BMW S50 US / S52 Connecting Rod Bolts by ARP

Fortify your BMW S50 US / S52 engine with ARP Connecting Rod Bolts, engineered to deliver unmatched strength, precision, and performance. Manufactured in the USA by Automotive Racing Products (ARP), these bolts are built to outperform OEM rod bolts, offering enhanced durability and reliability for high-performance applications.

Whether you’re rebuilding, tuning, or pushing your engine to its limits on the track, ARP rod bolts ensure your connecting rods stay securely fastened to the crankshaft, even under extreme RPMs and loads. Designed from premium materials and rigorously tested, they prevent stretch and reduce the risk of engine failure in demanding conditions.

Key Benefits:

• Superior Strength: Designed to handle higher stress levels in high-performance builds.
• Enhanced Durability: Exceptional fatigue resistance for long-lasting reliability.
• Precision Fit: Custom-engineered specifically for BMW S50 / S52 inline six engines to ensure seamless installation.

Each kit includes 12 high-performance rod bolts and ARP’s assembly lubricant for accurate and reliable installation. Be sure to follow included torque specifications for optimal results.

Trusted by professional engine builders and racers, ARP Connecting Rod Bolts are the ultimate upgrade for your BMW E36 M3 engine. Whether you’re enhancing your daily driver or competing on the track, these bolts deliver the strength and confidence you need for peak performance.

Installation Instructions:

1. Ensure there is an adequate chamfer around the bolt hole on the connecting rod bolt hole on the connecting rod cap to clear the radius under the head of the bolt
2. Use ARP Ultra-Torque Fastener Assembly Lubricant to lubricate the threads of the bolt and the under head of the bolt. Then install the bolts and tighten them them hand tight. 
3. ARP recommends using the Stretch Method when tightening rod bolts. Following the instructions for using a stretch gauge, stretch the bolts to 0.0070 - 0.0075. 
4. If you do not have a stretch gauge, torque the bolts to 40 ft-lbs using ARP Ultra-Torque Fastener Assembly Lubricant.
5. The connecting rods should always be re-sized after new rod bolts are installed. 
6. A log should be kept on the original non-torqued length of each bolt. Bolts that have any permanent deformation or have increased in non-torqued length by more than 0.001 inch should be replaced. 

BMW S50 US Applications:

3 Series

1994-1995     E36     M3

BMW S52 Applications:

3 Series

1996-1999     E36     M3

Z Series

1998-2000     E36/E37/E38     Z3M