Cometic C4505-040 MLS Head Gasket .040" for 2000-06 BMW S54B32 3.2L I6

Vehicle Fitment

• 2000-2006 BMW M3 (E46), 2001-2002 Z3 M, 2006 Z4 M with S54B32 3.2 L I6 engine

Features

• Multi-Layer Steel (MLS) construction for strong, repeatable seal under high load :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
• Embossed outer layers and Viton coating for thermal, chemical, and sealing durability :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
• Compressed thickness: 0.040 in - optimized trade-off between sealing and deck height :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
• Bore size: 87.5 mm for precise fitment to S54 engine block/chamber design :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
• # of layers: 3 layer design (outer embossed Viton-coated layers + centre shim) :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
• MLS material suitable for aluminum heads mounted to block (which for the S54 is aluminum) :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
• No additional sealant required - designed to seal via clamping force and proper torque procedure :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
• Resilient to thermal cycling, combustion pressure, and gasket surface irregularities typical of high-performance/racing use :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

Specifications

• Part Number: C4505-040 :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
• Engine: S54B32 3.2 L Inline-6 :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
• Bore Size: 87.5 mm :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
• Compressed Thickness: 0.040 in (≈1.016 mm) :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
• Material: Stainless steel multi-layer (MLS), outer layers embossed & Viton-coated, centre shim uncoated :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
• Number of layers: 3 layers :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
• Bore shape: Round :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
• Orientation: None (no side-specific head or block orientation required) :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}

Included Components

• 1x Cometic MLS head gasket C4505-040

Product Description

The Cometic C4505-040 is a high-quality MLS head gasket designed for the BMW S54B32 3.2 L inline-6 engines used in E46 M3, early Z3 M, and Z4 M models (2000-2006). With an 87.5 mm bore and .040-inch compressed thickness, this gasket provides a reliable sealing solution for performance builds, avoiding issues of warping or combustion leakage even under elevated load or boost pressures.

Constructed with three layers of stainless steel, including embossed outer layers coated with Viton for improved sealing and chemical resistance, and a center shim for strength, this gasket is well suited for high-performance, racing, or daily driver applications where stock thickness is insufficient or replacement is needed. Proper installation includes ensuring that the cylinder head and deck surfaces are flat and polished to spec, using correct head bolt torque sequence and values specific to the S54 engine.

**Fitment confirmed through 2006. 2007 and later coverage unconfirmed at time of listing.**