BMW S65: Everything You Need To Know - The BMW E90/E92/E93 M3 Engine Guide

[@fcpeuro-media]

Find the Step-by-step DIYs HERE! : kzbin.info/aero/PLe_--lhvXud80vVdU5mOl_zkycDGiOp-e Shop Parts for Your European Car : www.fcpeuro.com/BMW-parts/M3/Engine/?

[@hamie63_m]

This was amazing. Can you make the video for the S85 too please??!!

[@josephkelly4893]

Own a e92 335i, however I watched every second of this brilliant video, and can dream that my 6 grows up to be an 8 one day.

[@wavy.k1d70]

Same man. I have a 11’ 335i e90 with a 6 spd. I would love to have the same spec in an M3

[@fcpeuro-media]

Someday they all have to grown up :-) Thanks for watching!

[@og23457]

When the 335i is not broken it is a great car!

[@boostedhatch3]

I have an e92 but love love the s52 and s54

[@LoopBooost]

however you will miss the linear smoothness perfectly balanced engine layout of the straight six

[@MrMetsfan67]

This is an unbelievably informative and compelling video. I've virtually every video and read basically every thread there is on this car, so some new information here is really refreshing. This guy clearly knows hit stuff. Amazing job. Only thing I might ask for is some recommended service intervals on some of these items. My 09 has 68,000 miles on it and I'm trying to determine what to do, what to wait on, and what to do while you're in there. The list seemingly never ends with this car (and according to the forums you should basically just replace every single item in the car as soon as possible), and I know age is a factor, so some more specific recommendations on mileage/age would be great!

[@AlexNelsonFCPEuro]

We created service kits based on BMW recommendations for the F8X generation M2/ M3/ M4. They've been fairly successful, so creating something similar for E9X M3 would make sense!

[@MrMetsfan67]

@@AlexNelsonFCPEuro Would also love a similar breakdown of the DCT transmissions for these cars as I know it was developed in tandem specifically for the S65 V8 and is a technical marvel in a lot of ways in its own right!

[@dannyphantoom69]

Probably replace throttle actuators because the bmw ones are garbage or you will go into limp mode have the dsc light on. I replaced spark plugs also it was pretty easy but im sure with the actuators and new injectors car will run smoothly for a good time I have not changed rod bearings im at 144k miles owned since 110k

[@Aspireonthego]

This is very in-depth, a must-watch for new and potential future owners. Fantastic!

[@Aspireonthego]

Only thing to add is replacing the main bearings isn't a simple preventative maintenance like doing the rod bearings. It's far more complex; you might as well rebuild the motor at that point. Main bearing failure rates are relatively low, so many actually recommend not addressing it proactively, as it can introduce more issues when the work is not done to a very high level of precision.

[@Studiosatoshi]

Hands down has been the best car I’ve ever owned

[@fcpeuro-media]

Superb platform

[@m1stertwo]

100% and the DCT was not my choice but its pretty slick

[@ldhofann1]

100 %

[@ericvermeulen9853]

As an f87 m2 owner I still love this platform it’s just pure ///M

[@ltakallen]

Thank You. I feel so much more knowledgeable now. I have an E93 M3 and it’s dialed in now! I also really appreciate all the E9X content. Keep em coming 👍🏾😊 “Smiles per gallon” 😂

[@fcpeuro-media]

Glad you enjoy it, the E9X will always have a special place in our heart here!

[@KM-ol5bs]

These engines will last as long as you're willing to maintain it and the maintenance isn't cheap.

[@threefive2072]

nice breakdown of the motor. you should do them all !! this was great. new respect for the s65 too. i was admiring those timing chains in light of the audi 4.2 v8 ... what a mess.

[@michaelkeiser]

watched this and enjoyed it even though I have a 128i LOL a man can dream!

[@kurzjames]

Started with a 325i and 5 years later I have E92M3. You can do it

[@dimitripetropoulos9332]

You can convert the 1 series into an s65 powered car

[@fcpeuro-media]

@@dimitripetropoulos9332 has the right idea!

[@g.g4816]

Best video on s65 on yt make for al bmw engines

[@fcpeuro-media]

We plan to!

[@dimitripetropoulos9332]

Thank you totally comprehensive- I’m glad the main bearings are getting air time

[@JDMMerch]

Wow Alex doing it big now! Happy for you bro!

[@AlexNelsonFCPEuro]

Thanks!

[@p00pie]

This is epic, I would love more BMW content with Alex

[@fcpeuro-media]

Lot more to come!

[@323Ondrej]

Loved the video! Thank you for producing such a high quality overview of the S65 gem :)

[@fcpeuro-media]

We are simply automotive jewelers at this point 😅

[@ElliotsM3]

I love my e92 m3 I’m currently just throwing money at it for these things you have spoken about 😩 just never ending

[@megaprimegamer1184]

Great content! More for the S65 please! I’m at 182k and going strong. Need valve cover gasket but nothing else hopefully. Rods and actuators done at 130k as pm.

[@aboodz]

Holy mother of comprehensive(ness). Thank you FCP Euro for this video!!!!

[@gintonic8330]

Well done video, this will be very helpful for anyone looking at getting into one of these cars.

[@fcpeuro-media]

That was our goal in making it!

[@E90M3ZCPS65]

Excellent video and great information! Thank you! I love my 2011 ZCP E90 M3. I just wish I would have ordered it without a sunroof and with the 6-speed. Can I ask where did you get the “M Power” carbon fiber valve cover pieces from? Nothing sounds like this car at 8600 rpm’s (stage 2).

[@ErectkyleDysfunction]

You mean competition package? You guys are so annoying. "Zcp" stfu

[@chrismccormick2203]

Excellent video. I know I will reference this often as my 2011 E92 ZCP gains mileage. Currently just broken in at 43k miles. It’s the plastic and rubber bits I suspect will go first and should be inspected.

[@Krosyy]

A lot of good info in one spot! Appreciate the breakdown :) really good vid!!

[@kurzjames]

Me buying a 125,000 mile E92M with rod bearings and throttle actuators already done: 🤠 Me not realizing that I’ll have to do my fuel injectors, valve covers, and main bearings: 😭

[@brarautorepairs]

Only the front main bearings have an issue. The timing chain pulls up on the number 1 main bearing. Run a thousandths of extra clearance and you won't have an issue. The rod bearing will definitely be destroyed if the number one main bearing spins.

[@dimitripetropoulos9332]

@@brarautorepairs if you’re doing 1 main you might as well do all of them

[@brarautorepairs]

@@dimitripetropoulos9332 I agree. You might as well micro polish the crank and align hone it

[@trevorr5175]

at your mileage it would be easier to just get a used lower mile engine and do the mains on that. Main bearings are an engine out job. Not really worth it and the failure rate is much much lower than rod bearings

[@trevorr5175]

@@brarautorepairs it's not an easy job like rod bearings. The engine essentially needs to be taken out and rebuilt. That is why not alot of people do it. They wait for it to go bad and get a used lower mile engine and maybe do the mains on that. Tons of these cars are in the 200-300k mile range on original mains

[@DoubbleAgent]

Good video, now do one on the big brother...#S85

[@anthonydeluca6966]

One of the most fun cars I've ever owned !

[@danekeeper1]

Great Job Akex!

[@nycshelbygt500]

S65/S85 Rod Bearing materials changed in 2010ish Copper/Lead (prone to failure) Tin/Aluminum (harder surface)

[@TomP-148]

Those CF valve covers is a clean touch

[@fcpeuro-media]

100%

[@jrechindaful]

@@fcpeuro-media where can i find those covers?

[@E90M3ZCPS65]

@@fcpeuro-mediawhere can we get those carbon fiber covers?

[@Assimilator1]

ARP rod bolts are much easier to torque up than the OEM bolts, ARP is 1stage, whereas OEM are something like 4-6 stages for each bolt! Main bearing failure is much rarer than rod bearings, personally I'm not going to bother with those, unless mains failure becomes more common or I see signs of trouble.

[@Al_is_XXX]

can't oil analysis help.you ? like it does with the rod bearings ?

[@mfujiii]

so glad to finally be an owner of one of these. just tracked it last saturday and couldn’t be happier with this platform, AND it carries the looks. only issue rn is hot starts it likes to stall, presumably fuel breather valve

[@robbsgarage]

I’ve owned mine since new and have been tracking it for a few years now. Be careful because it’s addictive! 😁

[@cheechforprez]

Do you mean cold start? It does that like most cars to heat up the catalytic converters, it was really useful on cold mornings to clear frost of the windscreen 😁 I used to wait a couple of minutes before driving off

[@mfujiii]

@@cheechforprez no lol, hot starts car stalls

[@mfujiii]

i also have a cold start delete

[@cheechforprez]

@@mfujiii Ah, didn't know that was a thing. Mines was low mileage though and traded her in when she got to 5 as I was fed up with all the questions why I was spending so much on a basic service.

[@federicotorresbordils7624]

Last NAs M engine in BMW history. Long life to that Living Legend BimmerN53

[@x_d3119]

such such an informative video. Thank you.

[@fcpeuro-media]

Glad you found it informative - that's why we do it!

[@barbaricbj]

Nice MK1 Scirocco there in the background!

[@fcpeuro-media]

Little build coming on that in the future 🙂

[@barbaricbj]

@@fcpeuro-media Can’t wait!

[@taylorcoombs7909]

This was great👌🏽

[@Bavarian_M]

He should show us his Z3 coupe

[@JV-yp5xb]

My main bearings failed 8 months ago:( I had 148,000 miles. currently saving up for new engine.

[@bgee461]

You do a great bmw engineer impression 😅

[@Capital-G-4]

This is very informative.. Can you guys do something like this the E36 M5x/S5x motors?

[@Alex-cg4dl]

As a former m3 owner I love this video. It would be awesome if you could do this for the R8 v10 as well (especially then 1)

[@ReePooDo]

Can you do the same video but for a 2011 335i 😂 nice informative video bro 🤝

[@dononorato9951]

Alex, I appreciate the video. Are the pictures that you showed of the main bearings from your 160k mile car? I have a 2011 S65 E90 with 83k on it. Rod bearings done at 63K. I am trying to get as much data as possible that will help in my decision as to when I do the mains.

[@ronkerjake1]

Spill the beans on those carbon fiber coil pack covers.

[@AlexNelsonFCPEuro]

There are no beans to be spilled, I just laid them up in my garage :)

[@slamslidestyle]

This is incredible. Plan on doing more of these? For Audi engines maybe?

[@fcpeuro-media]

Sure do! Any specific Audi Engine you have in mind? We may have already done it on our other DIY Channel kzbin.info/aero/PLe_--lhvXud9wWhv3yIzDoCUFwqNayHJl

[@KMD_Online]

​@@fcpeuro-mediaHow about the 2013-15 Audi rs5

[@timessix8434]

Brilliant, thanks so much. Re the rod and main bearings - are there different ”classes” depending on the actual tolerance? Do I need to know the tolerance before ordering the kit?

[@m5p944]

Very informative. Great job man

[@nycshelbygt500]

#BEBearings are the best. BE = Bert and Ernie

[@benclement7569]

Quick note, is the AC idler back plate facing the outside intentionally? I think that metal piece should be facing the motor

[@teamluxeperformance]

Where did you get the main bearings? FCP doesn't show them listed

[@the2ndamendmentwasntasugge463]

I’ve been thinking about buying a euro/ BMW. What would you recommend as a first time buyer? I can work on my own cars as well.

[@jeremiahex]

Please do a similar video for the S85 V10 engine!

[@eduardomartin3836]

i wanted to ask where did you get the carbon BMW power covers?

[@twinturbo8304]

I did my own. The only problem I had was torquing the rod bolts. I had to stock Bmw bolts and they require stretching, which is very confusing to not use the stock Bmw bolts if you want to get an accurate torque.

[@Stevendivittis]

N54 had a belt routing change mid life cycle too

[@jubsjubs8365]

love the CF coil covers - anyone know where they came from and how to get some ?

[@AlexNelsonFCPEuro]

I designed and laid them up in my garage, maybe in the future I'll bring them to market!

[@briannguyen9217]

How does the main bearings look? Curious if that needs to be replaced

[@Jeremandre]

Do this for the M57 diesel engine!

[@deanharris7149]

Next up S85 please.

[@2ndProtects1st]

Do maintenance video for the m62tu please

[@dekabwerks]

Senpai has spoken

[@Assimilator1]

An excellent and very useful video! (only seen to ~23mins so far, I look forwards to watching the rest). Some minor corrections though, it is rated at 420 hp and 414 bhp, not 414 hp. The S65 is slightly lighter than the S54(!). The belt routing was changed in the latter part of April, not mid May 2008. I didn't know about the throttle rod needle bearings! I had assumed they were bushed and so maintenance free. Can't say I agree that the plenum is easy to take off (and I speak as a mechanic of ~30 yrs), the rear jubilee clips, especially the left side (on a RHD car) is a right pain to get to (even using 1/4" extensions and a UJ). An e92 M3 owner.

[@AlexNelsonFCPEuro]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video :) The S65 does however produce 295 lb-ft of torque (I'm assuming is what you meant), not 414. Per the technical overview of the 4th generation M3, available from BMW TIS, the S65 produces 414hp @ 8300rpm, and 400Nm of torque (295lb-ft) at 3900rpm.

[@rossfripp4503]

RE the main bearings, how much of an issue is this, really? Many cars are going on for 150k or 200k miles+ without them failing, so it can't be that big of a deal? It is an engine-out job, and costs a fortune....I would get this done if it is definitely an issue that WILL happen, but if the odds of it are very low, is it worth it? My car is on 97k, I had the rod bearings done at 85k and they appeared in good condition. It is a 2011 E90 saloon. I only do 5-7k miles/year, so even if I leave it to 125k miles that's still another 4+ years away yet....?

[@bgee461]

Speed Academy bought a fully serviced car, bearings done and all that and it STILL ruined itself. You can find that video, it's maybe a year or 18 months old.

[@boostedhatch3]

I know it’s probably just a few horsepower but my car came with a dinan intake but the Eventuri looks so good. Is it louder than the dinan?

[@nycshelbygt500]

Can you swap the new style serpentine belts on an old S65 V8 without pulley upgrades?

[@kennethc]

How often do these items need to be done on a 6 speed manual? Power Steering Fluid Transmission Fluid Differential Fluid

[@robbsgarage]

Depends if you track it or not 😁

[@m.hfitness]

I do mine every 30k miles. I do have a lift at my house that makes this super easy, but jack stands get the job done as well.

[@jimmybraden3334]

Nice, but I still love my 2013 Lemans blue 335IS, DCT and only the joys of an N54, NOT an S Motor. Now with brembos, an LSD, Konis and delrin arms and rods for rear suspension.. And still only 79K miles. Al I have to do is normal gaskets .. not the whole rod bearings, and throttle bodies world of the S65..

[@reggiecam9134]

Please do a s85

[@robbsgarage]

With proper warm up and oil changes every 5k miles or less, I argue that the rod bearings can last longer than people think. I changed mine at 80k and they had very little wear: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hYekaWive5uagcksi=A0gvaS2gB4itUvF6

[@msabbagh4518]

TL:DR - It’s worth it.

[@nycshelbygt500]

WoooooW! The BMW E9X S65 V8 #SnyderCut Video. 192k Miles and still going. DCT Failed at 176k miles $$$$$$ What is that BMW Power carbon fiber valve cover coil pack cover? Ran out of M3 Mods, except for the NRW Valve Covers.

[@firsttodie7013]

so basicly doing the main bearings = sending block to machine shop to redo the holes ?

[@joelr22]

Have you struck these engines breaking valve springs and causing carnage?

[@KevinIm-q1u]

I need the that engine for my BMW 535i GT Xdrive please S62 engine can it fit my car

[@enzofernandezfriederici7909]

amazing engine for sure , but lets be real /replacing bearings like a normal wear item is really BIG design flaw

[@johncreedon7847]

25 k ?? It's a bullet proof motor. Had 2 e92s. Just warm them properly and you won't need a set of bearings until 150 k miles and then they don't cost much to change

[@weprinfilms]

I so want to put one of these S65 motors into my E34 540i. Anyone done that? Would I have to buy an e92 M3 just to get a donor motor?

[@FranciscoHernandez-dq7rf]

Not much engine related issues but mostly sensors and small stuff but that main bearings mmmm idk about that but still good engine

[@SB-cv7vd]

Idler pulley bearings fail ,fuel pump hat cracks on drivers side.

[@AlexNelsonFCPEuro]

Totally correct, the fuel pump hats are known to fail - this happened on my own car. If you smell loads of fuel, it's probably that!

[@chairs76]

I am experiencing weird noises at startup. Abit like metal clanking/rubbing? This noise goes away 3/5 secs after start up. The engine goes beautifully thereafter. What should I do?

[@jmonka4919]

That's the sound of a race engine. kzbin.info/www/bejne/r6GTpWCMiKajfpYsi=bHTyD98d34WA5Mqx

[@m.hfitness]

That’s actually pretty common is the car sits a couple of days. It’s the lifters as I understand it.

[@ashishpatel350]

if you listen closely you can hear the rod bearings dying.

[@romuztek]

Nothing on the cyl 1 main upper bearing problem?

[@AlexNelsonFCPEuro]

We spoke about rod bearings, and regardless of how crankshaft load affects bearing wear across the engine, you're still going to service all of them whenever the caps come off.

[@romuztek]

@@AlexNelsonFCPEuro I said MAIN bearing. Not a rod bearing!

[@MrElectrify]

@@romuztek +1, main bearings are by far the worst problem these engines have and need more awareness. They're failing left and right and it's almost always irreparable.

[@Drewchess]

@@AlexNelsonFCPEurohey Alex, is the reason your engine is out was to do the main bearings?

[@AlexNelsonFCPEuro]

My bad, I meant to say main bearings, which we did speak about this video with examples.

[@sarahdell4042]

Great video. But way too many headaches for its low power output

[@_IMNNO]

This is why the majority of the industry shifted towards forced induction. It’s still pretty cool to have over 100hp/liter N.A., high revving, small displacement V8.

[@Clintpoon]

Way too many issues... To buy an E9x M3 and making it bulletproof with all preventative maintenance, you could have bought a Porsche that is far more reliable.

[@primelenkzy7141]

I dont think so. You buy one (here in Germany they are around 30k) and if you do the stuff yourself you can make it pretty "bulletproof" for 5k Of course its a M Engine so dont expect reliability like a M54 I dont know any car that has a High Rev V8 with that sound for 35k You cant really get a 997 Porsche for 35k and even if you do, those engines have Lots of weak Points too ​@@Clintpoon

[@theBerserkerGC]

You guys don't get the icon, that this car is. And that's ok. This M3 has the MOST personality of any M car and the people that own and drive these for more than 200,000 miles know something that you don't. Power, is not everything

[@johnop14]

@@theBerserkerGC exactly, mine just went over 100k miles and it has been amazing, the maintenance problems are a tad bit over blown. Only needed to do a couple of things to it.

[@hoost3056]

To me, any modern car that needs a rod and main bearing service before 100k miles is problematic. BMW made their name making aircraft engines, how in the world did the engineers not know about the bearing issue before producing this V8 and the V10?

[@m.hfitness]

They don’t need mains to be clear, but BMW has had issues before this engine with rod bearing (S54 specifically) and it is not acceptable IMO I have to agree. Now if you really baby the engine, drive off right after startup, keep below 3500 revs until oil is up to temp, these bearing will last way longer and not need changing so early. Mine is tuned to not rev past 3500, then staged to 4500, then once fully warm the full rpm limit. Blackstone lab tests after oil changes on older copper bearing come back perfect each time. All that being said, you’re right it shouldn’t be this hard and fragile. The BMW’s middle name is MOTOR!

[@matthewdunn6468]

This video should be made into a bible. Thank you for uploading

[@walkthnyt2000]

That time when BMW built a Mustang 😁

[@tuned4life]

Unpopular opinion, I never liked the s65. It revs TO high Has no torque down low Makes pretty bad power (even for back then) Never driven one so cannot talk about drive ability etc, and it does house in 1 of the best looking BMW coupes ever made.

[@AlexNelsonFCPEuro]

It's perfect for a race track :)

[@tuned4life]

@@AlexNelsonFCPEuro very true, I do look at it from a street/small track standpoint in wich it lacks very big imo

[@nycshelbygt500]

Pro Tip: Never let your BMW Dealership touch your glorious S65/S85 Engine or E9X M3/E6XM5. ...only DME SW updates.

[@RSKY65]

Why not??

[@weprinfilms]

Is there a story here?

[@nycshelbygt500]

$15k DCT $450 Oil Change $250/hr Labor Rate

[@RSKY65]

@@nycshelbygt500 DIY 250 OIL CHANGE, FCP HAS LIFETIME WARRANTY ON OIL CHANGES SO FREE OIL CHANGES. AS FOR DCT JUST KEEP UP THE MAINTENANCE...

[@matthines4470]

so what…about $5k-$6k in parts to get back up to snuff..?

[@AlexNelsonFCPEuro]

Roughly, which is pretty reasonable for an engine so exotic in design.

[@weirjf]

Wasn’t their V8 one of their worst engines ever made…? With catastrophic failures linked to fundamental design flaws?

[@jcsuperstars1100]

The ion coils are for misfire detection, not knock.

[@AlexNelsonFCPEuro]

The S65 does not feature donut knock sensors, which is why you can purchase aftermarket adapters to run them. Therefore, yes it does use them for knock control, as it would have no other way to detect knock.

[@andyp8464]

I thought it was flat plane ?

[@AlexNelsonFCPEuro]

The P65 used in the M3 GT2 was indeed flat-plane, however this was the only variant (aside from Judd uses) of the S65 which received the flat plane crank. The Z3 GT3, and all S65s produced, are cross-plane. This is the main reason for the sound difference between the GT2 and the Z4 GT3.

[@projectz3coupe]

That clownshoe engine looks a little weird

[@chuckehrlich]

Looks like way too much maintenance. Might as well just replace the whole engine. 😂

[@ShiroiShinjuDC5]

As a bmw engineer I can confirm my heavily modified turbo k20 has lasted 19 years and still going stronger than ever we aren’t the same I don’t drive bmws

[@dgo9121]

What turbo and how much power is it making?

[@kcw9313]

this guy fuqs

[@Lu-e]

Or there’s a solution to all your S65 problems. Get rid of it and drop a nice LS3.

[@m1stertwo]

so im seeing the mains require complete teardown…..