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!

[@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

[@F82_]

⁠@@LoopBooostno you won’t, i had an e92 n54 and it was an ok engine when it was working, the reliability sucked even when i didn’t run it hard and did maintenance

[@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.

[@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

[@TMJYT]

@@dannyphantoom69at what point do you think you’ll do rod / main bearings?

[@dannyphantoom69]

@ when i get the money😂 im getting scared but im definitely doing it once i get paid i think its a $1800 job to $2k

[@KM-ol5bs]

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

[@aboodz]

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

[@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.

[@nycshelbygt500]

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

[@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!

[@st3althyone]

Sreten from M539 Restorations has an amazing video series working on this glorious engine. It’s well worth a watch and subscription. He does some amazing work on a lot of great BMW cars. Enjoy! 🥰🥰 Edit: Here I thought I was being cool spreading my love of his channel while Alex did a shoutout to Sreten. 🤣🤣

[@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.

[@Loukanopoulos]

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

[@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.

[@review-report]

*As a 2013 e92 ///M3 Competition package owner I appreciate & needed this!*

[@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 ?

[@Assimilator1]

@@Al_is_XXX It doesn't always find failing rod bearings in time though, so it won't with mains either. Checkout my posts on the m3post or m3cutters forums with collated OA reports showing that some people had failed bearings even after a clean OA report, thread titled "Oil analysis for finding wearing rod bearings?." (can't post links here 🙁).

[@Al_is_XXX]

@Assimilator1 very interesting, many thanks, will do 👍

[@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 😅

[@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

[@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 %

[@Krosyy]

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

[@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

[@Loukanopoulos]

You can convert the 1 series into an s65 powered car

[@fcpeuro-media]

@@Loukanopoulos has the right idea!

[@_que]

Just changed the N52 oil pan gasket, and I was like, well is not a SX5 motor... nice motor, but even though I diy, time limited with life, just want to drive.

[@g.g4816]

Best video on s65 on yt make for al bmw engines

[@fcpeuro-media]

We plan to!

[@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!

[@kimosabe213]

Excellent in format, information and most important for me..the delivery! I've been on the hunt for an e90 M3 for a while and you have given me renewal excitement. Enjoyed every minute of this!

[@ericvermeulen9853]

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

[@JDMMerch]

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

[@AlexNelsonFCPEuro]

Thanks!

[@ualdrivr]

Loved it. My 2013 e92 M3 is appreciating you.

[@jeremiahex]

Please do a similar video for the S85 V10 engine!

[@MrHChapman]

Awesome video! You all should do a comprehensive video on the S62 as well

[@p00pie]

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

[@fcpeuro-media]

Lot more to come!

[@x_d3119]

such such an informative video. Thank you.

[@fcpeuro-media]

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

[@EuroAutoEnthusiast]

I just DIYed my rod bearings…not too bad…Main bearings will definitely be a challenge if done in my garage too 😵‍💫 Thanks for a very thorough video 👏🏽

[@Capital-G-4]

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

[@ElliotsM3]

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

[@marcgirard7551]

Amazing video! BMW really should have used this engine architecture to base their future turbo V8's on instead of the clean-sheet design for the N63. BMW still made some durable products back then. Too bad the bearing clearances were so tight... I'm betting thinner oil probably makes bearings last longer in these.

[@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.

[@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

[@csake1]

Hi just wondering where did u get your Ignition Coil Covers from

[@aaronf4201]

What an incredible video. Thank you so much!

[@JoiceVaderd]

6:38 The 8th Gen Civic had a beot routing change for the R18A1.

[@JV-yp5xb]

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

[@DoubbleAgent]

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

[@Bencar00]

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

[@Bavarian_M]

He should show us his Z3 coupe

[@anthonydeluca6966]

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

[@federicotorresbordils7624]

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

[@barbaricbj]

Nice MK1 Scirocco there in the background!

[@fcpeuro-media]

Little build coming on that in the future 🙂

[@barbaricbj]

@@fcpeuro-media Can’t wait!

[@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)

[@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?

[@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.

[@Loukanopoulos]

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

[@brarautorepairs]

@@Loukanopoulos 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

[@taylorcoombs7909]

This was great👌🏽

[@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!

[@danekeeper1]

Great Job Akex!

[@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.

[@eduardomartin3836]

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

[@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..

[@alexcohcoaching]

Have you ever known anyone to use this 10w60 in n62 engines especially b48? Seems risky.

[@briannguyen9217]

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

[@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]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@fs5866]

So much trouble for an engine that is not even that stressed, if BMW did a good job with this thing it wouldn't need such invasive servicing that early in the engine life.

[@ReePooDo]

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

[@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?

[@deanharris7149]

Next up S85 please.

[@ardagokbulut8347]

Amazing video. 👍

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@2ndProtects1st]

Do maintenance video for the m62tu please

[@felizgarage]

where did you get the CF covers?

[@firsttodie7013]

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

[@bgee461]

You do a great bmw engineer impression 😅

[@nycshelbygt500]

#BEBearings are the best. BE = Bert and Ernie

[@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 :)

[@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

[@Stevendivittis]

N54 had a belt routing change mid life cycle too

[@joelr22]

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

[@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.

[@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?

[@KevinIm-q1u]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@Jeremandre]

Do this for the M57 diesel engine!

[@ZKhweziN]

Can we get an S85 video aswell.

[@victorkrivor2174]

The S65 is an S85 with 2 cylinders chopped off, all issues listed in this video applies the same to the S85

[@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

[@samfarhand6997]

38minute video not required. Short answer: YES

[@reggiecam9134]

Please do a s85

[@dekabwerks]

Senpai has spoken

[@msabbagh4518]

TL:DR - It’s worth it.

[@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.

[@enzofernandezfriederici7909]

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

[@operatorblack]

Holy hell. Mercedes M156 has its own problems but just doesn’t seem as complicated as the S65. One common thread I notice is magnesium parts catastrophically failing on both engines. Very good video, thanks for posting!

[@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

[@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!

[@LateNightRituals]

Im gonna tell my grandkids abt this video

[@fcpeuro-media]

Let us know what they think 😄

[@sebastianmorales4498]

It actually weights less than the s54 by 15kg

[@ashishpatel350]

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