR E46 was released in February 2001 and became the first M3 in the history of the company, equipped with a V8 engine. BMW M3 GTR of the E46 generation was released in February 2001 and became the first M3 in the history of the company, equipped with a V8 engine.
Are ECU tunes illegal in California?
In California, any vehicle that’s eight years old or older needs to pass a smog test every two years in order to be registered in the state. In July, an ECU inspection was added to that test that banned engines with unauthorized ECU-tunes from California roads.
Are superchargers illegal in California?
Yes, even if you live in California, it’s completely legal to add a ProCharger Supercharger System to your hot Hemi!
Is cold air intake legal in California?
This cold air intake is great at adding a bit of horsepower and torque to your vehicle, and best of all, it is legal in the State of California.
Can an engine swapped car pass smog in California?
To ensure compliance, the California Bureau of Automotive Repair requires that when someone changes the engine on a vehicle, it must pass certification and inspection before being allowed to legally operate on California roads. After that, it is subject to the same smog rules as every other vehicle in the state.
How do I make my car smog exempt in California?
- Your vehicle must have been registered in California for at least the last two years.
- You must have failed a “biennial” smog check inspection.
- Your must not have a tampered emissions control system.