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S54 Conrod Bearings changed at RBM Hampshire

2003 - 2009, roadster, coupe, facelift
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Gazhyde
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S54 Conrod Bearings changed at RBM Hampshire

Post by Gazhyde » Thu Sep 23, 2021 2:28 pm

A soon as you buy something with an S54 engine almost everyone you know (and some you don't) start asking you about conrod bearing shells. From a discussion with the the previous owner and a dig through the service history I couldn't find evidence either way if they've been changed. There was a BMW recall on the early engines and this one is late enough for them to be the updated shells, but as the car is on 123k it seemed a wise move to book them in an change them out of an abundance of caution.

This week the Zed was dropped off with Ross (goes by bowser134 on here) at RBM Hampshire to carry out the work. Ross' solid reputation across the BMW & Z4 community is well known and I can't recommend him highly enough (which I do regularly when people need roof motor repairs and the likes). https://www.rbmhampshire.co.uk/

As this involves lowering the front sub frame to remove the sump he fitted a set of new OEM engine mounts while he was in there. Also gave the car a good look over generally and supplied me a snagging list of other things to address.

In summary: We think that these may be the originals looking at the condition of them. If they are it's a testament to the previous owners for ensuring that the engine oil is warmed up before revving hard. Absolutely the correct call to change them now. The engine mounts looked like they've done the mileage so again that helps point to them being original.

Some pictures for you....
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parts-used.jpg
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shells1.jpg
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shells2.jpg
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Gratuitous car pic:
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C085173F-4755-408C-BC70-220BF4F05D7C.jpg (330.02 KiB) Viewed 418 times
The Spicy Meatball - 2006 Z4 M Roadster, Interlagos / Black, BC Racing Coilovers, Gruppe M Induction, Supersprint exhaust and x-pipe.

Jon2215
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S54 Conrod Bearings changed at RBM Hampshire

Post by Jon2215 » Thu Sep 23, 2021 4:06 pm

Great pics :thumbsup:
Bearings look decent for 123k,as you say a testament to how well it’s been looked after with previous owners who have been sympathetic to the S54 :thumbsup:
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S54 Conrod Bearings changed at RBM Hampshire

Post by Zedebee » Thu Sep 23, 2021 7:26 pm

Not too bad at all. The one’s Mr Tidy took off his much lower mileage coupe were worse than that. Many members write that the N52 is capable of high mileages, but I guess the S54 is too if properly looked after. Long may it continue.

P.s. I love a picture of the oily bits.
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Worcester_spoon
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S54 Conrod Bearings changed at RBM Hampshire

Post by Worcester_spoon » Thu Sep 23, 2021 8:30 pm

Nice. I was there this week having a new alternator fitted. Your car was parked behind mine when I picked mine up. Looked great., sounded better!
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S54 Conrod Bearings changed at RBM Hampshire

Post by Mr Tidy » Thu Sep 23, 2021 8:35 pm

They don't look bad for 123K miles!

Mine went to Ross for new shells and engine mounts last year at 78K and my old shells they didn't look too good. :(
Bearing Shells 260820.jpeg
Bearing Shells 260820.jpeg (403.48 KiB) Viewed 320 times
But the car had 7 previous keepers so there was always likely to have been one who was less than sympathetic!

Like you I always recommend Ross for mechanical fettling. He looks after my Z4 and my 3 Series daily.
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Gazhyde
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S54 Conrod Bearings changed at RBM Hampshire

Post by Gazhyde » Fri Sep 24, 2021 8:12 am

Worcester_spoon wrote: Thu Sep 23, 2021 8:30 pm Nice. I was there this week having a new alternator fitted. Your car was parked behind mine when I picked mine up. Looked great., sounded better!
Having just seen your Zed's spec in your signature I wish I had more time to look yours over (assuming it was yours when I dropped mine off)! Certainly looked in great condition when I walked past :thumbsup:
Mr Tidy wrote: Thu Sep 23, 2021 8:35 pm They don't look bad for 123K miles!

Mine went to Ross for new shells and engine mounts last year at 78K and my old shells they didn't look too good. :(
I'm glad mine didn't look like yours :cry:
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S54 Conrod Bearings changed at RBM Hampshire

Post by Mr Tidy » Fri Sep 24, 2021 9:47 pm

Gazhyde wrote: Fri Sep 24, 2021 8:12 am I'm glad mine didn't look like yours
Thanks, I think! I'm just glad I got them replaced! :D
Coupes because stunning!
Current - Silver Grey MC, Imola Red heated Nappa & carbon trim. Aeros, H & R Coil-overs, 224s, OE Strut brace, Nav, cup-holders, DSP Hi-Fi, pdc, cruise, MFSW, no CDV! E90 330i daily
Gone - Montego Blue
Gone - Ruby Black

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