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Question about changing rod bearings

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Viren
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Question about changing rod bearings

Post by Viren » Sun Mar 12, 2017 8:56 am

The z4m is now on 72k and id like to get the rod bearings changed as preventative maintenance. Couple of questions:

1. Should I stick with oem bearings and bolts (munich legends offer some up rated bolts)?

2. Any recommendations on where to get the work done (right now thinking munich legends however has anyone had any experience with them or others)?

3. Anything else worth doing at the same time while bottom end work is being carried out?

4. Best place to buy vibra technic road mounts?

5. What sort of cost should I expect, munich have quoted 950 + VAT ( including the up rated bolts).

Thanks!
07 Z4MC standard spec

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Question about changing rod bearings

Post by Z4M-2006 » Sun Mar 12, 2017 9:10 am

I would stay with oem bearings and bolts

You are in the mileage zone where it's a good idea to change them and the oem stuff has lasted this long..

£950 is a good price, it's a no brainer to have them done at that price in relation to what it "could" cost..

If your thinking of doing the engine mounts, have them done at the same time, will save a few quid ..

I would also do the constant pressure valve, it's cheap and keeps the oil pressure and flow up to the cams and head.. personally I think with the cams being a problem area on the S54 it's a cheap and easy thing to replace for peace of mind

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Question about changing rod bearings

Post by FD3S » Sun Mar 12, 2017 5:05 pm

This thread has helped me a lot.

viewtopic.php?f=9&t=80948
Last edited by FD3S on Sun Mar 12, 2017 8:46 pm, edited 1 time in total.


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TomK
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Question about changing rod bearings

Post by TomK » Mon Mar 13, 2017 7:49 pm

Viren wrote:The z4m is now on 72k and id like to get the rod bearings changed as preventative maintenance.
Good idea
Viren wrote:1. Should I stick with oem bearings and bolts (munich legends offer some up rated bolts)?
I was advised to use the uprated ARP bolts and did. The internet seems to suggest these are better than the OEM ones. Lots of stuff out there about them I think if you look. For bearings the OEM ones seem to be the standard choice, and were what was advised to me by my shop.
Viren wrote:2. Any recommendations on where to get the work done (right now thinking munich legends however has anyone had any experience with them or others)?
I hear some people say they wouldn't go anywhere near that place, however, as usual you only really hear about the negative comments for shops. Look for any S54 specialist, the job is not that complex but obviously you'd prefer somewhere that has done it before. So redish, simpsons, geoff steel, etc.etc. where are you located?
Viren wrote:3. Anything else worth doing at the same time while bottom end work is being carried out?
Not a lot, engine mounts as you say maybe. The rest of problematic stuff is at the top, HG, cams etc.
Viren wrote:4. Best place to buy vibra technic road mounts?
As D4 says. There's a chap on here who works for them and gave a nice discount when I got mine. Can't remember his username I'm afraid though, sure a search will reveal.
Viren wrote:5. What sort of cost should I expect, munich have quoted 950 + VAT ( including the up rated bolts).
That sounds about right. The uprated bolts are cheaper than the OEMs iirc.
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Question about changing rod bearings

Post by D4dawg » Mon Mar 13, 2017 8:01 pm

Nfbr is the gent :)

Viren
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Question about changing rod bearings

Post by Viren » Mon Mar 13, 2017 10:52 pm

TomK wrote:
Viren wrote:The z4m is now on 72k and id like to get the rod bearings changed as preventative maintenance.
Good idea
Viren wrote:1. Should I stick with oem bearings and bolts (munich legends offer some up rated bolts)?
I was advised to use the uprated ARP bolts and did. The internet seems to suggest these are better than the OEM ones. Lots of stuff out there about them I think if you look. For bearings the OEM ones seem to be the standard choice, and were what was advised to me by my shop.
Viren wrote:2. Any recommendations on where to get the work done (right now thinking munich legends however has anyone had any experience with them or others)?
I hear some people say they wouldn't go anywhere near that place, however, as usual you only really hear about the negative comments for shops. Look for any S54 specialist, the job is not that complex but obviously you'd prefer somewhere that has done it before. So redish, simpsons, geoff steel, etc.etc. where are you located?
Viren wrote:3. Anything else worth doing at the same time while bottom end work is being carried out?
Not a lot, engine mounts as you say maybe. The rest of problematic stuff is at the top, HG, cams etc.
Viren wrote:4. Best place to buy vibra technic road mounts?
As D4 says. There's a chap on here who works for them and gave a nice discount when I got mine. Can't remember his username I'm afraid though, sure a search will reveal.
Viren wrote:5. What sort of cost should I expect, munich have quoted 950 + VAT ( including the up rated bolts).
That sounds about right. The uprated bolts are cheaper than the OEMs iirc.
Thanks perfect response!

I'm based in northwest London. I usually use cpc engineering, looking for someone who's done this loads of times. Can't get hold of redish as no one picks up and no reply to emails. Geoff steel is somewhere north I think.
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Question about changing rod bearings

Post by BMWZ4MC » Wed Mar 15, 2017 1:10 pm

Viren wrote:I'm based in northwest London. I usually use cpc engineering, looking for someone who's done this loads of times. Can't get hold of redish as no one picks up and no reply to emails. Geoff steel is somewhere north I think.
CPC changed mine at 50k miles, I'd go there.
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Question about changing rod bearings

Post by tomscott » Wed Mar 15, 2017 1:47 pm

At the age I would say the engine mounts will be on their way. Might as well while they have everything else out :thumbsup:

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Question about changing rod bearings

Post by hopz121 » Wed Mar 15, 2017 1:56 pm

I have my M3 booked in with my specialist to change my bearings and bolts and also carry out a oil service and the total price inc VAT is Hundreds of pounds cheaper than your quote.

£950+ Vat is crazy money IMO I would find another specialist and try them for a quote.

I'm sticking with OEM Bolts & Shells, (they have lasted up until now so no reason they would fail once changed) and also changing PAS Hose (weak point on the M3) and the lower engine mounts whilst they are there. :thumbsup:
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Question about changing rod bearings

Post by Viren » Wed Mar 15, 2017 3:20 pm

hopz121 wrote:I have my M3 booked in with my specialist to change my bearings and bolts and also carry out a oil service and the total price inc VAT is Hundreds of pounds cheaper than your quote.

£950+ Vat is crazy money IMO I would find another specialist and try them for a quote.

I'm sticking with OEM Bolts & Shells, (they have lasted up until now so no reason they would fail once changed) and also changing PAS Hose (weak point on the M3) and the lower engine mounts whilst they are there. :thumbsup:
Interesting could I ask who it is that you use?
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Question about changing rod bearings

Post by hopz121 » Wed Mar 15, 2017 4:51 pm

I use a few:
- BMS in Leatherhead Surrey
- Munich Power in Reigate Surrey

Both gave me quotes for the above job at considerably less than £950 +vat !

I have used Munich legends twice in the past when I had my Z4 but wasn't happy with the service I received the last time I went and never went back, I don't doubt they know there onions though but customer service and price is also important!
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Question about changing rod bearings

Post by Z4M-2006 » Wed Mar 15, 2017 6:58 pm

I cant rightly remember but i thought the parts were around the £500 mark alone...

I know that aftermarket bearings are around £500 on their own,but no need for plastigauge so maybe works out similar as more labour needed for OEM bearings..

I didnt think around a £1000 was a bad price at all.

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Question about changing rod bearings

Post by Yorkie Z » Wed Mar 15, 2017 7:33 pm

hopz121 wrote:I use a few:
- BMS in Leatherhead Surrey
- Munich Power in Reigate Surrey

Both gave me quotes for the above job at considerably less than £950 +vat !

I have used Munich legends twice in the past when I had my Z4 but wasn't happy with the service I received the last time I went and never went back, I don't doubt they know there onions though but customer service and price is also important!
So how much are you paying??
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Question about changing rod bearings

Post by mr wilks » Wed Mar 15, 2017 7:37 pm

Z4M-2006 wrote:I cant rightly remember but i thought the parts were around the £500 mark alone...

I know that aftermarket bearings are around £500 on their own,but no need for plastigauge so maybe works out similar as more labour needed for OEM bearings..

I didnt think around a £1000 was a bad price at all.
I was recently quoted £800 for bearing shell replacement from a BMW specialist ( not my usual indy )
What would the list of parts entail ?
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