Rod bearing replacement

[Elvace]

Hey Guys,

My e92m3 is approaching 100k kms and after reading all the scary rod bearing threads in the engine/transmission section I've decided I want to change my rod bearings soon.

I am looking for a shop in the GTA that has experience doing this sort of work on these cars. I have done a search but couldn't find anything relevant within the GTA. This is my daily car, so shipping it isn't an option for me.

If anyone can recommend a shop and share their experiences I would really appreciate it.

Also, I am looking for non functional throttle actuators. Mine seem like they're on their way out so I'm looking for one that I can examine and rebuild.

[tdott]

Let us know where you end up going and how it turns out.

I would call the following shops and ask for prices.
Bimmersport
RMP
Stance Factory

I know Stance Factory has experience with S54 Rod bearings. But not sure about S65s they are still too new I doubt many shops in the GTA have alot of experience with them.

[Gearhead999s]

Before you start changing rod bearings you would be smart to have an oil sample checked for internal engine condition.I am quite sure that its only a small percentage of S65's that have this issue.If you drive easy till its at full operating temperature chances are they are OK.If beat on it when its cold before proper oil temp then maybe it is wise to tear it down.I keep it under 3000 till I see 90C oil temp.

[Elvace]

I have requested an oil sampling kit from Blackstone. Just waiting for the kit to arrive. However, I've read that an oil analysis might not tell you the full story.

I always let the car warm up before doing any spirited driving. But even then, my car doesn't see RPM > 6k. But that's only under my ownership. I bought the car at 60k Kms so I cant be sure how the previous owner treated it.

Either way, considering what a new engine costs and the fact that I am out of warranty, replacing the bearings may be a small price to pay for some piece of mind.

[baba louey]

Originally Posted by Elvace

I have requested an oil sampling kit from Blackstone. Just waiting for the kit to arrive. However, I've read that an oil analysis might not tell you the full story.

I always let the car warm up before doing any spirited driving. But even then, my car doesn't see RPM > 6k. But that's only under my ownership. I bought the car at 60k Kms so I cant be sure how the previous owner treated it.

Either way, considering what a new engine costs and the fact that I am out of warranty, replacing the bearings may be a small price to pay for some piece of mind.

The diagnosis would have to be very certain for me to tear apart a seemingly healthy engine. Oil analysis may give you this data. How about the old standard of low oil pressure? That worked for many years.

[tdott]

Oil analysis will only work if you have a history of them for comparison. Doing just one isn't going to tell you much about the engine. Most of the data comes from comparing it to previous oil changes to see if metal levels have increased and analyzing the differences.

[BMRLVR]

Originally Posted by tdott

Oil analysis will only work if you have a history of them for comparison. Doing just one isn't going to tell you much about the engine. Most of the data comes from comparing it to previous oil changes to see if metal levels have increased and analyzing the differences.

+1

Good and accurate advice!

[tdott]

OP, any luck finding a place to get your rod bearings done?

[S65M]

My buddies 08 m3 has 126k on it & it drives as it left the lot yesterday. Your overthinking it just invest in a good 3rd party warrernty

[Elvace]

I've reached out to three shops and only received an estimate from one.
Its apparent to me that none of the places I've talked to have performed this work on an s65.

Two of the three places didn't have any input or any interest when I mentioned that I would like to have the crank sent out and machined to the proper clearances depending on the condition of the bearings.

The one shop that did give me an estimate told me that my concerns were not justified and that there are no bearing problems with the s65. When I tried to refer them to these posts they replied with "the internet is wrong".

Unfortunately, that is where I am right now.

@bhav200, I was unaware that you can purchase 3rd party warranty while your vehicle is not currently covered by an existing warranty.

[S65M]

Yep u just have to make a bill of sale and say u purchesed the car privatly. I will pm you the details. I dont think you need to worry my buddy drives his e9x preety hard and nothing has gone as of yet

[ARA5HE90]

i did my rod bearings, im not at 100k though, but iND did the job without hesitation, i can get you the price on the OEM part if you want, though it seems like the labour is the intense part of the work.

[Millie]

Originally Posted by ARA5HE90

i did my rod bearings, im not at 100k though, but iND did the job without hesitation, i can get you the price on the OEM part if you want, though it seems like the labour is the intense part of the work.

Your M3.

[ARA5HE90]

Originally Posted by Millie

Your M3.

Thanks!

[speedaddictM3]

does the engine have to be removed from the car? If it can be done with the engine still mounted it would cut down a lot of the cost.

[tdott]

Originally Posted by speedaddictM3

does the engine have to be removed from the car? If it can be done with the engine still mounted it would cut down a lot of the cost.

Rod bearings can be done with the engine in the car from the bottom.

But I think to remove the crank or do the crank/main bearings you'd need to pull the engine.

[speedaddictM3]

Originally Posted by tdott

Rod bearings can be done with the engine in the car from the bottom.

But I think to remove the crank or do the crank/main bearings you'd need to pull the engine.

can it be done as a DIY in the driveway then? Or does it need specialized tools and equipment? The bearings themselves are relatively cheap, it's the labor costs that make the whole thing so pricey.

[tdott]

Originally Posted by speedaddictM3

can it be done as a DIY in the driveway then? Or does it need specialized tools and equipment? The bearings themselves are relatively cheap, it's the labor costs that make the whole thing so pricey.

If you've never put an engine together I don't recommend you attempt this. Especially on an engine such as an S65. You'd need to take the oil pan complete off, I haven't done an M3 yet, so I don't know whats in the way but you'd have to remove everything that prevents you from getting the oil pan completely off.

Picture something like this, but upside down on your back, while oil is dripping in your face.

[swifty]

Anyone start using Mobil 1 0w40 or the 5w30 yet on their m3s?

How long does it take for most of you to get your oil temp to proper operating temperatures during the winter season? Do most of you wait or just don't care because fm what I've read, waiting for the oil to warm up will help greatly with the rod bearing issues.

[Ggeezer]

Looks like BMW decided to approve Castrol 5w30 for M engines now, even the S65. So no more worries if you're looking to use it.

http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Conte...ngineOils.aspx

[tdott]

Anyone price out bearings at Eurocharged?

[danlauz]

What about 0w40 for S54 ?