Rod bearings replacement with OEM bearings

[The.white.m3]

Hi guys,

I’m back in an E92 M3 and i want to get the RB done ASAP.

Apparently BE is on backorder and from what i read here the other brands are questionable (or at least just not as consistent as BE)

What is the consensus on replacing the bearings with OEM parts?

Thanks!

[EMKOOP]

Not the preferred route because you would be spending all the time and money on labor and parts but still not solving the inherit problem of the tight tolerances of the OE rod bearings.

[m3_tristan]

VAC

[NeverL8]

Those “other questionable brands” You mentioned are much, much better choice than oem

VAC bearings been pulled from 30k of use in perfect shape with no wear. ACL bearings are good too as long as the shop matches the shells to certain specifications

[pbonsalb]

It really depends on how your bearings look when they come out. Mine were prematurely worn at 60k but not as bad as some. I replaced with WPC treated OEM. That was in 2014 when there were no extra clearance bearings. At 103k now and plan to change them again by 120k.

[NascaBmw16]

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

It really depends on how your bearings look when they come out. Mine were prematurely worn at 60k but not as bad as some. I replaced with WPC treated OEM. That was in 2014 when there were no extra clearance bearings. At 103k now and plan to change them again by 120k.

how often do you have to replace the bearings,I thought it was only once in a lifetime

[deansbimmer]

King, ACL, VAC, are all preferable over stock bearings. Not being able to get BE doesn't mean you're relegated to BMW bearings. Any of those options are considered a permanent fix.

[The.white.m3]

Thanks gents! I ended up going with ACL