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S54 rod bearing

"M" Specific discussion
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LostBoy_84
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S54 rod bearing

Post by LostBoy_84 » Sat Feb 04, 2017 12:31 pm

GuidoK wrote:
LostBoy_84 wrote: There's cars out there that have done 100k plus on the original bearings and have been fine.
Show me 1 set of bearings that has done that mileage and hasnt got the telltale wearspots in it and I believe you....
That an engine is running doesnt mean its fine. Once it's seizing you can buy a new engine if you're unlucky, so there is no real option to wait until the problem emerges. You cant say 'lets wait until it starts and then quickly change the bearings', by then its way to late.
Look at this like a cambelt. Many cars will run far longer after its recommended change (might even do twice or 3 times as long), but the potential risk of breaking will be very costly.
What intervals would you suggest changing them at?
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S54 rod bearing

Post by Z4M-2006 » Sat Feb 04, 2017 1:33 pm

I have done about 7/8 S54 rod bearing changes,from preventative to ones that have spun and damaged the crank.

I have only fitted OEM bearings although there is plenty of aftermarket options now.

Without exception all the bearing i have removed have had signs of wear,from as low as 38k (thats the lowest i have had one in pieces).Although the M3 i did had 99k on and had destroyed the crank,resulting in a second hand engine.

You pays ya money and takes your choice.
I think BMWZ4MC has the right idea,50k swap should always see you without a failure...

Cost is around £950-£1100

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Post by GuidoK » Sat Feb 04, 2017 5:00 pm

LostBoy_84 wrote:
What intervals would you suggest changing them at?
Most specialists in Germany advise every 80k km, so thats every 50k miles. Especially when you drive it different at times other than the normal traffic flow. If you never rev past 4krpm you probably will be fine but who buys an m for that?

The best bearingshellls I've ever seen at a higher mileage change were these, done at 140k km (85k miles) and those were from an elderly gentleman that probably drives like it. And still you can see damage in 1 set. These are from an s50b32 engine btw but those have virtually the same parts (actually bearings and crank are stronger in a s50):

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It takes of course only 1 bearing to spin to get yourself potentially a new crank or if the conrod breaks (seen that too) a new engine..
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Post by LostBoy_84 » Sat Feb 04, 2017 5:15 pm

I'm on 45k now, maybe I should get them changed soon?
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Post by TomK » Sat Feb 04, 2017 5:29 pm

I had mine changed at 50k, there were definite signs of wear.
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Post by mmm-five » Sat Feb 04, 2017 5:47 pm

I'll have to have mine looked at, as they've done 130,000 miles - albeit with short oil service intervals (7k miles max) :?
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Post by BMWZ4MC » Sat Feb 04, 2017 11:34 pm

I've had the service indicator reprogrammed to half the usual intervals. My car sees a lot of track use and spirited country lane driving mixed with stationary London traffic, meaning my long term average fuel economy is in the mid teens. As such, I change the oil extremely frequently. I suspect that's why my shells were fine at 50k.
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Post by Vanne » Sun Feb 05, 2017 7:01 am

Glad this thread is helping out lots of people. Good stuff. :driving:

Also along the lines of bearings, please please pay close attention to your chain guide.. my top part of the chain guide had virtually ground down, missing about 4cm from the end...

I'll post pics if required, but I am sure you will get the jist.

Remember... Chainguide!!! <---- cheap as chips, exy if it goes..
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this pic is added to show a new S54 Chainguide, see how much is missing.
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Last edited by Vanne on Mon Jul 17, 2017 8:07 am, edited 2 times in total.
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Post by Das882 » Sun Feb 05, 2017 10:06 am

Geeeez I think I'll just keep mine in the garage.........what with Big ends, Cam sprocket bolts, Vanos oil pump drives and now tensioners it seems like the S54 is a ticking time bomb !!!! Mine has 53K on the clock now so my dilemma is where do I look first top end or bottom what is going to go first. !!! :wink:
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Post by DMC63 » Sun Feb 05, 2017 10:34 am

Vanne wrote:Mmmm
Is this a problem just with Ms? Should I worry about a 2003 2.5i ? :?
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Post by VRSteve » Sun Feb 05, 2017 12:36 pm

DMC63 wrote:
Vanne wrote:Mmmm
Is this a problem just with Ms? Should I worry about a 2003 2.5i ? :?
Nah.
If that goes pop you can buy an M.

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Post by GuidoK » Sun Feb 05, 2017 1:39 pm

DMC63 wrote:
Vanne wrote:Mmmm
Is this a problem just with Ms? Should I worry about a 2003 2.5i ? :?
Yes on an M54 engine its definately a worry.
When you reach that 300k mile point it should come to attention :lol:
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Post by DMC63 » Mon Feb 06, 2017 10:05 am

GuidoK wrote:
DMC63 wrote:
Vanne wrote:Mmmm
Is this a problem just with Ms? Should I worry about a 2003 2.5i ? :?
Yes on an M54 engine its definately a worry.
When you reach that 300k mile point it should come to attention :lol:
Mines at 84,000 miles. So I've got a bit of time yet then? How comes others are saying change at 80K Kilometers. Are you sure 300k miles is ok for my car? I know there's a joke in there somewhere but It's gone over my head due to my lack of knowledge on this :?
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Post by DMC63 » Mon Feb 06, 2017 10:10 am

VRSteve wrote:
DMC63 wrote:
Vanne wrote:Mmmm
Is this a problem just with Ms? Should I worry about a 2003 2.5i ? :?
Nah.
If that goes pop you can buy an M.

Win win!
:rofl: I'd like an M. But I'm a few quid short and I don't like the disabled special needs steering wheel and I want a soft top on it.
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Post by Smartbear » Mon Feb 06, 2017 10:47 am

DMC63 wrote:
GuidoK wrote:
DMC63 wrote: Is this a problem just with Ms? Should I worry about a 2003 2.5i ? :?
Yes on an M54 engine its definately a worry.
When you reach that 300k mile point it should come to attention :lol:
Mines at 84,000 miles. So I've got a bit of time yet then? How comes others are saying change at 80K Kilometers. Are you sure 300k miles is ok for my car? I know there's a joke in there somewhere but It's gone over my head due to my lack of knowledge on this :?
Others are saying change the bearing shells at 50k miles because they're talking about the M engine.
You don't have one of those :wink:
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