WPC Or BE Bearings?

[wfdeacon88]

Originally Posted by deansbimmer

BE bearings are copper/lead which as a single attribute should be enough to make anyone choose them over WPC treated OEM bearings. The fact that they address the clearance issue with industry standard dimensions is another superiority. The fact that they come with Clevite's Tri-Armor coating is the cherry on top.

It's unfortunate that their supply is inconsistent but I have a couple of emergency sets in stock if anyone is absolutely desperate.

These coated increased clearance bearings were referred by my shop as an alternative to BE.. Similar benefits here to what you described assuming BE is out of stock for awhile?

https://store.vacmotorsports.com/mob...nly-p2932.aspx

[deansbimmer]

Originally Posted by wfdeacon88

These coated increased clearance bearings were referred by my shop as an alternative to BE.. Similar benefits here to what you described assuming BE is out of stock for awhile?

https://store.vacmotorsports.com/mob...nly-p2932.aspx

Similar benefits except for the increase in clearance to the industry standard. They use the term "increased" more in an academic context since their .0003" increase over OEM 702/203 really isn't much in a practical sense.

However, I would absolutely choose VAC bearings over WPC. WPC used to be the go to for replacements because there really were no other options. Now that there are better options from BE/VAC/ACL I feel like the only places using WPC are shops who have done so since the beginning and don't want to rock their boat by changing.

[wfdeacon88]

Originally Posted by deansbimmer

Similar benefits except for the increase in clearance to the industry standard. They use the term "increased" more in an academic context since their .0003" increase over OEM 702/203 really isn't much in a practical sense.

However, I would absolutely choose VAC bearings over WPC. WPC used to be the go to for replacements because there really were no other options. Now that there are better options from BE/VAC/ACL I feel like the only places using WPC are shops who have done so since the beginning and don't want to rock their boat by changing.

thank you! will probably go VAC so that I can get them in before Christmas. appreciate the input!

[Abdul]

Man. This question keeps coming up. Honestly the chart the greeneggs put up has all the details. Hats off to the BE team for taking out time and doing a fantastic job with the bearings data.

It would be nice for someone else to do a good measurement as well but not everyone has the time and resources to do so. deansbimmer post about the bearings is spot on.

In my opinion, ACL bearings (HX or STD) are the best bang for your buck. You can pick up a set of bearings for $175.00 to $230.00. Depending on when you live. They are amazing bearings. Nobody has ever had a single complaint about them.

BE did a fantastic job with their design. Unfortunately, the stock is very limited. On the other hand, ACL suppliers always have ACL bearings in stock.

[Green-Eggs]

Originally Posted by wfdeacon88

These coated increased clearance bearings were referred by my shop as an alternative to BE.. Similar benefits here to what you described assuming BE is out of stock for awhile?

BE will have stock in another week or two. Deansbimmer says he has emergency sets he can sell. If you check the other BE dealers, they might have a set or two as well.

It's been very hard to BE to predict and keep up with demand. Each order they've placed has doubled in size. However, each batch seems to sell out before they arrive (even after double in size each time). BE is taking a different approach with the next batches. They've placed similar sized orders with Clevite every two months for the last 8 months. That should help alleviate the supply problems in the future.

Anybody worried about supply can always place an order through the BE Store. Nothing is charged before shipping (except PayPal purchases). So if you run out of time, simply cancel the order. It's no risk and no hard feelings.

[nyc_dude]

If you have a 2011-2013 e9x M3 you don't need new RBs. Think about it only if you have 120k-150k miles and have a modded S65 engine.

AutoTalent (same as BE Bearing) in Gardena, CA will have spare sets of BE bearings, so drive down if you need the RB service. 2 day service.

Don't forget new motor mounts and some LM oil.


Cheers

[Scharbag]

Originally Posted by nyc_dude

If you have a 2011-2013 e9x M3 you don't need new RBs. Think about it only if you have 120k-150k miles and have a modded S65 engine.

AutoTalent (same as BE Bearing) in Gardena, CA will have spare sets of BE bearings, so drive down if you need the RB service. 2 day service.

Don't forget new motor mounts and some LM oil.


Cheers

Could you please share the reasoning behind your above statement regarding the 702/703 bearings?

[jcolley]

Originally Posted by nyc_dude

If you have a 2011-2013 e9x M3 you don't need new RBs. Think about it only if you have 120k-150k miles and have a modded S65 engine.

Completely non-true.

Originally Posted by nyc_dude

AutoTalent (same as BE Bearing) in Gardena, CA will have spare sets of BE bearings, so drive down if you need the RB service. 2 day service.

The post directly above yours (Green-eggs) *is* AutoTalent.

[StripclubDJ]

Originally Posted by nyc_dude

If you have a 2011-2013 e9x M3 you don't need new RBs. Think about it only if you have 120k-150k miles and have a modded S65 engine.

AutoTalent (same as BE Bearing) in Gardena, CA will have spare sets of BE bearings, so drive down if you need the RB service. 2 day service.

Don't forget new motor mounts and some LM oil.


Cheers

Fake news

[Abdul]

Originally Posted by StripclubDJ

Fake news

[Deezyegg]

Originally Posted by Green-Eggs

This page explains all the bearing construction and clearances in a no nonsense format. All specs are based on actual measurements.

http://wiki.rcollins.org/core/index....5_Rod_Bearings

really helpful, thanks!