Rod Bearing Shop Input Needed

[CravingBavaria]

So @wettm3 set up a group buy with Precision Dynamics for ACL bearings out the door a tad under $2k. I really wanted to do BE bearings, but this might be worth it.

I also have the option of using a guy closer to me in San Diego that uses BE bearing for $2,100. The difference is he isn't as "official" as a shop like Precision is even though he knows what he's doing, and initially wanting to use MRF I have a slight preference for an actual shop on something major like this.

I guess the main question is, I have 71k on my car, doubt I'll ever double it under my ownership, should I be concerned having ACL bearings? I want to drive my car and not worry and if I can ONLY get that peace of mind with BE bearings then I'll do that.

TIA!

[pjk380]

I went with MRF when I did the RBs. Malek charged just a bit more but for the piece of mind and with his experience it was worth it to me.

[911r]

Originally Posted by CravingBavaria

So @wettm3 set up a group buy with Precision Dynamics for ACL bearings out the door a tad under $2k. I really wanted to do BE bearings, but this might be worth it.

I also have the option of using a guy closer to me in San Diego that uses BE bearing for $2,100. The difference is he isn't as "official" as a shop like Precision is even though he knows what he's doing, and initially wanting to use MRF I have a slight preference for an actual shop on something major like this.

I guess the main question is, I have 71k on my car, doubt I'll ever double it under my ownership, should I be concerned having ACL bearings? I want to drive my car and not worry and if I can ONLY get that peace of mind with BE bearings then I'll do that.

TIA!

Who's the guy in San Diego? I've heard iffy things about Precision. I'd go BE bearings given the opportunity, their knowledge on anything rod bearing related is pretty much unparalleled.

[CravingBavaria]

Originally Posted by pjk380

I went with MRF when I did the RBs. Malek charged just a bit more but for the piece of mind and with his experience it was worth it to me.

Was MRF around $2,500? I'm not against spending $500 or so more, but as anyone would if I can save $500 and have more or less the same results that would be my preference.

Originally Posted by 911r

Who's the guy in San Diego? I've heard iffy things about Precision. I'd go BE bearings given the opportunity, their knowledge on anything rod bearing related is pretty much unparalleled.

Good to know about Precision... It's Kevin @limited.slip on instagram.

[pbonsalb]

Originally Posted by CravingBavaria

So @wettm3 set up a group buy with Precision Dynamics for ACL bearings out the door a tad under $2k. I really wanted to do BE bearings, but this might be worth it.

I also have the option of using a guy closer to me in San Diego that uses BE bearing for $2,100. The difference is he isn't as "official" as a shop like Precision is even though he knows what he's doing, and initially wanting to use MRF I have a slight preference for an actual shop on something major like this.

I guess the main question is, I have 71k on my car, doubt I'll ever double it under my ownership, should I be concerned having ACL bearings? I want to drive my car and not worry and if I can ONLY get that peace of mind with BE bearings then I'll do that.

TIA!

It’s more care and patience than rocket science. Find a mechanic you have confidence in. I did mine myself in 2014. I am going to redo them again soon since there were no extra clearance bearings then. I will probably use ACL mixed bearings this time (stock plus WPC last time). BE measures so they or I use a 2nd level of quality control, if you want to pay 2-3x for that.

[astris]

Originally Posted by CravingBavaria

Was MRF around $2,500? I'm not against spending $500 or so more, but as anyone would if I can save $500 and have more or less the same results that would be my preference.

Good to know about Precision... It's Kevin @limited.slip on instagram.

Kaiv/Kevin is rad. He did my E46 M3 exhaust hub replacement back in the day when he didn't really even have access to a garage. True BMW enthusiast and loves what he does. Super meticulous too.

I totally understand the whole not as "official" of a shop hesitation, but he knows his stuff. If I were still in SD, I'd definitely be down for him to do my rod bearings.

[pbonsalb]

Meticulous is what you want.

[CravingBavaria]

Originally Posted by astris

Kaiv/Kevin is rad. He did my E46 M3 exhaust hub replacement back in the day when he didn't really even have access to a garage. True BMW enthusiast and loves what he does. Super meticulous too.

I totally understand the whole not as "official" of a shop hesitation, but he knows his stuff. If I were still in SD, I'd definitely be down for him to do my rod bearings.

Appreciate this, I'm more and more leaning toward Kevin too. I shot him an email for more info to see what sort of documentation he's able to provide. My hesitation isn't necessarily even with Kevin doing the work vs. a shop when Kevin can likely do the job as good as if not better, it's really just having the documentation that "a shop put in BE bearings" as that would be simple and reliable for resale down the line when the time comes. Hopefully for any sane M3 buyer proof that I have BE bearings done by a good dude is more than enough.

[astris]

Originally Posted by CravingBavaria

Appreciate this, I'm more and more leaning toward Kevin too. I shot him an email for more info to see what sort of documentation he's able to provide. My hesitation isn't necessarily even with Kevin doing the work vs. a shop when Kevin can likely do the job as good as if not better, it's really just having the documentation that "a shop put in BE bearings" as that would be simple and reliable for resale down the line when the time comes. Hopefully for any sane M3 buyer proof that I have BE bearings done by a good dude is more than enough.

Ah, gotcha. Honestly never even thought of that until the shop doing my rb's brought up that same point today.

Hope it works out. Kevin does good work. He gets bonus points for being a crazy Frenchman too.

[Scharbag]

As pbonsalb said, you are looking for a meticulous mechanic. It is not hard to do, just needs a lot of attention to detail. It is quite rewarding to tackle yourself if you have some tools and a little bit of garage space.

[911r]

Originally Posted by CravingBavaria

Was MRF around $2,500? I'm not against spending $500 or so more, but as anyone would if I can save $500 and have more or less the same results that would be my preference.

Good to know about Precision... It's Kevin @limited.slip on instagram.

I would trust Kevin over pretty much ANY shop in SoCal. Go with him and don't look back, no need to over think things. Kevin will be able to provide documentation. When it comes time to sell the car, enthusiasts (at least in SoCal) will know who he is, and non-enthusiasts or people not familiar with shops in the SoCal area wouldn't really care where the rod bearings were done.

~~ Also, I'm sure Kevin would be more than willing to document the entire process with photos, and give you the old rod bearings. With MRF I just got a piece of paper.

[Davisca455]

I agree, you want someone that has a good process and follows it.
It isn't an overly complicated procedure, cleanliness is important, don't bang the rod into the crank or drop a rod cap, and a high quality, preferably calibrated, torque wrench is a must.
As far as documentation goes, I kept my email receipt and my delivery notification and put my old bearings and bolts in the fancy BE Bearing box.
Hopefully that will be enough to satisfy any skeptics.

[Kentegra]

Originally Posted by CravingBavaria

Was MRF around $2,500? I'm not against spending $500 or so more, but as anyone would if I can save $500 and have more or less the same results that would be my preference.

Good to know about Precision... It's Kevin @limited.slip on instagram.

I paid $2340 from MRF

Originally Posted by CravingBavaria

Was MRF around $2,500? I'm not against spending $500 or so more, but as anyone would if I can save $500 and have more or less the same results that would be my preference.

Good to know about Precision... It's Kevin @limited.slip on instagram.

[SYT_Shadow]

Originally Posted by CravingBavaria

Good to know about Precision... It's Kevin @limited.slip on instagram.

I would trust Kaiv/Kevin to do one of these jobs more than almost anyone else on the planet. The guy has been wrenching on BMWs since the stone age and his reviews are all stellar.

You absolutely cannot go wrong with him. And you also get BE bearings, which is the way to go!

[CravingBavaria]

Thanks all for the advice and positive affirmation on Kevin. I reached out to him to get more info and hopefully get it done!

[pjk380]

Originally Posted by CravingBavaria

Was MRF around $2,500? I'm not against spending $500 or so more, but as anyone would if I can save $500 and have more or less the same results that would be my preference.

Good to know about Precision... It's Kevin @limited.slip on instagram.

Originally Posted by 911r

I would trust Kevin over pretty much ANY shop in SoCal. Go with him and don't look back, no need to over think things. Kevin will be able to provide documentation. When it comes time to sell the car, enthusiasts (at least in SoCal) will know who he is, and non-enthusiasts or people not familiar with shops in the SoCal area wouldn't really care where the rod bearings were done.

~~ Also, I'm sure Kevin would be more than willing to document the entire process with photos, and give you the old rod bearings. With MRF I just got a piece of paper.

Yup, I paid $2500 at MRF which included new motor mounts. Malek showed me the old worn RBs and explained to me the odd wear pattern. Took photos and I could have taken them home but I have no use for old RBs. I agree replacing RBs is not rocket science. I'm not familiar with Kevin but he sounds more than capable and able to do the job. Half the battle is trying to find someone you trust.

[Lienrocs]

MRF is a great option for sure.

You can also reach out to Bimmerspeed. They do absolutely top notch work as well and are in San Diego.

[Vuu]

MRF >>>

<$2500 got me bearings, motor mounts, oil change with oil of my choice, coolant flush, and an alignment.

On these cars, I'd rather pay for quality maintenance.

[Properstyle]

Man the price of these rod bearing jobs is pretty hysterical. Really not sure how be bearing install cost would be close to acl when acl bearings are 1/3 the price of be bearings.

While most m3 owners loose their mind over who has the largest rep for the job. The job is simple and very straight forward. You don't need a famous shop to do them you need any capable and competent person to install them. Don't over think it.

[Green-Eggs]

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

It’s more care and patience than rocket science. Find a mechanic you have confidence in. I did mine myself in 2014. I am going to redo them again soon since there were no extra clearance bearings then. I will probably use ACL mixed bearings this time (stock plus WPC last time). BE measures so they or I use a 2nd level of quality control, if you want to pay 2-3x for that.

I know why you said this, but it's not an apples-apples comparison. BE sells Clevite bearings for 589 MSRP. VAC sells Clevite bearings of a different design for 559 MSRP. In an apples-apples comparison, that's only a 5% difference.

[pbonsalb]

I would say VAC is overcharging and stand by my statement that BE is charging a premium for providing a premium service. BE would be the better choice for Clevite bearings for someone who wants to or feels the need to spend $600 on rod bearings.

[slcook54]

I drove down from the Bay Area to have Malek at MRF do mine. He's done approximately 600 rod bearing jobs to date. That would be my recommendation, I did a review in my build thread below.

https://www.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...php?p=26729049