What intervals would you suggest changing them at?GuidoK wrote:Show me 1 set of bearings that has done that mileage and hasnt got the telltale wearspots in it and I believe you....LostBoy_84 wrote: There's cars out there that have done 100k plus on the original bearings and have been fine.
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.
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S54 rod bearing
- LostBoy_84
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S54 rod bearing
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2007 Z4///M Coupé | Silver Grey | Imola Nappa Leather | Carbon Leather Trim | Nav | Cruise | PDC | Heated Seats | CSL's | H&R's
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- Lifer
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S54 rod bearing
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
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
- GuidoK
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S54 rod bearing
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?LostBoy_84 wrote:
What intervals would you suggest changing them at?
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):
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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- LostBoy_84
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S54 rod bearing
I'm on 45k now, maybe I should get them changed soon?
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2007 Z4///M Coupé | Silver Grey | Imola Nappa Leather | Carbon Leather Trim | Nav | Cruise | PDC | Heated Seats | CSL's | H&R's
Current
2009 Ibis White Audi R8 V10 | 6-speed Manual | Lots of Carbon
2007 Z4///M Coupé | Silver Grey | Imola Nappa Leather | Carbon Leather Trim | Nav | Cruise | PDC | Heated Seats | CSL's | H&R's
Current
2009 Ibis White Audi R8 V10 | 6-speed Manual | Lots of Carbon
- TomK
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S54 rod bearing
I had mine changed at 50k, there were definite signs of wear.
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- Lifer
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S54 rod bearing
I'll have to have mine looked at, as they've done 130,000 miles - albeit with short oil service intervals (7k miles max)
- BMWZ4MC
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S54 rod bearing
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.
Z4MC - heavily fettled for track use
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- Vanne
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S54 rod bearing
Glad this thread is helping out lots of people. Good stuff.
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..
this pic is added to show a new S54 Chainguide, see how much is missing.
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..
this pic is added to show a new S54 Chainguide, see how much is missing.
Last edited by Vanne on Mon Jul 17, 2017 8:07 am, edited 2 times in total.
2007 EuroSpec Z4///MC Building/Developing Z4 GT3
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S54 rod bearing
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. !!!
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- DMC63
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S54 rod bearing
Is this a problem just with Ms? Should I worry about a 2003 2.5i ?Vanne wrote:Mmmm
BMW Z4 2003 2.5i and lots of bits and pieces - 2016 - 2020 Sold
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S54 rod bearing
Nah.DMC63 wrote:Is this a problem just with Ms? Should I worry about a 2003 2.5i ?Vanne wrote:Mmmm
If that goes pop you can buy an M.
Win win!
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- GuidoK
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S54 rod bearing
Yes on an M54 engine its definately a worry.DMC63 wrote:Is this a problem just with Ms? Should I worry about a 2003 2.5i ?Vanne wrote:Mmmm
When you reach that 300k mile point it should come to attention
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- DMC63
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S54 rod bearing
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 thisGuidoK wrote:Yes on an M54 engine its definately a worry.DMC63 wrote:Is this a problem just with Ms? Should I worry about a 2003 2.5i ?Vanne wrote:Mmmm
When you reach that 300k mile point it should come to attention
BMW Z4 2003 2.5i and lots of bits and pieces - 2016 - 2020 Sold
- DMC63
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S54 rod bearing
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.VRSteve wrote:Nah.DMC63 wrote:Is this a problem just with Ms? Should I worry about a 2003 2.5i ?Vanne wrote:Mmmm
If that goes pop you can buy an M.
Win win!
BMW Z4 2003 2.5i and lots of bits and pieces - 2016 - 2020 Sold
- Smartbear
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S54 rod bearing
Others are saying change the bearing shells at 50k miles because they're talking about the M engine.DMC63 wrote: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 thisGuidoK wrote:Yes on an M54 engine its definately a worry.DMC63 wrote: Is this a problem just with Ms? Should I worry about a 2003 2.5i ?
When you reach that 300k mile point it should come to attention
You don't have one of those
Rob
e89 Sdrive 20i, plenty of mumbo & good economy-the thinking bears z4
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