BMW M3 E92 reaching 65K miles

rickqsar · 10-20-2015, 05:16 AM

Hey guys,

My car is about to hit 65,000 miles. Just need advice on any major inspections/maintenance recommended for it?

Move Over · 10-20-2015, 07:26 AM

Belts, trans fluid, diff fluid, spark plugs, air filter, brake fluid, brakes (depending on how they look). I diy'ed my rod bearings at 65k, cheap insurance for 700 bucks.

That was pretty much my 65k service.

I am also doing my transmission mounts as well this weekend (68k). I did the engine mounts at 65 with the rod bearings - they were shot.

kb9uwu · 10-20-2015, 08:14 AM

Rodbearings in reply #1! Like Godwin's Law, but for rod bearings.

rickqsar · 10-20-2015, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Move Over

Belts, trans fluid, diff fluid, spark plugs, air filter, brake fluid, brakes (depending on how they look). I diy'ed my rod bearings at 65k, cheap insurance for 700 bucks.

That was pretty much my 65k service.

I am also doing my transmission mounts as well this weekend (68k). I did the engine mounts at 65 with the rod bearings - they were shot.

Why rod bearings? Even if my engine is healthy?

Also I already replaced my brake pads, spark plugs, engine air filter recently. I am thinking of the belts since one of the accessory modules is making a slight sound (probably the alternator)

Yoddha · 10-20-2015, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rickqsar

Why rod bearings? Even if my engine is healthy?

Also I already replaced my brake pads, spark plugs, engine air filter recently. I am thinking of the belts since one of the accessory modules is making a slight sound (probably the alternator)

From what I've gathered on this forum from the blown motors is that rod bearings affect a small, but significant number of individuals. 2011+ owners received upgraded bearings, however it is not guaranteed that a fault will not occur. People swap them with WPC treated or OEM bearings as a precautionary measure. Spending $3,000 to be safer rather than sorry is what motivates people to swap them. It's certainly a hell of a lot better than paying $15,000 + labour for an engine rebuild or new engine all together.

rickqsar · 10-20-2015, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M__3__R__A__G__E

Quote:

Originally Posted by rickqsar

Why rod bearings? Even if my engine is healthy?

Also I already replaced my brake pads, spark plugs, engine air filter recently. I am thinking of the belts since one of the accessory modules is making a slight sound (probably the alternator)

From what I've gathered on this forum from the blown motors is that rod bearings affect a small, but significant number of individuals. 2011+ owners received upgraded bearings, however it is not guaranteed that a fault will not occur. People swap them with WPC treated or OEM bearings as a precautionary measure. Spending $3,000 to be safer rather than sorry is what motivates people to swap them. It's certainly a hell of a lot better than paying $15,000 + labour for an engine rebuild or new engine all together.

That's my expectation. I can risk driving it without getting then replace before they go or get them done now. However: I have been very carefully with my car since I got it from friend (which he took very good care of it as well)

-I start the car, cold start, then let it idle until the normal rough idle settles.
-Driving from a cold start, I do not go passed 4,000rpm until my yellow rpm limiter indicator reaches max 8,300rpm

So I have been doing that. Also, I have a USAA AUTO EXTENDED WARRANTY, and they will cover any damages such as rod bearing failures for my car if it happens.

What do you think?

Move Over · 10-20-2015, 11:15 AM

I personally decided to do them for my own peace of mind. I did them myself, so it did not come with a 3k price tag. My engine was not showing any signs of failure but I did them because this forum got to me!

That was MY personal choice for preventative maintenance at 65k, but no it does not need to be done. If you've got a warranty, don't even worry about it until the warranty is expiring.

Ezio · 10-20-2015, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rickqsar

Quote:

Originally Posted by Move Over

Belts, trans fluid, diff fluid, spark plugs, air filter, brake fluid, brakes (depending on how they look). I diy'ed my rod bearings at 65k, cheap insurance for 700 bucks.

That was pretty much my 65k service.

I am also doing my transmission mounts as well this weekend (68k). I did the engine mounts at 65 with the rod bearings - they were shot.

Why rod bearings? Even if my engine is healthy?

Also I already replaced my brake pads, spark plugs, engine air filter recently. I am thinking of the belts since one of the accessory modules is making a slight sound (probably the alternator)

How do you know it's healthy? How do you know how the bearing are holding up?

All the time "healthy" engines blow up.

DSilk · 10-20-2015, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ezio

How do you know it's healthy? How do you know how the bearing are holding up?

All the time "healthy" engines blow up.

Oil analysis.

JoePcone · 10-20-2015, 12:50 PM

I would say replace the shocks as well at 65k. Especially if you have a non-edc car..its cheap.

BimmerRookie · 10-20-2015, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DSilk

Oil analysis.

Even oil analysis isn't definitive....

Ezio · 10-20-2015, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DSilk

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ezio

How do you know it's healthy? How do you know how the bearing are holding up?

All the time "healthy" engines blow up.

Oil analysis.

Either you should research how reliable the oil analysis is.

Or save your time and listen to people here. I have seen plenty of good oil reports and blown motors on this forum. It's simply not reliable.

The only sure thing is to physically check your bearing/replace them.

Rat3d ///M · 10-20-2015, 01:40 PM

Is there a fairly easy way of checking the condition of the bearings, or is it a case of if you have gotten the motor torn down far enough to check the condition you may as well replace them while you're in there?

Iyzmi · 10-20-2015, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M__3__R__A__G__E

From what I've gathered on this forum from the blown motors is that rod bearings affect a small, but significant number of individuals. 2011+ owners received upgraded bearings, however it is not guaranteed that a fault will not occur. People swap them with WPC treated or OEM bearings as a precautionary measure. Spending $3,000 to be safer rather than sorry is what motivates people to swap them. It's certainly a hell of a lot better than paying $15,000 + labour for an engine rebuild or new engine all together.

From what I've gathered, 2011+ bearings are not "upgraded." They just don't use lead because of some unrelated regulations. I've read that lead is actually a better material for rod bearings, so if anything "downgraded" may be more appropriate. Realistically I don't think it makes any difference as we've seen failures across the board from '08-'12.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ||||||||||

Is there a fairly easy way of checking the condition of the bearings, or is it a case of if you have gotten the motor torn down far enough to check the condition you may as well replace them while you're in there?

The latter. My car was in the shop for a repair that required dropping the sub frame and oil pan so I had the tech inspect one of the bearings while he was in there. Really no good way of checking other than taking everything apart and visually inspecting them. At that point, you might as well put new ones in IMO.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ezio

Either you should research how reliable the oil analysis is.

Or save your time and listen to people here. I have seen plenty of good oil reports and blown motors on this forum. It's simply not reliable.

The only sure thing is to physically check your bearing/replace them.

This.

IIAp3x · 10-20-2015, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DSilk

Oil analysis.

Oil analysis is not reliable... trust me...

rickqsar · 10-20-2015, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iyzmi

Quote:

Originally Posted by M__3__R__A__G__E

From what I've gathered on this forum from the blown motors is that rod bearings affect a small, but significant number of individuals. 2011+ owners received upgraded bearings, however it is not guaranteed that a fault will not occur. People swap them with WPC treated or OEM bearings as a precautionary measure. Spending $3,000 to be safer rather than sorry is what motivates people to swap them. It's certainly a hell of a lot better than paying $15,000 + labour for an engine rebuild or new engine all together.

From what I've gathered, 2011+ bearings are not "upgraded." They just don't use lead because of some unrelated regulations. I've read that lead is actually a better material for rod bearings, so if anything "downgraded" may be more appropriate. Realistically I don't think it makes any difference as we've seen failures across the board from '08-'12.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ||||||||||

Is there a fairly easy way of checking the condition of the bearings, or is it a case of if you have gotten the motor torn down far enough to check the condition you may as well replace them while you're in there?

The latter. My car was in the shop for a repair that required dropping the sub frame and oil pan so I had the tech inspect one of the bearings while he was in there. Really no good way of checking other than taking everything apart and visually inspecting them. At that point, you might as well put new ones in IMO.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ezio

Either you should research how reliable the oil analysis is.

Or save your time and listen to people here. I have seen plenty of good oil reports and blown motors on this forum. It's simply not reliable.

The only sure thing is to physically check your bearing/replace them.

This.

So essentially, I should start setting up for rod bearing replacements. I searched up WPC Rod Bearings on Europeanautosource.com and they were $550.

How much is the shop cost/labor cost?

Move Over · 10-20-2015, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rickqsar

So essentially, I should start setting up for rod bearing replacements. I searched up WPC Rod Bearings on Europeanautosource.com and they were $550.

How much is the shop cost/labor cost?

Wpc bearings and ARP bolts, should be around 800 for parts. I would snag a new oil pan gasket, and motor mounts while they are in there too. Shop will charge 1500-2k for labor. EAS charges 2350 for parts and install but of course you have to be local.

I went with OEM bolts, but holy shit that torque procedure is grueling, not to mention an accurate angle tq wrench can be costly.

pbonsalb · 10-20-2015, 06:39 PM

You are fine until your extended warranty expires. Consider doing the bearings then. If you want to do all the fluids, plugs, mounts, filters now as preventative maintenance go ahead. I did at 60k. Warranty probably won't cover those parts anyway and if you plan to keep the car long term then servicing it should help.

Tracyis300 · 10-20-2015, 08:48 PM

You have a major tuneup coming up!
If you don't have a extended warranty (like me)? Then your looking at around $13 hundred out of pocket

Flying Ace · 10-20-2015, 09:14 PM

Baring of rods.

Consider selling car to me for $12k. I'll end up dumping $30k into it unbaring those rods

10-20-2015, 05:16 AM	#1
rickqsar Enlisted Member 14 Rep 38 Posts Drives: 2009 BMW M3 E92 Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: New Castle, Delaware, USA iTrader: (0)	BMW M3 E92 reaching 65K miles Hey guys, My car is about to hit 65,000 miles. Just need advice on any major inspections/maintenance recommended for it?
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10-20-2015, 07:26 AM	#2
Move Over Colonel 1258 Rep 2,492 Posts Drives: M3 6MT Join Date: May 2015 Location: Peninsula iTrader: (9)	Belts, trans fluid, diff fluid, spark plugs, air filter, brake fluid, brakes (depending on how they look). I diy'ed my rod bearings at 65k, cheap insurance for 700 bucks. That was pretty much my 65k service. I am also doing my transmission mounts as well this weekend (68k). I did the engine mounts at 65 with the rod bearings - they were shot. Last edited by Move Over; 10-20-2015 at 07:43 AM..
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10-20-2015, 08:14 AM	#3
kb9uwu Supreme Czar 309 Rep 779 Posts Drives: AW E90 M3 6MT (GONE) Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Central Illinois iTrader: (0)	Rodbearings in reply #1! Like Godwin's Law, but for rod bearings.
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10-20-2015, 11:15 AM	#7
Move Over Colonel 1258 Rep 2,492 Posts Drives: M3 6MT Join Date: May 2015 Location: Peninsula iTrader: (9)	I personally decided to do them for my own peace of mind. I did them myself, so it did not come with a 3k price tag. My engine was not showing any signs of failure but I did them because this forum got to me! That was MY personal choice for preventative maintenance at 65k, but no it does not need to be done. If you've got a warranty, don't even worry about it until the warranty is expiring. Last edited by Move Over; 10-20-2015 at 11:21 AM..
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10-20-2015, 12:50 PM	#10
JoePcone Lieutenant 145 Rep 468 Posts Drives: 2015 BMW M3 Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Chicago, IL iTrader: (0)	I would say replace the shocks as well at 65k. Especially if you have a non-edc car..its cheap. __________________ 2015 F80 M3 - Yas Blue, Silverstone Full., Bilstein B6 shocks, Eibach Springs, Full M Performance Carbon Add-ons, Titan 7 Wheels. (past) 2012 E92 M3 - Melbourne Red - Eibach Springs/AG M359/ performance spoiler/ performance splitters/10mm spacers, Macht Schnell Test Pipes, Alpine Stage 2 Tune.
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10-20-2015, 01:40 PM	#13
Rat3d ///M 997.1TT 1003 Rep 1,672 Posts Drives: 2007 Porsche 911 Turbo Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Germany iTrader: (1)	Is there a fairly easy way of checking the condition of the bearings, or is it a case of if you have gotten the motor torn down far enough to check the condition you may as well replace them while you're in there?
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10-20-2015, 06:39 PM	#18
pbonsalb Lieutenant General 5234 Rep 10,616 Posts Drives: 18 F90 M5, 99 E36 M3 Turbo Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: New England iTrader: (4)	You are fine until your extended warranty expires. Consider doing the bearings then. If you want to do all the fluids, plugs, mounts, filters now as preventative maintenance go ahead. I did at 60k. Warranty probably won't cover those parts anyway and if you plan to keep the car long term then servicing it should help.
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10-20-2015, 08:48 PM	#19
Tracyis300 Lieutenant 108 Rep 536 Posts Drives: 09 E90 M3 Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Los angeles iTrader: (0)	You have a major tuneup coming up! If you don't have a extended warranty (like me)? Then your looking at around $13 hundred out of pocket
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10-20-2015, 09:14 PM	#20
Flying Ace Lieutenant General 4985 Rep 11,891 Posts Drives: G05 45e, 997.1 & 991.1 GT3s Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: SF, CA iTrader: (5)	Baring of rods. Consider selling car to me for $12k. I'll end up dumping $30k into it unbaring those rods __________________ 22 Phytonic/Coffee X5 45e (CoVID-free) 08 Speed Yellow 911 GT3 Sharkwerks 12 AW/Cinnamon X5d Sports Pkg (retired) 14 AW/Beige M6GC ZCP, MPE, V2 steering wheel, vorsteiner (retired) 08 SSII/Black E90 M3 (retired)
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