New to BMW world.

[tareqgabris]

Hi guys, I'm totally new to the BMW community. I want to get an e9x m3. I'm sure this subject has been brought up a hundred times. I surfed the forums broadly for the last couple of days. I didn't really get an answer to my question because the threads are super long and I don't understand most of the stuff I'm reading. But I know that the rod bearing issue has been a huge problem in the s65/s85. I'm looking at a 2011 e90 6MT that has 86k miles. The owner says that the rod bearings have never been changed. Is it possible that they go out in the near future? How much does it cost to change the bearings including labor? Also is there a permanent solution for them? I'm going to autox/track the car, no major mods just bolt ons.

[///Motown]

keep reading about it. there are a million threads. there seems to be no rhyme or reason as to when or if the rod bearings will go out. there is no silver bullet fix either.
i think its around $2K for the replacement.

[loveskiing]

Originally Posted by tareqgabris

Hi guys, I'm totally new to the BMW community. I want to get an e9x m3. I'm sure this subject has been brought up a hundred times. I surfed the forums broadly for the last couple of days. I didn't really get an answer to my question because the threads are super long and I don't understand most of the stuff I'm reading. But I know that the rod bearing issue has been a huge problem in the s65/s85. I'm looking at a 2011 e90 6MT that has 86k miles. The owner says that the rod bearings have never been changed. Is it possible that they go out in the near future? How much does it cost to change the bearings including labor? Also is there a permanent solution for them? I'm going to autox/track the car, no major mods just bolt ons.

There is no "guarantee" or permanent solution in just about anything mechanical except perhaps buying another car, or walking
But, anytime you're going to put increased stress on the motor the chances you will exacerbate the breakdown of the parts increases. Most here would recommend that you change the rod bearings given the higher mileage of the one you're interested in, your desire to track the car, and peace of mind.
FYI, the 2011 e90 ZCP is a fairly rare bird and one that some are predicting will be the one to have in the future. You might also want to check around because prices have fallen and there seems to be more sellers than buyers given the Takata airbag situation. Whatever you do, post pics! Good Luck!

[tareqgabris]

The problem is, only threads I found are the blackstone analyses, which I will be eventually be doing if I'm certain of getting an e9x. Couldn't find anything regarding preventing or stalling the bearings going out.

[shimmy23]

Originally Posted by tareqgabris

The problem is, only threads I found are the blackstone analyses, which I will be eventually be doing if I'm certain of getting an e9x. Couldn't find anything regarding preventing or stalling the bearings going out.

get an M3 and shortly after schedule a rod bearing swap. Use BE bearings and ARP/OEM bolts. if its 100% necessary, only time will tell and only you will have to live with it since every car is different.

After owning this car and reading several "new owner/potential owner" threads, I've come to the realization that replacing the bearings is inevitable for peace of mind. In other words, if a $2k RB swap is scary to you then this isn't the right car for you either.

[Three Pedal Steve]

I agree with others here. You are buying the car at an already substantially depreciated price so invest in the updated r/b change out. Otherwise the thing is relatively bullet proof.

And be careful taking it to the dealership. My dealership had no conception of preventative r/b replacement. They thought the entire engine would require disassembly with a labor cost of $8,000 plus parts. Find an indy shop that does this all the time. Like open heart surgery- find a specialist.

[jester17]

Originally Posted by Three Pedal Steve

I agree with others here. You are buying the car at an already substantially depreciated price so invest in the updated r/b change out. Otherwise the thing is relatively bullet proof.

And be careful taking it to the dealership. My dealership had no conception of preventative r/b replacement. They thought the entire engine would require disassembly with a labor cost of $8,000 plus parts. Find an indy shop that does this all the time. Like open heart surgery- find a specialist.

++++1!

I sometimes take my car to a dealership that's done right by me many times... but on their end, the research shows a $12,000 repair job, and that the bearings cannot be replaced by themselves, that the entire crankshaft has to be removed. There're threads here that I've now forwarded to the SM in hopes he'll be able to review, and revise his process.

[tareqgabris]

Thanks for the input guys. I think right now I'm not in a good position or point in my life to get the m3 being occupied with school for the whole day. I'll stick to the vq world for now until I see myself in a good financial situation to get an m3. I don't want to get it only to have it for sale shortly after. So bottom line is, I will get an m3, only not at this time, maybe in a year or two and I can't wait for that moment. Until then, I will keep checking the forum weekly to get some more knowledge on the platform.