Not joined yet? Register for free and enjoy features such as alerts, private messaging and viewing latest posts and topics.

Rod bearings

"M" Specific discussion
Simon 3.2M
Senior Member
Senior Member
Posts: 1668
Joined: Wed Mar 07, 2018 11:36 am

Rod bearings

Post by Simon 3.2M » Sun Jul 22, 2018 9:36 am

Decided to swing by my local Indy earlier in the week to just chat about M's. After a very good conversation, it was a spur of the moment thing to get the bearings done, after all prevention is better than cure!! I was planning on doing this job early next year but with some of the figures for engine rebuilds that were being mentioned it made sense to maybe do them early. My car has FSH and 100k, the pictures speak for themselves. They weren't kept matched unfortunately but one shell is actually quite badly pitted.
IMG_1489.JPG
IMG_1489.JPG (367.61 KiB) Viewed 1651 times
IMG_1490.JPG
IMG_1490.JPG (374.3 KiB) Viewed 1651 times
IMG_1491.JPG
IMG_1491.JPG (338.19 KiB) Viewed 1651 times
IMG_1492.JPG
IMG_1492.JPG (427.22 KiB) Viewed 1651 times
IMG_1492.JPG
IMG_1492.JPG (427.22 KiB) Viewed 1651 times
IMG_1493.JPG
IMG_1493.JPG (506.38 KiB) Viewed 1651 times
IMG_1494.JPG
IMG_1494.JPG (473.29 KiB) Viewed 1651 times
Last edited by Simon 3.2M on Sun Jul 22, 2018 7:35 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Sepang Coupe
Imola Roadster - For sale
Interlagos Coupe - For sale

Previous:
Stratus Grey Coupe
Titan Silver 3.0 Roadster
Carbon Black Coupe
Silver Grey MR
Silver Grey 3.0si Roadster
Maldives Blue 2.5
Sterling Silver 3.0 - twice

User avatar
Yorkie Z
Senior Member
Senior Member
Posts: 2594
Joined: Thu Nov 28, 2013 9:19 pm
Location: Plymouth

Rod bearings

Post by Yorkie Z » Sun Jul 22, 2018 11:56 am

Looks like average wear to me. Definitely nothing shocking. Shell bearings after a few hours of use won't look new. A job worth doing for peace of mind though :thumbsup:
How much did it cost out of interest?
A Dirty M///

User avatar
Bing
Legend
Legend
Posts: 26514
Joined: Sun Oct 02, 2011 7:19 pm
Location: Exiled Scot in Maidstone

Rod bearings

Post by Bing » Sun Jul 22, 2018 12:41 pm

Yorkie Z wrote: Sun Jul 22, 2018 11:56 am Looks like average wear to me. Definitely nothing shocking. Shell bearings after a few hours of use won't look new. A job worth doing for peace of mind though :thumbsup:
How much did it cost out of interest?
This... I have seen a lot worse posted on here and t’interweb. But something I am also considering at 100k or so. Would also be interested in the cost.
Current... Silver Grey ///M Roadster, non-flimper spec, Imola Red nappa, permanent ear-to-ear grin 8)

Previous... 3.0Si Sport Roadster, Black Sapphire, Dream Red leather with lots of toys and lots of mods...

Simon 3.2M
Senior Member
Senior Member
Posts: 1668
Joined: Wed Mar 07, 2018 11:36 am

Rod bearings

Post by Simon 3.2M » Sun Jul 22, 2018 2:42 pm

Yorkie Z wrote: Sun Jul 22, 2018 11:56 am Looks like average wear to me. Definitely nothing shocking. Shell bearings after a few hours of use won't look new. A job worth doing for peace of mind though :thumbsup:
How much did it cost out of interest?
One of the bearings is actually quite pitted so had the potential to cause an issue. I had them done at Autobahn in Halesowen and it's having that peace of mind that's priceless for me personally. I know the bearings are now good as is the crank - high cost failures if they go.
Sepang Coupe
Imola Roadster - For sale
Interlagos Coupe - For sale

Previous:
Stratus Grey Coupe
Titan Silver 3.0 Roadster
Carbon Black Coupe
Silver Grey MR
Silver Grey 3.0si Roadster
Maldives Blue 2.5
Sterling Silver 3.0 - twice

User avatar
mr wilks
Legend
Legend
Posts: 21894
Joined: Wed Jul 04, 2012 10:02 pm
Location: Lancashire

Rod bearings

Post by mr wilks » Sun Jul 22, 2018 2:48 pm

Simon 3.2M wrote: Sun Jul 22, 2018 2:42 pm
Yorkie Z wrote: Sun Jul 22, 2018 11:56 am Looks like average wear to me. Definitely nothing shocking. Shell bearings after a few hours of use won't look new. A job worth doing for peace of mind though :thumbsup:
How much did it cost out of interest?
One of the bearings is actually quite pitted so had the potential to cause an issue. I had them done at Autobahn in Halesowen and it's having that peace of mind that's priceless for me personally. I know the bearings are now good as is the crank - high cost failures if they go.
Discussing this very issue recently with a respected forum member who has extensive knowledge on these engines & he indicated each & every S54 would show wear on at least 1 if not 2 of the shells & almost always the ones furthest away from oil pump supply :wink:
So the wear could well have happened on one single high rev from cold start with little or no lubrication .
Now you have gone to the trouble & expense you should give serious thought into which oil you use going forward as they are not all the same in performance terms even though they may well be 10w 60 & bmw spec .
Always Millers for me http://www.millersoils.co.uk/products/cfs-10w60/142
3 ZMRs
3 E89s
5 Si coupes
5 Si roadsters
997 C4
TTRS
F82 M4
MK7 Golf Gti
current Bmw 6 Gran Turismo

Simon 3.2M
Senior Member
Senior Member
Posts: 1668
Joined: Wed Mar 07, 2018 11:36 am

Rod bearings

Post by Simon 3.2M » Sun Jul 22, 2018 5:19 pm

I'll drop the oil in 1k miles and go for Millers as the consensus is that it's the best. The shells furthest from the pump were actually the least worn - the pitted one surprised me. As I'll be keeping the car I'm glad I now know they are done and will be given the right oil and warmed up fully before big revs.
Sepang Coupe
Imola Roadster - For sale
Interlagos Coupe - For sale

Previous:
Stratus Grey Coupe
Titan Silver 3.0 Roadster
Carbon Black Coupe
Silver Grey MR
Silver Grey 3.0si Roadster
Maldives Blue 2.5
Sterling Silver 3.0 - twice

User avatar
BMWZ4MC
Lifer
Lifer
Posts: 6337
Joined: Sun Sep 13, 2009 4:24 pm
Location: Back in the sunshine

Rod bearings

Post by BMWZ4MC » Sun Jul 22, 2018 11:32 pm

I’m starting to think Mr Wilks receives a commission from Millers Oils :D
Image
Z4MC - heavily fettled for track use
Lotus Exige - sensible daily driver on the mods slippery slope
Westfield SEiW - in hibernation
Modified RS4 Avant - back in Blighty
S2000 GT - gone

User avatar
mr wilks
Legend
Legend
Posts: 21894
Joined: Wed Jul 04, 2012 10:02 pm
Location: Lancashire

Rod bearings

Post by mr wilks » Mon Jul 23, 2018 6:28 am

BMWZ4MC wrote: Sun Jul 22, 2018 11:32 pm I’m starting to think Mr Wilks receives a commission from Millers Oils :D
If only :oops: going back many years to my 911 days ( the inevitable paranoia meant much study ) Hartech who are still forefront rebuilding failed Porsche units would only warranty their work if going forward the engine oil used was Millers Nano CFS :wink: http://www.hartech.org/rebuild-terms over Mobil 1 id say that itself was a good enough recommendation & ive used Millers in all my vehicles for the past 8 - 10 years
3 ZMRs
3 E89s
5 Si coupes
5 Si roadsters
997 C4
TTRS
F82 M4
MK7 Golf Gti
current Bmw 6 Gran Turismo

User avatar
R60BBA
Senior Member
Senior Member
Posts: 1776
Joined: Sat Sep 30, 2017 7:53 pm
Location: London, United Kingdom

Rod bearings

Post by R60BBA » Mon Jul 23, 2018 8:29 am

How many more miles do you reckon you could of got out of these bearings before spinning them OP?
Current: 2002 E46 M3
Current: 2004 R53 Cooper S
Current: 2005 997 Carrera S
Gone: 1998 E31 840Ci Sport
Gone: 2007 Z4 E86 3.0Si Sport
Gone: 2001 Z3 E36/7 2.2i San Remo Individual
Gone: 2015 F21 116d M Sport
Gone: 2012 A3 Sportback 1.2TFSI

User avatar
Jembo
Lifer
Lifer
Posts: 6030
Joined: Sat Jun 25, 2011 11:59 pm
Location: 1066 Country

Rod bearings

Post by Jembo » Mon Jul 23, 2018 8:44 am

Bing wrote: Sun Jul 22, 2018 12:41 pm
Yorkie Z wrote: Sun Jul 22, 2018 11:56 am Looks like average wear to me. Definitely nothing shocking. Shell bearings after a few hours of use won't look new. A job worth doing for peace of mind though :thumbsup:
How much did it cost out of interest?
This... I have seen a lot worse posted on here and t’interweb. But something I am also considering at 100k or so. Would also be interested in the cost.
Believe Brystones near where u work Bing are asking about £1k.

Know it’s no guarantee, though extra oil changes & cautious warm up procedures (don’t let the Dragon Lady Drive it) seem to keep them healthy - noticed mine is quiet on startup / idle compared to a couple of others I viewed & think this has to do with above.

At the rate I’m going, I’ll be getting mine done @ about 80k so at present that’s likely to be in 10 years :@)
Joined the dark side with a ///M Hell Bronze Sepang Coupe :happyclap:
Ex Aug 2005 Maldives Blue 3 litre cruizer, lots of toyz,

Lifer 54

User avatar
BMWZ4MC
Lifer
Lifer
Posts: 6337
Joined: Sun Sep 13, 2009 4:24 pm
Location: Back in the sunshine

Rod bearings

Post by BMWZ4MC » Mon Jul 23, 2018 10:20 am

mr wilks wrote: Mon Jul 23, 2018 6:28 am
BMWZ4MC wrote: Sun Jul 22, 2018 11:32 pm I’m starting to think Mr Wilks receives a commission from Millers Oils :D
If only :oops: going back many years to my 911 days ( the inevitable paranoia meant much study ) Hartech who are still forefront rebuilding failed Porsche units would only warranty their work if going forward the engine oil used was Millers Nano CFS :wink: http://www.hartech.org/rebuild-terms over Mobil 1 id say that itself was a good enough recommendation & ive used Millers in all my vehicles for the past 8 - 10 years
Worth bearing in mind I suppose (pun intended :D )
Image
Z4MC - heavily fettled for track use
Lotus Exige - sensible daily driver on the mods slippery slope
Westfield SEiW - in hibernation
Modified RS4 Avant - back in Blighty
S2000 GT - gone

Simon 3.2M
Senior Member
Senior Member
Posts: 1668
Joined: Wed Mar 07, 2018 11:36 am

Rod bearings

Post by Simon 3.2M » Mon Jul 23, 2018 11:06 am

R60BBA wrote: Mon Jul 23, 2018 8:29 am How many more miles do you reckon you could of got out of these bearings before spinning them OP?
I'm not entirely sure, the Indy said they were changed at the right time and it is good that they were not left too much longer. The one that is actually pitted is the one of main concern. I suspect if I'd done some hard driving it may have gone. I'll try and find the article that explains why pitting occurs and why its not a good thing.
Sepang Coupe
Imola Roadster - For sale
Interlagos Coupe - For sale

Previous:
Stratus Grey Coupe
Titan Silver 3.0 Roadster
Carbon Black Coupe
Silver Grey MR
Silver Grey 3.0si Roadster
Maldives Blue 2.5
Sterling Silver 3.0 - twice

User avatar
R60BBA
Senior Member
Senior Member
Posts: 1776
Joined: Sat Sep 30, 2017 7:53 pm
Location: London, United Kingdom

Rod bearings

Post by R60BBA » Mon Jul 23, 2018 11:31 am

Simon 3.2M wrote: Mon Jul 23, 2018 11:06 am
R60BBA wrote: Mon Jul 23, 2018 8:29 am How many more miles do you reckon you could of got out of these bearings before spinning them OP?
I'm not entirely sure, the Indy said they were changed at the right time and it is good that they were not left too much longer. The one that is actually pitted is the one of main concern. I suspect if I'd done some hard driving it may have gone. I'll try and find the article that explains why pitting occurs and why its not a good thing.
Thanks,

I already understand why pitting occurs, just wanted to have an overview of how much life your mechanic thought was left in your bearings.

This explains most scenarios: https://www.bobistheoilguy.com/bearingw ... alysis.htm
Current: 2002 E46 M3
Current: 2004 R53 Cooper S
Current: 2005 997 Carrera S
Gone: 1998 E31 840Ci Sport
Gone: 2007 Z4 E86 3.0Si Sport
Gone: 2001 Z3 E36/7 2.2i San Remo Individual
Gone: 2015 F21 116d M Sport
Gone: 2012 A3 Sportback 1.2TFSI

Online
User avatar
Nictrix
Lifer
Lifer
Posts: 5423
Joined: Mon Aug 18, 2014 9:59 pm
Location: Paisley

Rod bearings

Post by Nictrix » Mon Jul 23, 2018 11:40 am

BMWZ4MC wrote: Sun Jul 22, 2018 11:32 pm I’m starting to think Mr Wilks receives a commission from Millers Oils :D
I had never heard of Millers oil before reading Mr Wilks posts on here.
E89 2014 35i M Sport Black with Black leather :)

User avatar
RickRob
Lifer
Lifer
Posts: 4711
Joined: Fri May 02, 2014 12:12 am
Location: Ifold, West Sussex

Rod bearings

Post by RickRob » Mon Jul 23, 2018 1:49 pm

I ways quoted around £1k to get mine done. With 114k on the clock it will be done soon. Worth it for peace of mind.

I recently spent £1.6k on the car (replacement brake pipes, front calipers, rear springs and exhaust brackets) has left the Zed piggy bank a little empty! :( The good news is that it passed its MOT on Saturday with no advisories. :)
///M Roadster. 2007 Black/Black. Rear spoiler, whippy aerial, mud flaps and gimp-style wind deflector! :)

Post Reply