I have been around these forums a very long time. I can assure you that not everybody that says that they did it by the book actually did it by the book. I am referring to engine break in and allowing the oil temperature to attain the optimal range before going WOT + redline.
Having said that, I do think parts such as rod bearings can fail. I think they will fail more often when the driver / owner disregard recommended best practices by the manufacturer.
We will never know how many rod bearings' failure were due to flawed parts nor how many failures were the result of driver decisions.
Mine has 61k on the odometer and I cannot remember ever having wondered whether bearings would fail on my next road trip.
The whole RB thing, to me, is pointless. If one has a rod bearings concern, drive something else. If it isn't a concern enjoy the BMW model that has the ultimate naturally aspirated engine.
Cheers
