To buy an e92 M3 or not? Rod bearings

I changed mine as preventative maintenance. Not worth the risk to me. I had copper showing around the parting lines and excessive wear patchez in the centers of some bearings but not yet copper showing in those areas. Most of the bearings that people have changed looked bad when they came out.

But I will admit the failure rate is a small percentage. The dice are yours to roll and the odds are with you. I am not a gambler though and would not own one of these cars unless it was under warranty or the rod bearings had been changed.

nyfg56 wrote

So it's blown out of proportion and it shouldn't scare me away from getting one is what I'm taking away from this?

I don't think you can conclude that. Some say it's blown out of proportion and some say it's not. Both have theories; neither have sufficient evidence to declare it as a matter of fact.

I elected to replace mine at 26K miles. They were not near destruction but they were noticeably worn. I bought my peace of mind for about $2500. It boils down to what is your risk tolerance for a $10K-$15K bill worth?

nyfg56 wrote

So it's blown out of proportion and it shouldn't scare me away from getting one is what I'm taking away from this?

It did not scare me, hell I even ended up getting a frozen finish m3 and the frozen finish is a whole another debate.

MaximusB wrote  

nyfg56 wrote

So it's blown out of proportion and it shouldn't scare me away from getting one is what I'm taking away from this?

It did not scare me, hell I even ended up getting a frozen finish m3 and the frozen finish is a whole another debate.

Seems like I'm still getting mixed feedback

It depends on you really. Can you swing a 15k repair if it does happen? If not, buy a warranty or replace bearings immediately. Personally I don't think it is overblown at all. Most of the bearings we see look like crap and although the failure rate is relatively small right now youve got to consider things like how many have yet to blow, how many have had the bearings changed before they blew, and how many just aren't reported here. My guess is that the final number is much higher than 1%. That will probably catch me some heat but I don't give a shit.

nyfg56 wrote

Seems like I'm still getting mixed feedback

It is all up to you to decide. Like most have said, just make sure you have a warranty and you'll be fine. Enjoy the car for what it is and pay attention to signs of rod bearing issue if you are really worry.

There's no rod bearing issue, just a rod bearing scare issue.

nyfg56 wrote

I wouldn't be able I don't think as I'd be getting an 08 or 09 with around 60-80k

Bad car to get into past 80k if you don't find a golden nugget. There will be a lot of maintenance but its worth it imo

opihi5 wrote  

nyfg56 wrote

I wouldn't be able I don't think as I'd be getting an 08 or 09 with around 60-80k

Bad car to get into past 80k if you don't find a golden nugget. There will be a lot of maintenance but its worth it imo

Other than bearings and throttle body actuators what is there? Wheels tires and suspension will be changed anyway and I'd expect brakes on anything

For daily/weekend spirited driving you'll find the oem suspension is plenty fine, especially if you get the competition option with edc. I've driven (and still own one) heavily modified imports with full aftermarket suspension setup and they're horrible on the street compared to the m3 oem competition setup. Just my opinion though.

One other "issue" with the m3 is you'll find yourself at the gas station every 3-4 days

You don't have to worry as long as you don't buy a sh*tty one.

If you are the kind of person who does not have life insurance, car insurance, health insurance, home insurance, then dont worry yourself about rod bearings since your risks are probably similar -- odds are small you will need it. Its nice to have if you do, though.

Money well spent on preventative maintenance for me and my 2008 E92 M3

American Dave wrote  

Money well spent on preventative maintenance for me and my 2008 E92 M3

How much it run you?

I believe only a relatively small number have failed RB's but the majority who have proactively replaced were not good.

JRV wrote  

I believe only a relatively small number have failed RB's but the majority who have proactively replaced were not good.

I'm hoping this to be the case but there seem to a lot of documented cases

nyfg56 wrote

So it's blown out of proportion and it shouldn't scare me away from getting one is what I'm taking away from this?

Exactly, if you are that concerned, swap the bearings when you buy the car....

If you're so concerned, spend the $2,500 immediately after you purchase the car for a rod bearing job.

If you don't have the extra $2,500 you probably can't really afford this car.

I'm just being real here. There are a lot of additional "extra" costs involved in the proper ownership of this car that a $2,500 shouldn't be all that much.

ResoKP wrote  

If you're so concerned, spend the $2,500 immediately after you purchase the car for a rod bearing job.

If you don't have the extra $2,500 you probably can't really afford this car.

I'm just being real here. There are a lot of additional "extra" costs involved in the proper ownership of this car that a $2,500 shouldn't be all that much.

I get that. Having a 335 I know all too well. Luckily I can do most things myself. But this obviously not and throttle body actuators apparently too?

Throttle actuators are a breeze. Me personally I would do the bearings myself, but then again I did just swap the motor after I spun a bearing....

Here's a thread with a poll that was created not too long ago.

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1253315

nyfg56 wrote

I'm hoping this to be the case but there seem to a lot of documented cases

I think you're getting way too caught up in the scare. Yes, there are documented issues, but understand that 90% of M3 owners are not on the forums and most likely don't have the issues. Don't worry yourself into not getting one....cause then you're the one truly missing out on all the fun.

Gotta risk it for the biscuit