My Sepang Z4mc work

[james28]

So thought I would post up a thread with my maintenance and service schedule with some pictures.Since owning the Z4m I have always been conscience about the Rod bearing issues with the s54 engines As they are known to wear ,which in worse case scenario can cause engine failure resulting in a massive rebuild.Most wear is due to the following on the S54 engine This includes all failures resulting from metal-to-metal contact. So ,causes include unsuitable oil, insufficient oil, inadequate clearance, etc .I have also heard driving the car hard from cold can also have an impact.Unless seizure has occurred, the bearing surface will have an abnormally shiny appearance, wear will show in a copper form on the bearing.So with this in mind I set about tasking someone to do this job for me.After reading several reviews and hearing only good things I called Everything m3 in Banbury.Darragh is an Ex formula 1 chief mechanic Working for Willaims and knows these engines inside out.After a few calls and jobs to be added a price and date was set.
The task in hand

Con rod bearing refresh with standard size king race bearings, ARP rod bolts, genuine sump gaskets, Castrol 10w-60 oilservice.

Remove differential input shaft to fix leaking input seal. New viton seal fitted and fresh oil. Input shaft retightened correctly to achieve correct pinion preload.

Full inspection 2 service:
Comprehensive check through car,
Full diagnostic read out and any faults cleared,
Valve clearances checked + reset, 3 of the 24 were out of tolerance.

Redline D4 ATF + redline MTL GL-4 gear oil mix for gear box service. Proven to help cold notchy gearbox changes.

New OEM engine mounts.

Swap centre consol with new Hydro -dipped true gold carbon weave to match the rest of the interior.

I must say Not only is Darragh a great Mechanic he's a top guy and makes you feel very welcoming even if it was just to Fanny about under the car cleaning things and lubing things up.
The obligatory Cat picture Darraghs moggies.

 

[james28]

More pictures.

 

[james28]

 

[Darren Slone]

Just seen this on the FB page, top job

 

[james28]

cheers fella a job well done and much needed judging by the bearing copper

 

[buzyg]

Great well documented thread. Realy helpfull to see the pictures of the work.

 

[MrPT]

Good work.

Made a note of this guy, cheers - not far from me.

 

[james28]

I cannot recommend him enough he is a top guy.
Worked 1st day from 10 until 9 on the car
And the second day 10 until 4. I stayed and watched him at work and learned a few things along the way.

 

[Joneeboy]

Now you can relax and enjoy the road trip, James!...well, after the running in period.

 

[Pastry]

Wheels look good

 

[james28]

Now you can relax and enjoy the road trip, James!...well, after the running in period.

Cannot wait for the road trip albeit it mostly below 4k revs

 

[james28]

Wheels look good

Yes they really do

 

[Mr Tidy]

Wow, great job.

That must be a weight off your mind!

Especially as the old shells don't look too good considering your car's mileage!

 

[r0bb0]

What was the mileage please?

 

[Mr Tidy]

It's showing 49,120 on the valve clearance report.

 

[james28]

Yes just over 49k serviced regularly too more than suggested mileage.Cannot guarantee what oil was used from previous owners (as i dont know them or what the dealers used )or how they drove the car I would like to think with care when cold until fully warmed up but wouldnt every owners like to think that. Suffice to say why I was eager to get the work done.I am a bit OCD and wanted peace of mind.On the positive the mechanic did say the engine was really healthy very very clean sump.Nice crank clean top end inlets Nice chain guides .Very quiet on start up and on Inspection 2 said apart from a slight leak in diff (Which we changed) it was spotlessly clean (changed worn engine mount also)
Rear brake pipes had obviously been previously changed as well as the belts.I am not sure how much wear is acceptable or how rapid the deterioration is and at what point they fail but on these engines well worth getting them changed.

 

[MichaelPorter80]

You’ve got me worried about my bearings! I’ve tried to contact your chap on Fbook but no response... is it best to call him?

I have Z4MR only 55k but I want to keep it as my only car until 75k (should be around 3-4 years as I don’t do many miles) then it will be a summer car indefinitely I can’t see myself ever selling it. So as preventative I am thinking at the very least I’m going to get the bearings and Vanos looked at and probably replaced/repaired. I’ve had the auxiliary belt, and an inspection 2 done in the last 1,500 miles and tolerances were all ok, I was told it’s a very good example... but I am still thinking the risk is worth the up front investment considering the length of time I plan to keep the car. I also plan to do oil servicing every 8,000 or so, but an engine failure isn’t a risk I want to take as I’ve heard horror stories.

What prompted you to get all the above looked at? Did you add to the original plan after an inspection from Darragh or were you having problems in advance?

 

[Jembo]

Wheels look good

Yes they really do

You do realise Paul has only let you borrow them on lease for that price... small print

 

[james28]

Wheels look good

Yes they really do

You do realise Paul has only let you borrow them on lease for that price... small print

 

[james28]

You’ve got me worried about my bearings! I’ve tried to contact your chap on Fbook but no response... is it best to call him?

I have Z4MR only 55k but I want to keep it as my only car until 75k (should be around 3-4 years as I don’t do many miles) then it will be a summer car indefinitely I can’t see myself ever selling it. So as preventative I am thinking at the very least I’m going to get the bearings and Vanos looked at and probably replaced/repaired. I’ve had the auxiliary belt, and an inspection 2 done in the last 1,500 miles and tolerances were all ok, I was told it’s a very good example... but I am still thinking the risk is worth the up front investment considering the length of time I plan to keep the car. I also plan to do oil servicing every 8,000 or so, but an engine failure isn’t a risk I want to take as I’ve heard horror stories.

What prompted you to get all the above looked at? Did you add to the original plan after an inspection from Darragh or were you having problems in advance?

No had no problems car was running sweet I am a bit OCD with wanting to make sure car is tip top and read ma y reviews about the tolerances and pressure from there engines.So decided to get everything done in 1 foul swoop peace of mind.Send him a message I have his phone number if you want it just send me a pm.