Blown motors S65 failure registry updated

[Assimilator1]

Following on from a couple of conversations in the old thread recently, it seems that some people weren't aware of the clean up, categorisation and adding missed or new cases I've been doing with the original (all encompassing) list over the past 4 years! Despite aus linking to my new list in the op there (apparently signatures don't show up for mobiles for example, where I had a link to it).

So for those not familiar with my list, a large proportion are based on the old list by aus started in 2012 (last updated 2022), thanks to him for his efforts there .
For my list I've categorised the different failures, replaced broken links, added extra links where I found extra info, updated some poster's names and deleted a few invalid cases.
This list of mine doesn't have a link for every entry (I may add that at a later date), if you want to read up an entry which doesn't have a link then check out the original list by aus.

If you find anymore cases, please post here, if they are not for your car, please post a link to photos or the original post (whether in forums, YT or on FB).
I am periodically adding any I find for the UK m3cutters list here too.

Listed sorted out into failed RBs, likely failed RBs (yes this one is subjective!), failed main bearings, likely failed main bearings (i.e seized without any temp warnings) & other failures/undetermined.
(Want to find a name? Hit Ctrl+F, type in name, hit enter or arrows).

For comparison, 65,985 M3 e9xs were sold worldwide. Whilst their have been upto 168 reports of failed failed engines here (as of 1-4-2024) from mostly rod bearings and some mains, which only accounts for 0.255% of all these M3s, this figure is meaningless really as it doesn't take into account the following points.
1. We have no idea what % of failed engines are reported here. We are almost certainly missing a significant number. e.g 21,561 LHD ECE models were sold, but we literally only have a few cases reported from Europe! (UK is RHD in case you didn't know). I'd imagine a very large % of those cars were sold in Germany (anyone read German fancy checking out their forums? lol). And even amongst us English speakers, we have no idea what % of M3 owners are posting about their engine failures here, you can argue it either way.
2. The vast majority of rod bearings pulled are either significantly or severely worn (especially with the earlier type lead/copper bearings) and from my count (a little over 3 years ago) something like 98% of them have abnormal wear. Which means more failures will happen as time goes on (unless the bearings are replaced of course).

ROD BEARINGS failed, confirmed (by poster) :-

Lead/copper (earlier type) bearing failures 54
Tin/al/copper (later type) bearing failures 33
2010 MY not counted as they could be either type (unless type stated), some didn't report the year at all.
Total failures 105

1. RenoE92M3 - confirmed rod bearings failed, 43k miles, BMW replaced engine (mains condition unknown), MY2008 - Aus.
2. Solo_M_Tech - confirmed RB spun & crank damaged, 136k miles but were replaced at 80k miles (with OEM), customer declined a service prior to this! photo here https://www.m3post.com/forums/showpo...&postcount=224 , no further info - USA, MA
3. taleof2bricks - confirmed blown engine, rod thrown, failed rod bearings, 28k miles, MY2008 - USA, CA
4. e90m3_6MT - confirmed blown engine, broken con-rod etc, 107k km, 66.5k miles, MY2008 - Can., Mont.
5. Boxed - confirmed (by BMW) rod bearings worn out, bearings replaced MY 2011 (no more info) - USA, FL
6. jacobe92 - confirmed rod bearing failure, 31k miles, MY2011 (no more info) - USA, CA
7. bigtracing - confirmed failed rod bearings, 96k, MY2008 - USA, CT
8. kinnsella - confirmed rod bearings failed, 35k, BMW replaced engine with a reman unit, MY2011 - USA, CA
9. HapaM3 - confirmed rod bearings failed, 47k, (some tracking), MY2008 - USA, LA
10. JDATX - confirmed rod bearings failed, 39k miles, replaced under BMW warranty, MY2011 - USA, TX
11. Carlow - confirmed RBs failed and engine replaced under warrantee by BMW, 92k miles, MY2008 - Ireland
12. Master P! confirmed blown engine, rod bearings seized & broken conrod, 63.7k miles, some tracking 2008 MY, https://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=963103 - USA, ?
13. Canadian (now boost3dx) - confirmed spun rod bearings, 6.3k! miles, repaired by BMW (some track days), MY2012 - USA, NV
14. diargon - confirmed RBs (no pics), 64k miles, https://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1739454, MY2011 - USA, WA
15. oreokid24 - confirmed RB failure, BMW replaced engine under warranty, 35k miles, 2011 MY - USA, PA
16. tar0d - confirmed RB failure, 60k kms (37k miles), 2008 MY - Spanish speaking, unknown location.
17. tobilli - confirmed RB failure, 90k kms (56k miles), 2009 MY - Spanish speaking, unknown location.
18. ellekz - confirmed RB failure, 47k miles,https://www.m3post.com/forums/showpo...7&postcount=90 2009 MY - Can,. GTA
19. BMW M3 Guy - confirmed RB failure, 55k miles, repaired by BMW under goodwill! 2008 MY - USA, CA
20. mtecnic - confirmed blown engine (crank/rods failure), 70k miles, covered by CPO party warranty (car tracked), 2008 MY - USA, WI
21. vmudry - confirmed RBs failed, 56k miles, 2008 MY - USA, Mass.
22. theboss1853 - confirmed RBs failed, 60k miles, 2008 MY - USA, IL
23. ellekz - confirmed RBs failed, ~45k miles, 2nd engine!(used, unknown year) - Can., GTA
24. Antonio1988 - confirmed RB seized, 31k miles, BMW replaced under warrantee, 2012 - USA, FL
25. IIAp3x - confirmed RB failure, 55k miles, replaced by BMW, mostly covered with 3rd party (Premier Dealer Services) warrantee, MY2008 - USA, FL
26. maloo - reports of RBs failed on an M3 featured in the 'Boston Bimmer' magazine (not available online) - USA, ?
27. Zzhou's - confirmed blown engine (block holed), 42k miles, tracked 5-6 times per yr, another forum member states he saw his car in the dealer & they told him the RBs had failed - https://www.m3post.com/forums/showpo...4&postcount=58 MY2012
(not his friends car, although he states that blew up too with rod bearing failure, no further info given) - USA, IN
28. bqureshi (now ///MTex) - confirmed rod bearing failure, 57k miles, (better link) https://www.m3post.com/forums/showpo...postcount=1086, pics - https://www.m3post.com/forums/showpo...postcount=1092, MY2009 - USA, TX
29. serg87 (now AdonM3) - confirmed blown engine due to RB failure, replaced under warrantee, 48k miles, MY2011 - USA, CA
30. serj.ru - confirmed failed RBs, crank & some pistons damaged, 63k kms (39k miles), MY2008 - Russia, Moscow
31. Grk_M3 - confirmed failed RBs, scored cylinders, no more info, MY2009. - SA
32. WkboardAtx - confirmed RB failure & blown engine, 80k miles, (occurred whilst driven by dealer!), no further info, direct link http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=542393(link now dead 2/2024, MY2008 - ???
33. Thekhwaj - confirmed RB bearing failure, 22k miles, final confirmation of failed RBs here - https://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1248610 , serviced every 5k MY2012 - USA, TX
34. MrFeisty - confirmed rod bearing failure, 80k kms (50k miles), MY2010 - Aus.
35. O4RC51 - confirmed rod bearings failed, 85k miles, MY 2008 - USA, NY
36. turbomaniac - confirmed failed rod bearings (includes pics), 56k miles, correct link https://www.m3post.com/forums/showth...2#post19664522, MY 2008 - USA, TX
37. 335m - confirmed RBs failed, ~60k miles, no further info, MY2008 - USA, TX
38. CHIEFKIEF - confirmed RBs failed, 30k miles, no further info, MY2009 - USA, OK
39. Bel-Tirid's friend - confirmed his car's RBs failed, no further info - Slovenia
40. williemandowa - confirmed RBs failed, 101k miles, some tracking, no further info, MY2008 - USA, GA
41. tacoman - confirmed RBs failed (seized engine, whilst at dealer!), 36k miles, MY2010 - USA, FL
42. Twosevennine - confirmed RBs failed (rod knock), no further info - USA, CA
43. EYXB - confirmed RBs failed, 92k kms (57k miles), corrected link https://www.m3post.com/forums/showpo...36&postcount=1, MY2012 - Aus.
44. LatifE90 - confirmed RBs failed (engine replaced), 60k miles, further info from here https://www.m3post.com/forums/showpo...1&postcount=21, MY2009 - USA, CA
45. Ruben7520 (name changed to M4_Ronin) - confirmed RBs failed, no further info (possibly formerly owned by DreamTime? - https://www.m3post.com/forums/showpo...1&postcount=61 ) - USA, NC
46. EAS customer - confirmed RB failure (incl. photos, appear to be tin/al bearings), 120k miles, no further info - USA, ?
47. yeah_knee - confirmed RB failure, 108k miles, 2008 https://www.m3post.com/forums/showpo...&postcount=208, MY2008 - USA, CA
48. Inflame's boss - confirmed RBs failed, 46k miles, no further info, MY2011 - USA, ?
49. Nilick - confirmed RBs failed, 45k miles, no further info, MY2011 - USA, WA
50. Redish motors (engine from Jamaica) - confirmed seized engine, rods 1,2 & 3 blued, certainly RBs failed, but maybe no1 mains too? No further info. - Jamaica
51. steven747 - confirmed RBs failed, 94k miles, MY2008 - USA, CA
52. bimmer414 - confirmed RBs failed, 122k miles, ~12 track days, (stated oil analysis missed bad bearings, Pb levels were slightly elevated. Report not shown. Have PM'd), MY2008 - USA, WI
53. New_m3 - confirmed RBs failed, 102k miles, MY2008 - UK
54. Codinge90 - confirmed RBs failed (engine otherwise apparently undamaged), 101k miles, corrected link https://www.m3post.com/forums/showpo...82&postcount=1, MY2010 - USA, CA
55. bmwlover0725 - confirmed RBs failed (spun), 162k miles, 2008, has done 10k miles (as of 3/2020) on new shells with 1 of the journals slightly scored! MY2008 - USA, NY
56. aardchua - confirmed RB 'issue', ~50k miles, engine was replaced under warrantee, MY2008 - USA, CA
57. aznazasin - confirmed RB failure (hole in block), 88k miles, MY2008 - USA, CA
58. MoonShot - confirmed RB failure, 62k miles, engine replaced by BMW under warrantee, MY2008 - USA, GA
59. dgoldenz - 1st engine RBs failed at 24k miles, engine was replaced under warrantee by BMW in 10/2014 https://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1681878, MY 2013 - USA, NV
60. dgoldenz - confirmed failed RBs (Gintani bearings) (rod thrown) on 2nd engine!, supercharged for 10k miles, 59.2k miles, better link with photos https://www.m3post.com/forums/showpo...postcount=2382 , not mains apparently! https://www.m3post.com/forums/showpo...4&postcount=34, MY 2013.
61. Kobaiyashi - confirmed RBs failed, 136k, no further info as of 16/11/2020, MY2008 - USA, CA
62. surewin - confirmed RBs failed, engine saved! 62k miles (photos plus oil report) https://www.m3post.com/forums/showpo...&postcount=256 , more info from tom @ eas here https://www.m3post.com/forums/showpo...&postcount=389, MY2008 - USA, CA
63. anerbe - confirmed failed RBs, 54k miles, (oil reports) - https://www.m3post.com/forums/showpo...&postcount=967, RBs hadn't spun but crank scored https://www.m3post.com/forums/showpo...92&postcount=1, MY2009 - USA, MI
64. amrazM3 (now amrazM) - confirmed engine seized, (via PM) cylinder 8 bottom shell spun and fused to the crank, took out the motor and it couldn't be spun over by hand. Before the motor went it was consuming oil pretty rapidly, bmw sent an engineer to look at the engine and they verified that the oil wasn't low at the time of the incident, 25k miles, corrected link https://www.m3post.com/forums/showpo...07&postcount=1. This car had a replacement engine 2015 which had the lead/copper bearings, MY 2011 - USA, NY
65. kpewpew (now kyippee) - confirmed no1 RB failure (rod knock & bearing seized to crank), possible No1 mains failure (undetermined), 67k miles (6k on new aftermarket RBs) https://www.m3post.com/forums/showpo...&postcount=154, MY 2011 - USA, CA
66. SVH - confirmed RBs failed, 54k miles, 2011, supercharged, mains were checked & were ok (info via PM), some info here https://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1547961, MY 2011 - USA, SVH
67. Mshift - confirmed spun rod bearing (via PM, BMW replaced engine), 36k miles, https://www.m3post.com/forums/showpo...7&postcount=19 , MY 2013 - USA, FL
68. REDBULL - confirmed blown engine, signature states 'rod bearing failure', 23k miles, MY 2010 - USA, mid atlantic
69. Artem@ONEighty (now Alex@ONEighty) - confirmed rod bearings failed via PM, 28k miles, engine replaced by BMW, MY 2011 - USA, NY
70. deansbimmer - case 2 from post here, S65 4.6ltr, approximately 45k miles on the build, spun #4 bearing, rod broke, hole in the block. 10w60 oil, block casting date 2008 - USA, ?
71. deansbimmer - case 4 from message here, 44k miles, 10w60, #1/5 spun rods (first journal)[possible mains failure?], 2011 - USA,?
72. deansbimmer - case 5 from message here, 51k miles, 5w50, rod knock - Cyl #6 bearing galled, not spun yet, 2013 - USA, ?
73. deansbimmer - case 6 from message here, 120k miles, supercharged, original bearings, 10w60, spun #2/6 journal, 2008 - USA, ?
74. deansbimmer - case 7 from message here, "sleeved 4.4 block that had rod bearing failure after 16k miles from the build" - USA, ?
75. lauz - confirmed failed RBs with photo, MY2011, approx 1 month before it'd done 48k km (30k miles) - Can., Quebec
76. tom@eas - 170k miles(!), spun bearing No 1, crank damaged (somehow this engine wasn't knocking!), photos - https://www.m3post.com/forums/showpo...postcount=2723 MY 2008 - USA, ?
77. Ruebsteak - 56k miles, spun bearing No 2 & 6 (same journal, at time of writing the engine hasn't been fully stripped, possibility of it being caused by a failed mains), high quality photos posted by him here - https://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2040303, 2012 car - USA, CA
78. Assimilator1 (from a work mate @BMW) - ~40k miles, rod broken from crank (see photos), replaced under BMW extended warrantee (spring 2020), 2013 car - UK, Hants, S'ton
79. Rahstar - rod bearing no5 spun (photo), 85k miles, MY 2008, USA, CA
80. Ecko - engine knocking, rod bearings 7 & 8 failed, crankshaft damaged, 82k kms, MY unknown, (in New Zealand but UK car) - https://forums.m3cutters.co.uk/threa...y-head.102814/
81. sohale - "engine knocking", "wobble on 5 & 6" rods, 89k miles, PM'd 10-2-24 - https://forums.m3cutters.co.uk/threa...-worth.166884/, UK
82. Dangretto - "engine knocking", 74k miles, MY 2008 - https://forums.m3cutters.co.uk/threa...ng-e92.179036/, UK
83. chuckster - rod bearings failed, 68k miles, MY 2008 - https://forums.m3cutters.co.uk/threa...ave-up.157369/, UK
84. Matt330 - "big ends rattling" - https://forums.m3cutters.co.uk/threa...let-go.173159/, "number two shell had ruined the crank and con rod the rest of the shells were very close to going as well." - https://forums.m3cutters.co.uk/threa...9/post-2336695, 69k miles, 2008, UK
85. Matt330 - (At same time as his car, Redish motors, 2011 e92, 20k miles, big end rattle > seized - https://forums.m3cutters.co.uk/threa...9/post-2276209 ), UK
86. shaikh - rod bearings 1 & 5 seized, 25k miles, MY 2012 - https://forums.m3cutters.co.uk/threa...ailure.189826/, UK
87. Nicom3 - hole in block, 62.8k miles, MY 2008 - https://forums.m3cutters.co.uk/threa...2/post-2706038, UK
88. Raif - spun bearings, 83k miles, 2008 - https://forums.m3cutters.co.uk/threa...6/post-2808617
https://forums.m3cutters.co.uk/threa...6/post-2463132, UK
89. kinglean - "bearing spun" and crank scored, 26k miles, 2013 - https://forums.m3cutters.co.uk/threa...ervice.215969/
https://forums.m3cutters.co.uk/threa...thread.217463/, UK
90. Petej1 - 1st engine. Rod bearing spun and damaged crank, 49.5k miles, 2009 - https://forums.m3cutters.co.uk/threa...e-bang.209711/, UK
91. ShivaStirling - "big end spun and crank damage...", 113k kms, 2007 - https://forums.m3cutters.co.uk/threa...4/post-3419697, Ire
92. x2nervisx - confirmed seized engine, 107k miles, engine 2008, via PM 15-2-24 "The person I sold it to tore it down and said the rod bearings were toast.", USA, NY.
93. Brooklyn Mark (now M4ever92 ?) - "engine blow out" and "rod bearing failure" confirmed by a mechanic, 38k miles, supercharged for 20k, tracked, possible detonation problems in the year prior? (forum banned him 4/2014), MY 2011, USA, NY
94. JYTSky - confirmed bearing failure on cyl 5, tuned (informed via PM), 36k miles, BMW repaired under warranty, MY 2011, USA, VA.
95. PERFM3 (renamed PerfM5) - confirmed bearing failure on cyl 1, crank scored, mileage unknown (PM'd 24-2-24), covered by 3rd party warranty, MY 2008, USA, CA
96. bsb - "spun a rod"[bearing], supercharged, 92k miles, MY 2008, USA, NV - https://www.m3post.com/forums/showth...3#post20650043
97. NotoriousART - rod bearings failed in 2013 just prior to his ownership, warrantee invoice here, 56.8k miles, MY 2008, USA, CA
98. SSR Performance customer - confirmed bearings failed (engine knocking loudly) & crank damaged , 78k miles, USA
99. decimation1 - confirmed failed bearings (no2 spun, confirmed via PM that it was rod bearings), 80k miles, extra info here https://www.m3post.com/forums/conver...5815&u2=258246, MY 2008, USA, VA
100. jonshmoe - confirmed rod bearings failed (via email 26-2-24), 97k miles, MY 2008, USA, GA
101. grantwoodOK - 1st engine's rod bearings failed at 70.4k, MY 2011, USA, FL
102. Riz123 - No1 & 5 rod bearings seized @40.8k miles (with a previous owner), 2011, UK - https://forums.m3cutters.co.uk/threa...8/post-3384121 . Invoice shown here - https://forums.m3cutters.co.uk/threa...8/post-3385640
103. M30YEE - rod bearings gone, engine seized, MY 2012 - https://forums.m3cutters.co.uk/threa...seized.153281/
104. superbang - confirmed RBs failed, 69k miles, no further info - USA, CA
105. Fizik - confirmed no8 RB failed (interestingly he mentions that the mains didn't need doing after stripping it down), ~88k miles, MY 2008, USA, ID

ROD BEARINGS likely failed, but not confirmed (btw, a broken rod can be caused by a hydrolocked engine as well as the more common (for S65s) rod bearings failing) :-

Lead/copper failures 12
Tin/al/copper failures 7
2010 MY not counted as they could be either type (unless type stated).
Total 26

1. zOOm - confirmed engine blew up "Piston went through engine block", 59k miles, MY 2008 (PM'ed 20/11/20) - Lithuania, but car came from USA?
2. foolio2 - confirmed engine failure (video of car sounds like rod bearings knocking. Engine not stripped), 6.7k!, BMW replaced engine, MY2013 - USA, IN
3. mkoesel - likely rod bearings failed - video produced, sounds like a big end knocking (not belt noise lol!), engine wasn't stripped down during his ownership, sold on as is to leetecjm (PM'ed 17/11/20), 95.5k miles, MY2008 - USA, MI
4. xccess - confirmed blown engine (broken rod), 88k miles, MY2008 - USA
5. SHADY1 - Eurotic of Houston - confirmed blown engine, pictures of broken rod & piston, 25k miles, no further info, MY2012 - USA, TX
6. Sonny-Heyman (reported by aussiem3) - confirmed blown engine (windowed block), 160k kms (100k miles), some more info here, MY2010 - Belgium
7. Sascha Ernst (reported by ///M Power-Belgium) - confirmed blown engine (windowed block), 65k kms (40.4k miles), no further info - Germany
8. benbejamin18 - confirmed engine failed, likely RBs, 62k miles, 12/2007 - USA, FL
9. zeemy - only confirmed major engine fault (serious knock, likely RBs), 80k miles, car sold on as is, no further info, MY2008 - USA, NV
10. fastmvr - confirmed bearings failed (not stated which, indicates RBs), 109k miles, better link https://www.m3post.com/forums/showpo...2&postcount=76, MY2008 - USA, TX
11. nastynogales - confirmed engine knocking, 135k miles, no further info, MY2008 - USA, CA
12. Peterb - engine knocking on Nurburgring, sounds like bigs ends went, 100k miles, 2008, UK - https://forums.m3cutters.co.uk/threa...rgring.137985/ and a YouTube video -

13. frazierrg - confirmed blown engine (thrown rod), 43.6k miles, no further info, MY 2011 - USA, KY
14. M3_Singh - confirmed blown engine (thrown rod, photos), 79k miles, no further info - UK
15. shakeywarrior - confirmed rod knock & copper debris in oil filter, no further info at this stage. (PM sent 19/11/20) - USA, TX
16. brandfay - confirmed rod broke (likely due to rod bearings failure), 20k miles, BMW replaced under warranty, MY 2013 - USA, VA
17. deansbimmer - case 3 in message here, 63k miles, 10w60, rod knocking, swarf in oil, 2009 - USA, ?
18. steezye93m3 - confirmed rod broke (likely due to rod bearings failure), 56k miles, MY 2011 - USA, NY
19. BlackM3Sedan - Only confirmation of a rod through the block, cause uncertain. Engine for sale here MY 2008, but had bearings replaced - USA, MI
20. Baptist - block holed (photo on p4), 72k miles, 2011 - https://forums.m3cutters.co.uk/threa...-toast.191875/, UK
21. RickyM - spun bearing (no more info) - https://forums.m3cutters.co.uk/threa...wanted.211867/, UK
22. ericliew's friend - "blew it's bearings" - https://forums.m3cutters.co.uk/threa...> post-3621375, UK
23. M3NST3R - confirmed blown engine, 47k miles, replaced by BMW (awful noise and problem on no 6 cyl), MY 2008, USA, FL (PM'd 18-2-24 for more info).
24. LoonR1 - confirmed engine failure, likely bearing failure, unknown which, swarf in engine ("engine went bang"), 33.5k miles, BMW replaced under warranty, MY 2011, UK
25. stainm3 - knocking sound and oil found in the metal (its 2nd engine! 1st engine also had a "bottom end issue"), 2010, unknown mileage (PM'd for more info 20-2-24) - https://forums.m3cutters.co.uk/threa...8/post-2681918
26. chamoloco - confirmed engine failure, he describes a loud engine knock and says the "top bearing" was worn out on 2 cyls (so presumably 2 of the top rod bearings). No further info, not active since then in 2016). 60k miles, MY 2008, USA, TX

MAIN BEARINGS failed, confirmed (by poster) :-

Lead/copper failures 5
Tin/al/copper failures 18
2010 MY not counted as they could be either type (unless type stated).
Total 32

1. maicol76 - confirmed main bearings failed (RBs condition unknown), 18k miles, (1st engine!), MY 2011, USA, CA
2. Gatchaman - confirmed main and rod bearings, 5.6k! miles, MY 2012, USA, TX
3. amg893 - confirmed rod & main bearings failed, 90k kms(56k miles), MY2008, Aus.
4. Morally Gray - confirmed main bearing failure! Supercharged, suspicions fall on the supercharger though. 70k kms(43.5k miles), MY 2010, Aus.
5. antonio010 - confirmed engine failure, due to bearing failure (mentions both mains & rod bearings), 90k miles, MY 2008, USA, AZ
6. Oxymoron - confirmed engine failure (seized main bearings), 32k miles, BMW replaced under goodwill, MY 2011, Aus
7. MPACT - confirmed spun bearings 1 & 5, 67k miles, supercharged, 2nd engine spun same bearings along with no1 mains damaged! Suspicions fall on an issue with the supercharger installation causing no1 mains failure on both. Info & pics here https://www.m3post.com/forums/showpo...25&postcount=1, MY 2011, USA, TX
8. aptwave - confirmed main bearings failed & seized engine, 31k miles, correct link https://www.m3post.com/forums/showpo...59&postcount=1 , photos - https://www.m3post.com/forums/showpo...1&postcount=48, MY 2012, Russia, Moscow
9. Duk996 - confirmed main bearings failed, 50k miles, RBs rough but not failed, photos - https://www.m3post.com/forums/showpo...&postcount=115 https://www.m3post.com/forums/showpo...&postcount=150 https://www.m3post.com/forums/showpo...&postcount=187, MY 2011, USA, WV
10. Nugget - confirmed main bearings failed, estimate of 5k kms (3.1k miles) on new RBs, in forum photos https://www.m3post.com/forums/showpo...&postcount=111 , photos - https://postimg.cc/gallery/2d18xm4xg/, 90k kms, 56k miles, MY 2010, Aus.
11. SYT_Shadow (typo corrected) - confirmed seized engine, 60k miles, 2011, lots of track use!, tuned, (increased clearance rod bearings fitted), no1 main bearing spun https://www.m3post.com/forums/showpo...76&postcount=1, USA, CT
12. 2006325i - confirmed no1 main & RB spun (photos), 70k miles, 2011, USA, KY
13. deansbimmers (from report 169) - confirmed RB and mains failure spun bearing, 74k miles, more info here, MY2011, USA, ?
14. tweny - confirmed failed mains & RBs, 43k miles, 2011, photos https://www.m3post.com/forums/showpo...8&postcount=13 https://www.m3post.com/forums/showpo...6&postcount=69, USA, TX
15. jazzy1999's mechanic - confirmed blown engine, appears from the single photo no1 mains failed followed by adjacent RBs, no further info, USA, NJ
16. Green-Eggs customer - confirmed seized engine, no1 mains seized, supercharged, tracked, (had new BE rod bearings which were damaged by the mains failure). https://www.m3post.com/forums/showpo...&postcount=100, USA, ?
17. Malek@MRF - confirmed mains failed 38k miles, was running 0w/40 oil for last 15k miles. Better link showing pics of RBs, mains & crank https://www.m3post.com/forums/showpo...&postcount=582 and https://www.m3post.com/forums/showpo...&postcount=672, MY 2011, USA, CA
18. Alexand3r - confirmed No1 mains seized (photos), 69k miles, 2012 https://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1594746, Bulgaria
19. e46IX - confirmed mains seized, 36k miles, https://www.m3post.com/forums/showpo...2&postcount=38, MY 2012, Can.
20. e93 jonesy - confirmed (via PM) main bearings failed, BMW replaced under warranty, 45k miles, MY 2011, USA, NY
21. deansbimmer - case 1 from message here, 77k miles, 10w60, seized #1 main, 2009, USA
22. deansbimmer - case 9 from message here, "main failures and cracked", USA
23. deansbimmer - case 10 from message here, "main failures and cracked", USA
24. M539 Restorations on Youtube, No1 mains gone!, rod bearings
for cyl 1 & 5 severely damaged, and the party piece is that the crankshaft has snapped in 1/2!! (see video for all of the aforementioned). 145k miles, 2011. Car from USA, but failed in Europe.
25. catpat8000 (not his car) - confirmed to Bert (I believe) via PM, info from Bert's list attached to this post. Crank seized, 16k miles, MY 2012, USA, CA (PM'd 10-2-24, but not expecting a reply as he was last on in 2019!).
26. mchm3 - confirmed no 1 mains seized, supercharged, unknown mileage, MY 2012, USA, FL
27. Excers - no1 mains failed leading to spun RBs 1 & 5 (7k after replacing the rod bearings), confirmed via PM that the main had failed (also in engine parts ad), thread here, 81k miles, MY 2011, USA, AZ
28. bmwm3s65 - A replacement set of rod bearings failed on No1 rod, No1 mains was later found to have spun. See here, engine later sold here, 78k miles, MY 2009, USA, IN
29. Nugs - No1 mains failed, MY 2010, 54.7k miles, Australian - https://forums.m3cutters.co.uk/threa...9/post-2292844 , https://forums.m3cutters.co.uk/threa...9/post-2322946 , Aus.
30. Riz123 - no1 main seized (photos included), is the car's 2nd engine and had only done 15k miles! - https://forums.m3cutters.co.uk/threa...8/post-3416347, 2011, UK
31. Speed Acadamy (YouTube) - No 1 mains disintegrating, adjoining rod bearings 1 & 5 spun (VAC bearings fitted, which had done ~2.5k miles), tracked, original rod bearings appeared to be the later tin/alu/copper ones, 103k miles, MY 2011 -

32. IT'S IMTY (YouTube) - No 1 mains spun & crank snapped! Surprisingly he states that the adjoining (ACL) rod bearings were ok! See my link to the video here. 90k miles, MY 2009, UK.

MAIN BEARINGS failure likely (but not confirmed), engine seized (with no reports of oil or temperature warnings) :-

Lead/copper failures 2
Tin/al/copper failures 3
2010 MY not counted as they could be either type (unless type stated).
Total 6

1. tuxblackedo - Confirmed by BMW "engine seized and that there were metal shavings in the oil filter." and here, 72k miles, MY 2008, USA, CA
2. CrusherM3 - confirmed seized engine "won't turn over" (also, no warning lights), 20k miles, BMW replaced under warranty, (over rev'd before break in service) BMW "found some metal shavings in the oil", MY 2012, USA, TX
3. ifly747 - seized engine, 83k miles, metal in oil sample thought to be from bearings, no more info, MY 2009, USA
4. avusm3 - confirmed engine failure (seized, no more info), was running 0w/40 oil, 44k miles, MY 2011, USA.
5. radiantm3 - confirmed engine seized with no temp warnings, 61k miles. (RBs originally changed by BMW at 17k under warrantee). Engine was supercharged for nearly 10k miles & car tracked. https://www.m3post.com/forums/showpo...&postcount=109 and https://www.m3post.com/forums/showpo...8&postcount=94, MY 2010, USA, TX
6. JShow - "engine seized. Copper in the oil. Not sure how bad yet." So cause yet to be determined as of 2-3-24 (just bumped thread), but seized mains seems likely. 42k miles, MY 2011, USA, GA

__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ _____

OTHER causes of engine failures or undetermined/uncertain list.
Gaps are mostly where cases have been moved to the one of the above lists, and a few deleted.
(Btw, a broken rod can be caused by a hydralocked engine as well as the more common (for S65s) rod bearings failure) :-

8 caused by injector failures.

1. DLSJ5 - confirmed blown engine, but due to oil leak from supercharger, ran out of oil! Not RB issue.
2. satinghostrider - confirmed pistons broken + unknown amount of bearing wear, possibly due to detonation
3. h4nh - confirmed engine blew up in a later post, supercharged & run 89/91 fuel!
4.
5. Sti2e92sedan - confirmed seized engine but NOT RBs fault, failed oil pump
6.
7. xcuzem3 - confirmed blown engine, injector stuck open, 20k miles, replaced under CPO warrantee, MY2011 - https://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1206755
8.
9. MPoweredAuto - piston destroyed shortly after being supercharged - https://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=636991 , MY 2008
10. BMW Fanatik - confirmed engine failure, rods 3 & 5 broken, but big suspicion of other factors. His engine definitely died, but it probably was originally been damaged by being hydraulically locked from sucking water in a "massive puddle"! 12k kms!(7.5k miles), somehow he got it done under warranty!
11. stubble88 - confirmed bearings failed (unknown which), 20k miles, replaced by BMW, reman engine (no more info. Poster went inactive 2015), slightly changed link, https://www.m3post.com/forums/showpo...&postcount=226, tracked, MY 2013, USA, CA
12. Regular guy's customer (?) - engine seized, 40k miles, MY 2008, USA, no further info.
13. JRLittle - confirmed broken rod, 500 miles!! Possible contributory factor? - RPM run in limit exceeded. MY 2010
14. magicknife - confirmed engine failure, replaced by BMW under warranty, cause unknown other than a very loud ticking noise heard over the phone! Unknown miles and year. (PM'd 18-2-24)
15.
16.
17. M33DDIE - confirmed engine failure, cause unknown, but piston was removed from original engine to inspect, BMW replaced engine under warrantee (no further info), 35k miles, MY 2008, UK
18.
19.
20. Gabergab - confirmed blown engine at 65k kms (40.4k miles), engine replaced by BMW, 4 mths out of warrantee, 70% goodwill payment (no further info), tracked regularly, Italy, MY 2007
21. Ging - confirmed blown engine but NOT rod bearings, this was a rare case of a rod breaking (Arrow rods, bearings were free), 24k kms (14.9k miles), forced induction (7.5 PSI).
22. 2jzinsider - confirmed blown engine, failed bearings (unknown which), 62k miles, MY 2011, USA, CA
23. Pepper135i - confirmed engine failed, possible describes a misfire, 20k miles, tuned, BMW replaced engine under warrantee (no more info), MY 2012, USA, NC
24. BostonS65 - confirmed engine failure, but unknown cause (but 'metal everywhere' inside engine & cyl 4 had no compression), states always warmed up, 3.1k miles!, MY 2013, USA, MA
25.
26. Omni2702 - confirmed bearings failed but due to oil pump failure, 52k miles, MY 2008.
27.
28.
29. chief - confirmed blown engine (windowed block, thrown conrod) but caused by a stuck open injector, see here https://www.m3post.com/forums/showpo...57&postcount=4, 69k miles, pictures here https://www.m3post.com/forums/showth...4#post20783124, MY 2008
30. Page Not Found - confirmed bearings failed (unknown cause, or which ones, but implies RBs, he never posted the update thread he mentioned) 53k miles, MY 2010
31. E92NJM3 - holed piston due to a failed injector!, nothing to do with bearings, MY 2010, USA, NJ
32. Locker - 47k, cracked pistons on 1 bank, no5 broken rings, UK - https://forums.m3cutters.co.uk/threa...failure.36943/
33. GSTE34 - confirmed blown engine (rod thrown), 88k miles, but NOT due to RBs but a rod bolt falling out! additional info from https://www.m3post.com/forums/showpo...3&postcount=17, MY 2008
34. LionKing79 - injector failure, bore wash, 66k miles, MY 2007 - https://forums.m3cutters.co.uk/threa...jector.180735/, UK
35. maxe93 (now Maxf80M3) - confirmed blown engine but not RBs! No3 piston melted (unknown cause), 150k kms (93.2k miles), corrected link https://www.m3post.com/forums/showpo...78&postcount=1, MY 2008
36. byronic (work mate) - injector failure, hydralocked engine, 35.8k miles, MY 2011, UK - https://forums.m3cutters.co.uk/threa...e-bore.189169/
37. Jmags41 - confirmed con rod broken in 1/2!, 50k miles, supercharged for 25k, no further info, MY 2012
38. deansbimmer - confirmed broken conrod, bought as a parts car, ~80k miles, no further info, extra info from here https://www.m3post.com/forums/showpo...postcount=2505, MY 2008
39. maicol76 (2nd engine!) - confirmed blown engine, but is due to piston contacting a detached valve head! (engine 45-52k miles, 2013), tracked exclusively for 3yrs upto then. MY 2011, engine 2013.
40. Fstylin - only confirmed "metal shavings in oil" & "odd noise from engine", dealer suspected rod bearings but engine not fully inspected, no other info, USA, TX (PM'd 28-2-24, but was last active 7-2018!).
41. StuttgartBMW - suspected RBs, but engine hadn't been stripped & op didn't report back, 68k miles, MY 2008, USA, FL
42.
43. JTHOR312 - only confirmed damaged engine, "cyl 1 is scorched" and "burned oil", post is so vague it's almost completely useless, no further info, MY 2011
44. Bluestorm - confirmed seized engine, allegedly from overfilling with oil! (seems unlikely), 42.5k miles, no further info, MY 2012, USA, MD
45. cblack201 - confirmed seized engine, 71k miles, previously had a crank & bearings at 64k! No further info, corrected link https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...7#post30111247, MY 2008, USA, WA
46. T!m@ - not confirmed, 'cracked block, overheated' (link to photo sometimes works! confirmed cracked block), ~100k kms (~62k miles), (info from PM), MY 2008.
47. Reported by M Power-Belgium, burnout video - confirmed engine blown, in the video you see a conrod on the floor! The big end is darkened & still so hot that it's vaporising the adjacent oil! Due to the nature of abuse maybe the oil overheated & got too thin?? No further info.
48. NathBatch - cyl 6 low on compression, bore scope shows "wear marks", UK - https://forums.m3cutters.co.uk/threa...e-help.207785/
49. bblefas - confirmed blown engine, 14.5k miles, replaced by BMW under warrantee, "something about the connecting rod cylinder 5 went", possibly a seized main though as he mentions it originally went in for a starter, no further info, MY 2011, USA, MA (not active since 1-2015).
50. scaryharry19 - confirmed blown engine (broken rod & piston), supercharged for ~22k miles, fault with SC boost control is thought to be the cause of failure, 72k miles, MY 2008, USA, AL
51. drifts500 (friend's car) - not confirmed blown engine due to bearings, had a cracked block, cause uncertain, 90k miles, MY 2009, South Korea.
52. kuy902 - confirmed blown engine, tracked a lot and supercharged (690 bhp!!! https://www.m3post.com/forums/showpo...7&postcount=57 ), no further info, MY 2008, New Zealand
53. bergerking - confirmed seized engine, 132k miles, engine not stripped, no further info, MY 2011, USA
54. RAWM3EVO - "broken valve spring on cylinder 2", 82.8k miles, MY 2008 (from Help on write-off question) - https://forums.m3cutters.co.uk/threa...6/post-1485029
55. kiquos - confirmed blown engine (rod thrown) just after RBs changed, but NOT the bearings fault as their is evidence that a rod bolt dropped out!, 80k miles, better info here https://www.m3post.com/forums/showpo...&postcount=452, MY 2011.
56. ebay car with replaced motor - unknown cause for replacement, 12k miles, (reg. DTF 3139, NY, car seems familiar??), MY 2012
57. ebay car with blown motor - confirmed 'bad engine' only, ad also stated 'will likely need a new engine', 60.2k miles, corrected link https://www.m3post.com/forums/showpo...postcount=2477, MY 2011.
58. deansbimmer - case 8 from message below, confirmed blown engine caused by injector failure, no MY or mileage.
59. williocom, dead engine (no further info), 20k miles, BMW replaced under warranty https://www.m3post.com/forums/showpo...2&postcount=16, MY 2011, USA, VA
60. Nomore - 3 cylinders down on compression, 1 scored, possible broken ring, 52.2k miles, 2008, UK - https://forums.m3cutters.co.uk/threa...roblems.83680/
61. luvyrteeth - confirmed engine blown, 'bearing failure', no more info, 75k miles, (have PMed) https://www.m3post.com/forums/showpo...83&postcount=3, MY 2008, USA, CA.
62. paul604 - confirmed seized engine, no further info https://www.m3post.com/forums/showpo...3&postcount=16, MY 2010, Can., Vancouver.
63. M3drop - injector stuck open and hydrolocked engine, 62k miles, https://www.m3post.com/forums/showpo...6&postcount=68 , MY 2011.
64. jackmahoney - confirmed "Either a broken valve spring or failed lifter or both, leading to a dropped valve" (10k miles on WPC bearings), 67k miles, https://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1751543, MY 2008.
65. ThatM3guy - confirmed dead engine, "cylinder 6 doesnt hold pressure", but as of 02/03/2024 unknown cause (but bearings seems unlikely), 123k miles, MY 2011, USA, CA. (PM'd 2-3-24)
66. jvictormp - no5 cyl con rod broke in half, it's rod bearing was fine! Likely cause is the injector on that cylinder had failed 2 yrs(!) before and hydrolocked the engine on several attempts at trying to start the engine, and thus probably weakening the con rod, more info here, with photos.
67. grantwoodOK - Likely bearing failure of 2nd engine, photos of metal from oil filter https://www.m3post.com/forums/showpo...&postcount=162, & heavy tapping/knocking https://www.m3post.com/forums/showpo...&postcount=139, MY 2011, USA, FL. Still no update as of 2-3-2024 (just bumped thread. Poster last active 9-2020).
68. Petej1 - 2nd engine RBs?? 52.2k miles, copper glitter in oil. PM'd 10-2-24, car sold shortly afterwards. UK - https://forums.m3cutters.co.uk/threa...-again.231498/
69. filinm3 - piston blown, supercharged (original engine), 67k miles, MY 2008, Russia
70. filinm3 - piston blown, supercharged (2nd engine), 13k miles, same car as above.
71. regular guy - spun Calico coated bearings (unknown which) & damaged crank, supercharged, 57k miles, MY 2011, USA, no further info.
72. Clem's customer - "26k miles. Snapped rod, piston still intact in cylinder. Holes everywhere, motor still turns freely". MY 2010, USA - no further info (PM'd 7-2-24)
73. rawdenim - cracked block, 70k, MY 2009, USA, NY - no further info
74. 1fastdoc's friend - "piston exited block", tracked, 16k miles, MY 2011, USA - no further info.
75. Sid3waze - "The rod shot out the side of the block and the piston went down thru the oil pan." Tracked, mild tune, 83k, MY 2011, USA, NY.
76. ZEEM3R - broken valve, according to the attached engine data list, just 2k miles! MY 2013, USA, NY
77. Gabergab - blown engine, 65k kms (~40k miles), MY 2007 no more info.



Notes from my list posted in the original thread.

Removed from list :-
besiktas - bearings hadn't failed, after asking him about it he said via PM "If i recall correctly, at the time, i had bunch of knocking sounds at the time and ended up being an issue of throttle actuators again, ..... , but i was told the bearings were fine. Since then haven't had issues, at 99,600 miles still on original bearings."
Lexshive - Removed from uncertain list. A confused & conflicting report, possibly detonation problems. A separate thread possibly hints at this too https://www.m3post.com/forums/showth...6#post23150226, MY 2008, USA, PA. Chatting via PM's, he said eventually a faulty o2 sensor was found (hence spark plug probs), but that the rod bearings hadn't failed.

[edit]
Found some more failures in this list here from the 'Cumulative data on S65 engine failures.' thread, op last updated in 8-2014!
Bert (from BE IIRC) has given me a slightly more updated list from 6-2015 (attached at the end of this post). I have now gone through that list and added a few from it to here.

[edit 9-2-2024]
Their are 12 cases listed here in Regular guy's S65 bearing clearance wiki, sadly the links to the photos don't work anymore, and there's no way to know if these blown or damaged engines are already in this list.
And 6 more here by him as well, but even less info here (a couple of which though do at least say what damage happened, I did add those to the list above).

[Assimilator1]

Reserved

[E92Bean]

MY 2011, spun crank hub.

[Assimilator1]

E92Bean

Damn, sorry to hear that
What do you mean by crank hub though?

Can you give us some more info? Mileage?
How far down the engine was stripped?

[Assimilator1]

Just stumbled across another case of failed rod bearings on Fizik's car in 2019 - https://www.m3post.com/forums/showpo...0&postcount=19

///M Power-Belgium
I don't suppose you read German do you? (re my comment in my op).
Or anyone else?

[Assimilator1]

Another dead S65 on youtube, crank snapped! (at 5:19s, time stamp in link is being ignored!) -

No 1 mains spun, MY 2009, 90k miles.

[vincE92M3]

I'm curious what percentage repaired their engines and what the cost was.

[Johnny E92]

This guy on YouTube just a big engine failure too

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Efo1ToptrDA&t=619s

[spammysammich]

Originally Posted by Johnny E92

This guy on YouTube just a big engine failure too

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Efo1ToptrDA&t=619s

That guy is a shit show and bought a clapped out car chock full of 200 credit score mods. No amount of good parts was gonna bring it back from clappage. It was just a matter of time, I’m guessing he broke a valve spring and dropped a valve. Check that bore scoring on cylinder 8. Take care of those injectors fellas!

[Johnny E92]

Originally Posted by spammysammich

That guy is a shit show and bought a clapped out car chock full of 200 credit score mods. No amount of good parts was gonna bring it back from clappage. It was just a matter of time, I’m guessing he broke a valve spring and dropped a valve. Check that bore scoring on cylinder 8. Take care of those injectors fellas!

Agree 100%, but have to give him credit for at least having a go hehe.

[Assimilator1]

Originally Posted by vincE92M3

I'm curious what percentage repaired their engines and what the cost was.

If the mains spin then that normally cracks the block (by the oil feed hole) and scraps the block, the crank is also very likely to be scrap.

If the rod bearings spin there's a high chance it will score the crank and trash that too, if it's not too badly scored and you can find an engine shop that'll regrind the crank and apply the special heat treatment then you could re use the crank (it's also possible the rod will be damaged). But usually people just scrap the crank and get a new one, or more likely just get a good 2nd hand engine.

***************************

About to add the case I reported on the 11th to the list.

[Assimilator1]

Originally Posted by Johnny E92

This guy on YouTube just a big engine failure too

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Efo1ToptrDA&t=619s

Thanks for the heads up.
Further info, MY 2008, 94k miles (an abused car!).

Originally Posted by spammysammich

That guy is a shit show and bought a clapped out car chock full of 200 credit score mods. No amount of good parts was gonna bring it back from clappage. It was just a matter of time, I’m guessing he broke a valve spring and dropped a valve. Check that bore scoring on cylinder 8. Take care of those injectors fellas!

I seriously doubt a dropped valve would disintegrate a piston like that, at least I've never seen valve contact do that much damage to a piston.
My money would be on something happened to the rod 1st.

[spammysammich]

Originally Posted by Assimilator1

I seriously doubt a dropped valve would disintegrate a piston like that, at least I've never seen valve contact do that much damage to a piston.
My money would be on something happened to the rod 1st.

I’ve seen a valve take out a piston on a Subaru but it was either a valve spring or jumped timing but the valve head was embedded in the top of the combustion chamber. Maybe that doesn’t happen with this platform? Given the bore scoring on one of the cylinders it could have been hydrolocked from a bad injector. I’m just spitballing but I doubt we’ll see a thorough post mortem on that engine. It took the guy almost 2 years to figure out how to use quick jacks correctly.

[Assimilator1]

Lol, well that doesn't bode well!

Re valve to piston damage, I was talking about engines in general (although actually I do now recall a case of a piston being holed, but this was with an engine which had valves pointing directly downwards, something which I don't think any modern road engine does?). I've not had any direct experience with S65s (aside from changing the rod bearings on my own car).
Re the Subaru engine you saw, was the piston smashed to bits, or was the piston crown simply pummelled? (That's all I've seen when angled valves hit the piston).

[spammysammich]

Sodium filled exhaust valve snapped off and broke the piston into a couple pieces while it was being pounded into the head. You would expect it to just be slammed back and forth but in this case no.