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Google search "M3 rod bearing issues". That's about the only major issue this car has. Otherwise it's one of the more reliable BMWs.

BenchRacerYo wrote

Google search "M3 rod bearing issues". That's about the only major issue this car has. Otherwise it's one of the more reliable BMWs.

overblown

dmk08 wrote  

BenchRacerYo wrote

Google search "M3 rod bearing issues". That's about the only major issue this car has. Otherwise it's one of the more reliable BMWs.

overblown

I agree. Very overblown. But it's also something you should be aware of.

Is it all S65 engine of M3 have this trouble? 2008 to 2014?

yes, don't be so awkward, it ain't like Audi
jeez i remember the B7 days my friends had the RS4 and S4s, carbon buildup this carbon that, messed up suspension this that....urgh

Is there a recall on this problem to BMW who can fix it at no cost?

LastLong wrote

Is there a recall on this problem to BMW who can fix it at no cost?

No cause it's very rare. Definitely not at a recall level.

BenchRacerYo wrote

I agree. Very overblown. But it's also something you should be aware of.

+1 overblown.


Choosing 6MT would make your life easier
have a bmw dealer do a PPI (pre-purchase-inspection) on the car you are interested in.
don't buy the first one you find, try to testdrive several.
Good luck, you cannot go wrong with buying an M3 it's the most fun car to drive ever.

LastLong wrote  

Is there a recall on this problem to BMW who can fix it at no cost?

I've heard of a few people who had BMW do a goodwill fix for them. They even did it for a guy with an '08 last year.

BenchRacerYo wrote

Google search "M3 rod bearing issues". That's about the only major issue this car has. Otherwise it's one of the more reliable BMWs.

I live in a major metropolitan area. My service adviser is a long time friend - we served in combat together - so I trust him. He tells me that his BMW Motorwerks service department has never seen a S65 rod bearing issue.

Anecdotally, I've had a E93 M3 and have a E92 M3 ZCP DCT - both have been golden.

Nice! Thank you guys! Another question... it's me or the e90 have a bigger wide body than the e92?

Both of them are nice, but... which one do you prefer? (look)

Bearing failure, low probability. All cars have problems you cannot escape it: Mustangs new coyote engine has piston #8 failure, Z06 LS7 dropped valves blown engines, Hyundai Genesis transmission failures. ETC ETC....

I will say that the M3 engine is very expensive, 20 to 25k , so I would make sure that you get the warranty. All engines have problems but this one is more expensive...so the damage it will do to your pocket book would be greater then the others if it did crap out...

By the way, both are great E92 or e90...but IMOP the coupe is more sporty.

LastLong wrote

Nice! Thank you guys! Another question... it's me or the e90 have a bigger wide body than the e92?

Both of them are nice, but... which one do you prefer? (look)

This is a rabbit hole, my friend. :-) On this, you will find as many opinions as there are people on this board. Obviously, I'm biased. I love my e92, and would not even consider one of the other models. To me that question comes down to functionality. If you need those extra 2 doors and easier access to the back, then go e90. If you want to drop the top, go e93. Otherwise, well, I can tell you're a bright guy..

If you are concerned about repair costs, try and find a CPO car from BMW. I did, and now I don't need to worry about the engine or anything else for 3 more years. In that time I'll have a better feel if i want to keep it post warranty.

Nothing like paying $40k for a $70k car and getting basically the same warranty as if it were brand new!

LastLong wrote

Nice! Thank you guys! Another question... it's me or the e90 have a bigger wide body than the e92?

Both of them are nice, but... which one do you prefer? (look)

As for true measurements, check this post. Good think to check out anyway. They are really extremely close in terms of length/width/height. The effect of the aero packages may fool the eye, though. Ultimately, looks are subjective. I think they are both great looking.

EDIT: May as well summarize... coupe is 35mm longer, 13mm narrower, and 23mm shorter. For the mathematically challenged, 25mm is an inch.

LastLong wrote

Nice! Thank you guys! Another question... it's me or the e90 have a bigger wide body than the e92?

Both of them are nice, but... which one do you prefer? (look)

The E90 is actually a bit shorter but also taller, as others have mentioned. I prefer the look, and the E90 is usually a bit cheaper, too, despite being less common. The interior space is virtually identical though; the sedan just gives you easier access to the backseat, obviously.

I see M3 coupes all the time. It's rare that I see another M3 sedan. A lot of people have asked me about it because they didn't even know a sedan was offered.

It was these photos (from members JRV and geneatals) that really showed the nice proportions of the sedan, and helped me make my decision:







Full photosets:
http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=635433
http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=493214

The E90 is shorter, wider and taller than the E92. This gives it that "bulldog" stance. The E92 is longer and not as wide which makes it look sleeker. Otherwise everything is identical except lack of a carbon fiber roof on the E90 sedan.

I am coming around a bit on both the ZCP sedan and the convertible. I think dark ZCP sedans seem so rare that when I see it I appreciate seeing it even though I hate the B pillar enough as a driver to never consider the car.

I have a new found love of the convertible driving experience so I envy those who have one as the weather keeps warming up in Los Angeles.


In terms of issues, yes, the rod bearing issue is far less of a problem than carbon buildup was on the FSI 4.2. This car is built right and at least being NA, it has less plumbing issues to worry about. The M3 is far far far more reliable than it's younger brother the N54 powered 335 cars from 07-10. I had multiple injector failures and plug failures and high pressure fuel pump failures on my 335is. Fun car but headache.

Get one, you won't regret it. I think you should also only consider DCT as the engine is much better mated to that than the long notchy throws of the 6 speed.

Oh what is "ZCP" version? Is it the Competition Package?

LastLong wrote

Oh what is "ZCP" version? Is it the Competition Package?

Yes, for the M3, ZCP refers to the Competition package.

Edward wrote

I am coming around a bit on both the ZCP sedan and the convertible. I think dark ZCP sedans seem so rare that when I see it I appreciate seeing it even though I hate the B pillar enough as a driver to never consider the car.

I have a new found love of the convertible driving experience so I envy those who have one as the weather keeps warming up in Los Angeles.


In terms of issues, yes, the rod bearing issue is far less of a problem than carbon buildup was on the FSI 4.2. This car is built right and at least being NA, it has less plumbing issues to worry about. The M3 is far far far more reliable than it's younger brother the N54 powered 335 cars from 07-10. I had multiple injector failures and plug failures and high pressure fuel pump failures on my 335is. Fun car but headache.

Get one, you won't regret it. I think you should also only consider DCT as the engine is much better mated to that than the long notchy throws of the 6 speed.

Cliff notes: I want an automatic bathtub. I do not want the black lung pop.

ZCP or bust!