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....
Gratuitous car pic:
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S54 Conrod Bearings changed at RBM Hampshire
- Gazhyde
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S54 Conrod Bearings changed at RBM Hampshire
The Spicy Meatball - 2006 Z4 M Roadster, Interlagos / Black, BC Racing Coilovers, Gruppe M Induction, Supersprint exhaust and x-pipe.
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S54 Conrod Bearings changed at RBM Hampshire
Great pics
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
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
2007 M Coupe
Interlagos Blue,Sepang leather,carbon leather trim
Interlagos Blue,Sepang leather,carbon leather trim
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- Lifer
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S54 Conrod Bearings changed at RBM Hampshire
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.
P.s. I love a picture of the oily bits.
2003 Maldives Blue 3.0i auto
Previously: Maldives Blue 2.5i manual (its back!) and another, and a Monaco Blue 3.0Si coupe
Previously: Maldives Blue 2.5i manual (its back!) and another, and a Monaco Blue 3.0Si coupe
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OnlineWorcester_spoon
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- Location: Basingstoke, Hampshire
S54 Conrod Bearings changed at RBM Hampshire
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!
03 Z4R 3.0i/Silver/custom quad/330d brake upgrade/LSD/G-Power supercharger/FIC 365cc injectors/Severn Tuning map
- Mr Tidy
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- Location: North West Surrey
S54 Conrod Bearings changed at RBM Hampshire
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.
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.
Mine went to Ross for new shells and engine mounts last year at 78K and my old shells they didn't look too good.
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.
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
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
- Gazhyde
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S54 Conrod Bearings changed at RBM Hampshire
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 pastWorcester_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!
I'm glad mine didn't look like yours
The Spicy Meatball - 2006 Z4 M Roadster, Interlagos / Black, BC Racing Coilovers, Gruppe M Induction, Supersprint exhaust and x-pipe.
- Mr Tidy
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- Joined: Wed Jul 02, 2014 12:18 pm
- Location: North West Surrey
S54 Conrod Bearings changed at RBM Hampshire
Thanks, I think! I'm just glad I got them replaced!
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
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