Catastrophic Engine Damage - V8 BMW E92 M3 - Project Frankfurt: P3

I bought my dream car with a bad engine and in the episode, we dive deeper into this beautiful 2011 BMW E92 M3. The mighty S65 V8 Motorsport decided to blow up in a rather spectacular way.
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[@summushieremiasclarkson4700]

Your manic laughter upon discovery of the fractured crankshaft is truly spectacular. I would say Oscar-worthy, but I know that's genuine.

[@peterdaginis7174]

Bluetooth crankshaft 😂

[@rkan2]

Many Oscar performances are at least semi-genuine so...

[@peterkogoj7028]

Camshaft you say...😅

[@summushieremiasclarkson4700]

@@peterkogoj7028 fixed, I'm cranky now

[@mailoboy398]

Wireless 🤣😂

[@Olecurtybastard]

As an E92 M3 owner, this is fascinating and terrifying at the same time 😂😢

[@TB7530]

That's exactly what I didn't go after one. I'll keep my e39 for now.

[@petepenn1]

@@TB7530 Put a turbo on yr E39 and it will eat that M3. Plus it's a much nicer looking BMW. And way more room than the M3!

[@Chris-cy3uq]

Shouldn't be worried about it if you maintain the car properly and have maintenance records

[@TB7530]

drive.google.com/drive/folders/1FRP0qH082-sRu9yjyCL2txgHmAIc7Usz

[@romankalyniuk2596]

Be afraid. Be very afraid.

[@mercuryace6063]

I recently spoke to the engine builders over at Brintech Customs in Sydney while visiting. They see the S65 more than any other engine and shed some fascinating light on why the main bearings go and it's not actually an oil starvation issue. Unlike the S85 to which it is closely related, the later S65 uses large double row timing chains and extremely strong timing chain tensioners which is why you see all the damage on the upper surface and not the lower as per normal main bearing failures. The timing chain is actually twisting the crankshaft upwards so significantly that the upper main bearing gets destroyed with normal use and can go before the rod bearings on high mileage engines. As far as I'm aware there isn't currently a fix but clearly it's something that needs to be addressed as this is a pretty worrying design flaw for high mileage engines.

[@M539Restorations]

Very interesting. Thanks for sharing this info!

[@romankalyniuk2596]

And this is what you get for your $80,000-$100,000.

[@brand-x7049]

Something to lessen chain tension, then? Change spring in the tensioners, restrict oil pressure...

[@freddyrosenberg9288]

Well, just call it a "feature" the engine self destructs by itself even with regular oil changes. Nice BMW!

[@mhiscott]

Makes me feel great about my 230k km E92 m3 lol. I replaced the rod bearings, but didn't do anything with the mains... Argh. Lucky for me I'm balls deep in an S85 build at the moment in the E60, so any engine tear downs in the E92 will have to wait!

[@SK8TRvsCOPPS1o1]

I feel like everyone who works on their car can relate to the half-crazed laugh when you realize what you thought broke is confirmed and you know it’s gonna end up costing even more than you’d hoped 😂

[@cappyREdrinkable]

Thank you, again, for the superb entertainment! Are you aware how much your videos mean to some of us? Looking forward to the next one. Have a nice vacation, you need it and certainly deserve it.

[@DonSeldum]

How you manage to keep track of all the stuff you pull apart and be able to put it back together again, is beyond my understanding :)

[@Pety91]

He does take a lot of photos, labels all the cables and sorts every piece of bolt and nut in plastic bags. Also recording everything on camera can help... :) At 17:16 you can see the cardboard method, It's for sorting different bolts, just mark a piece of cardboardand poke the bolts through. I am using this all the time when I'm wrenching! :) I'm not even a BMW guy, but its so satisfying and educational to watch Sreten work! :)

[@TheRobphobos]

Promise it's easy - photo's/video/baggies/tape (it's what I do at least) 🍻

[@bokanman1982]

He is an Alien :O

[@wookiewookster1214]

The best channel on KZbin!

[@curlymike]

Very good question, it is literally a phobia of mine - not to be able to put together something I took apart 😅

[@karlnewgrove]

When you feel the need to hit the pause button to prevent the video from ending too quickly, you can be sure that you're indulging in top-notch content. Thank you!

[@NeoAndersonReloaded]

I watch in 1.5x

[@fw1421]

There is no better automotive channel on KZbin than this one. I’ve owned an E30 M-3 and fell in love with BMW’s. I thoroughly enjoy your video’s and look forward to every one.

[@shadashleycharlize]

You know what I would love to see, a quick overview of how you organize and arrange the parts when they are removed, so it isn't a total sh@tshow putting them back together. That is where I struggle.

[@grumpydude1598]

had the exact same thought just now

[@monstermirror2]

He already did that in an earlier video but don't nail me on which one 🙈

[@shadashleycharlize]

@@monstermirror2 oh wow. I'll have to check

[@missedapproachmark]

Wow, imagine being behind the wheel of your newly bought M3 driving it home across Europe and the thing blowing up like this. Make for some nice content tho… Can’t wait for the next installment!

[@hexicalcat4937]

Newly bought used m3. Any used BMW not under warranty should be avoided like the plague unless you are ready for maintenance

[@gnaedigerfels]

@@hexicalcat4937 ? Not ready for maintenance ? If you buy second-hand car, maintenance is the first fucking thing you should do, you can't trust nobody

[@TheTechnoaddict]

​@@hexicalcat4937 yeah cause nobody had warranty issues before😅

[@BayerischeMeisterWerke]

​@@hexicalcat4937 Hey! There's still BMW engines that don't just blow up like that. The V12s he showed or the M10 engine for example. They're all a bit older than the M3 E90, but they work!

[@FilekGP]

The jog at 1:29 really shows Sreten has been looking forward to this as we all have

[@McMaster1500]

Sreten you are my hero. Takes guts to go that far, insane amount of research and labor. Top quality content as always!

[@poplaurentiu4148]

I can't wait for next episode when he gets back from vacation ready for next thing in full force.. (maybe latter working on that beautiful E21...)

[@chenelisha1053]

I’m a Mercedes fan myself, and absolutely addicted to your content! You might just convince me to buy a BMW after all 😂 incredible work as always mate

[@SevCars]

It IS possible to like both Mercedes and BMW at the same time. Contrary to what many people believe, there are no laws against it

[@RhombusProductions]

​​​@@SevCarsI mean I like hondas but I do enjoy watching Sreten wrench on BMWs

[@philiphua2562]

No you don't unless you want to spend £££ on a new engine

[@WayToManyAssassins]

​@@philiphua2562 Lmao, okay

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

I went the other direction. After 5 BMWs, I've been driving my first MB (4Matic S-Class) for the past 6 years. The car is heavy feeling, still handles well, just not like a 5 series, but I love the ride the air suspension offers. I wouldn't go back.

[@davidvivian596]

I'm at 24:14, and I realise I have become totally mesmerised by your skill and knowledge of the BMW engine. I once helped a friend take a BMC A Series engine apart, and I thought that was complicated! I love your channel.

[@pblnko]

18:04 Sreten is so good he even able to lock Bluetooth crank shaft!

[@peterga3658]

i found you ... finally was searching for this channel with every word combination you can make with BMW ... took me couple days lol

[@kaikoehler]

I am absolutely impressed how a failed main bearing absolutely destroyed the crankshaft and even managed to crack the block. Man I sure wouldn’t want to be the driver in this situation. But on the other hand we are looking forward on some really awesome content from Sreten getting this car back on the German autobahn! And as always thank you for this magnificent content you are producing! I am really looking forward to the upcoming episode! Have a nice vacation in Italy with your better half and come back soon to the rescue! ;)

[@aserta]

Not unheard of. This is why oil is imperative on an engine that isn't made in the 1900's (aka american iron pigs). You deuce your bearings, you can expect some carnage. This is still better than the scores of piston punchout engines one can find at the scrap. I've seen so many of them over the years.

[@ilvaporizzatore]

It's a design problem or just bad maintenance?

[@EliteRock]

@@ilvaporizzatore There's going to be an inherent oil starvation problem, but it might not be (in fact probably isn't) simply an issue with surging in the sump. I recall hearing that getting the crank oilways right in engines with more than four rod bearings so that pressure is distributed evenly is quite difficult, at least in high-performance ones. ETA - somewhat counter-intuitively, when the designers get it wrong it often seems to be the bearings closest to the pump that fail, as with this one.

[@woopimagpie]

@@EliteRock There's a thread elsewhere in this comment section outlining that a BMW specialist shop in Sydney figured out that it's actually too much tension on the timing chain that causes this bearing failure in these engines. The double row timing chain and associated tension is extremely strong and actually pulls up too hard on the crank pulley, which is why the bearing failures are all on the upper surface of the bearing, rather than on the lower section like you would expect to see in a more conventional oil-starvation bearing failure. That's pretty interesting I thought.

[@EliteRock]

@@woopimagpie I saw that thread - in fact, as I was watching Streten's strip-down of the engine I was struck by how massively over-engineered the valve-train looks, can easily see how those guys might be on to something.

[@DannysGarage]

Watching this video reminded me of why I love working on M cars, particularly in the 2000's- the exhausts are very balanced due to the cars having quads (aside from E46 M3). I remember pulling an M6's exhaust system was easier than pulling an E36 325i exhaust, because it was symmetrical and didn't try to flop around. Anyways, that's stupid stuff that only mechanics care about.

[@6ixvamp]

When you said it’s time, I screamed. I’ve been waiting for this project forever!

[@bimmeralaskari5670]

The only one content creator that deserves like before i watch his videos ❤️❤️ big love from 🇮🇶🇮🇶🇮🇶

[@SalvaBarbus]

Ah, a Bluetooth 5.0 crankshaft. I was wondering what version it would be! Joking aside, I'm glad you went through the trouble of investigating about this engine, whether anything would be salvageable, etc. It makes for interesting content, of course, but it will also help making this project that much more safe, like, main bearings are going to be needed for sure with the donor one, as you said. Enjoy your vacation in Italy!!!

[@matthill94]

Surprised locking the crank at the front helped at the rear of the shaft 😆, another great video. I hope you enjoy your holiday!

[@shibanbaho]

The importance of quality engine oil and frequent engine oil sevice is magnified with this video. Cheap-out on maintenance, and it will cost dearly.

[@1MartinPL]

Sreten you always do such a detailed job. Taking apart these BMW's and restoring them back to a OEM+ spec is why I watch every video. Keep it up!

[@anthonym612]

Your new video editor is doing magnificent, Sreten. 👍🏼👍🏼

[@TheG0dzila]

nice , evening saved by your video. love what you do Sreten!! Keep it up. I aint even a bmw fan and there are cars are not for me but, the way you repair them and make your vidoes, keeps me coming back for more!! Love it Man!!!

[@ruijorgegoncalves32]

This is the motivation I needed to remove and refresh my worn out engine, thanks Streten. 😂❤

[@remie4494]

Wow, what a huge job! And it's exciting! Seems like the 2nd owner didn't take care of the car. So it's like you're rebuilding the whole car. And I'm here for it!! Can't wait!

[@bryanmiranda8536]

Another great and fantastic video!! THANK YOU FOR THE SUPERB QUALITY AND ENTERTAINMENT! When I see a video from m539 restorations I HAVE to watch it right then and there.

[@chrismendez7163]

I had a 2008 M3 6 SPD for six years. Still my favorite and surprisingly most reliable car. Oil analysis at 140k miles showed no bearing degradation, so I guess you just have to win the engine lottery to enjoy these cars. 😊

[@SolarAB]

"It's not really necessary to mark these cables [...], but I'm going to do it anyway." That's the level of meticulousness I appreciate.

[@eugenealymov2723]

This will be a great series, like all other series of course. These are great cars, but the upkeep on them is just crazy. Rod and main bearings as part of normal maintenance is just nuts!

[@hexicalcat4937]

When a engine out job is considered a “wear item”

[@chanhyung88]

no one does main bearing as maintenance. It's cheaper to just replace the engine.

[@biocta]

They’re not normal maintenance, you replace them with good aftermarket bearings once and stop worrying about it

[@hexicalcat4937]

@@biocta it’s a wear item. If you don’t replace them your engine will eventually go kaput

[@25troy]

Great episode! You really make these big jobs look easy by now 🙂. Happy holidays and looking forward to seeing new great things from you once back!

[@miguelbrito7099]

There goes the rest of my work day afternoon... thx a lot! 😂

[@Alan_Edwards]

That was a clean engine. Goes to show how important it is to change your oil. That one simple thing can so extend the life of your vehicles. Never have seen a crankshaft damaged like that, but too be fair I have not seen all that many. Very cool watching you tear all this down. I started by watching most of the engine build video and decided to back up and watch the videos that led to that one first. Good stuff and I enjoy the commentary too.

[@--LZ---]

18:44 We all have those facepalm moments Sreten, dont feel bad . The bolts were contacting the upright, tried to play it off like a champ :D I was waiting for this video since you've made the first one, honestly addicted to your channel mate... took the m54b30 out of my e46, just by taking the front end off in a parking lot and disassembled the engine in front of the apartment building ( lol ), had really bad knock and the last bearing furthest away from the oilpump was looking worse than the ones in this video. I hope one day I'll have a workshop like yours... you started in the same way so one might still have hope !

[@M539Restorations]

Thank you! Yes, I realized it later, but it was still getting stuck. Had to lube up the gears and the main shaft. :D The stand is going back though, not happy overall.

[@GTIracerr]

You are a legend, Sreten. Keep up the amazing content, it's truly epic! Cheers!

[@_que]

This cemented that I no longer want a S65 motor in my life... crazy failure. Thank you brother, happy vacationing

[@bohanan5851]

He is the only YT personality that makes everything interesting. I just sit and watch with my mouth open in wonder. And the fact that he is a self-taught mechanic is just mind boggling to me. A true talent!

[@milosmaric106]

This is the only channel that I hit like button before I even watch the video.Great job like always 👍

[@bgeichmann]

Samo mi nije jasno kako uspe da se suzdrži, da kad se mlatne po prstima, da ne opsuje onako, sočno....

[@janprchal9211]

Thank you Sreten for making such good content. Please keep up the good work!

[@chir0pter]

Haha just realized I have 7 months of M539 videos to catch up on. After watching a couple on minor fixes/maintenance for the M5s, now it really begins with the E92 M3! Let's GO

[@AlexanderMichelson]

You are a certified Serbian legend, Sir! God bless you!

[@Nicesh007]

As always,thankbyou for this magnificent content. 36 minutes went like 2 minutes. Can't wait to see the reassembly. Good work.

[@BMW_Switzerland]

This is really scary as a S65 owner😮 I read that in order to change the main bearings, you need to disassemble the engine or even take it out. So almost nobody will do that preventive maintenance...

[@adamt3332]

And even if you do it can go bad just right after :)

[@wallysprint]

18:44 my man jamming a screw against the column and observing "and now it's stuck!" XD XD

[@gmv8248]

Freue mich auf jedes Video ! Kenne keinen anderen der so viel über BMWs im Detail weiß !! Topp Arbeit !!👍👍

[@MartinVK]

Always when I have nothing to do and think what a boring afternoon would be I see you upload a video and makes my entire week! Lovely content as always and keep the good work!

[@RafaelNettodaSilva]

Video espetacular! Parabéns pelo trabalho, ansioso para os próximos episódios. Abraço do Brasil!

[@superfly2309]

Quality of your video production is just the best. No stupid music, fast forwarding unimportant stuff, explaining important stuff, yelling in German... Just awesome as always!!! Keep going!! All the best from Croatia!

[@anwarjalane8160]

I just wanted to drop you a quick message to let you know how much I'm enjoying your E39 restoration series on KZbin. It's truly captivating to see the transformation of the car and the level of detail you're putting into the restoration process.

[@AJSax0n]

Looking forward to seeing this all clean and shiny with a good engine. Love the look of these.

[@matthewromano8801]

Forgot to mention, when you re-assemble the engine/trans, pull the clutch delay valve (CDV) out of the clutch line. Its the plastic piece attached to the clutch slave cylinder...will make a noticeable difference in pedal feel 💪💪👍

[@kingofthebongo081]

I want to buy a car from a guy like Sreten..what a precious man.Thank you for sharing this with us.

[@andyholdmybeer]

its always good to see Sreten happy doing what he loves.

[@fcbm12]

Broken Crankshaft on a BMW, the Nightmare I experienced. I had a BMW E46 320D with 442.000 km and on the road 200 km from home, the crankshaft broke in the first cylinder. I also, replaced the engine block and rebuilt it with my father. After that, I drove it for another 10.000 km but It didn't run as it was. Than I decided to sell It and bought a Mercedes S Class V6 Engine. Can't wait to see the next episode. Keep it up!

[@ThePwak007]

Unfortunately none of your videos will ever be long enough. This was just as wonderful as the rest. Can't wait for more!

[@MrFirdel]

yes.. i also got a bit sad once i realised it was only 37 minutes =)

[@B5S4SCHA]

I’m having a rough day, a day where Sreten uploads, is immediately a fantastic day. Thank you Also, go ahead and buy yourself a exhaust hanger removal tool, works great and saves you from booboos

[@the_nameless2891]

i litterly cant watch any other youtubers videos if they are longer then 20minutes but man stretens videos always teach you so much and are interesting cuz of the casual style where he just goes with the flow

[@vanosrattle555]

It’s weird that I like a video before it even starts

[@aristica1]

Haha project crankfurt

[@M1r092]

Love getting the Patreon email with early access. Hate that I normally can't watch them till late at night. 😅😢

[@f.k.3762]

This should become the missing piece in your holy trinity with E60 M5 and E39 M5. Looking forward to it

[@BMW_Supremacy]

Hope you and raleigh are having a great vacation

[@PhD63]

When you see the complexity of these engines I can not think how much simpler EV’s are. I’m not yet convinced with EV technology but I think it’s getting there.

[@falcon0351]

The amount of stuff to remove is mind-blowing!! It just doesn’t stop!Nice work Sreten as always.Love this channel..🇦🇺

[@anthonylanden6552]

This is how complex ICE engines are. Scares the hell out of me personally. Great once they are running and pure entertainment when seeing being taken apart. Great job

[@houseofno]

In Texas, we would say "stick a fork in it, because she's done." Definitely applies to that poor crankshaft. Almost unheard of on BMW's. Thanks for another great video, Sreten!

[@Samir-qi1uy]

I dont remember enjoying youtube video this much in a minute. Thank you Sreten!

[@wankersonwhisky]

I would LOVE to have a B-cut showing how you organize/label your bolts, wires, and the like... that's a criminally underrated skill, even if it's not as sexy as pulling rod bearings. If you have the footage of your disassembly organizing, please consider putting out a video on that!!

[@nedelcuandrei7692]

You definetly manage to accomplish my curiosity every time you upload a video, Extreme precision and explanations to every process that you do. Thank you !!

[@oscarberglund3792]

i went from a V70 -11 to a f31 320 -14 last monday, still feels like a dream 😍

[@E36Antt]

This is the best Channel to learn and always be entertained at the same time. I feel like most people don’t realize how much work it is not only working on cars but filming it and having to edit it. Kudos to you bro love every video

[@NoCompM2]

I haven't even watched the video yet but I cannot wait to get off work and watch it from start to finish.

[@DevinFriske]

Love the positive framework you work out of, despite finding failures, sometimes people let them stop their progress, but you laugh at it and move forward! Good life lessons for people to hear, Sreten.

[@kelebogilenkosi4989]

I like the new camera position

[@heftyharry1727]

You’re channel is undoubtedly one of THE best on KZbin ! Thank you for your knowledge and slick presentation. Keep it up ! Hope Italy tops of those battery’s

[@joshdevdoss9041]

This is my favourite Generation of the M3

[@marcoprobst957]

This is the only channel where you have to like every single video before you watch because every video is a masterpiece of everything. Best regards keep it up can't wait for the next part to come out

[@alexpda2501]

NOTHING better than coming home from work and finding a new M539 video. Love your work buddy! Please never stop! I've already learned so much from you and you're an inspiration for countless people. God bless you ;-)

[@STiBebi]

It's still amazes me, how can a such an expensive car blow its engine this way. In my head these cars are the top of engineering, with quality work behind them and yet here we are facing another fancy engine rebuild stuff coming in our way not long after Project Chicago. Great video as always, enjoy your vacation and get back to work on your cars soon 😊

[@x01e]

The most impressive thing is putting that gigantic jig saw puzzle back together.

[@woopimagpie]

For a minute there M539 turned into the "I Do Cars" channel speciality of stripping down very broken engines. Same amusing vibe and everything. The last video of his I watched was even a BMW engine. Too funny. Have a great holiday Streten, we'll see you when you get back to the Dojo.

[@jimmyaber5920]

A man with a shop with lift and tools and a yard full of classic and near classic Bimmers will always have fun, never be rich, and never be bored. He might sometimes be angry.....

[@ronnndymo]

My day just got so much better when I saw this video drop

[@Michael-sz4he]

The dyno runs and the car detailing are great and all, but you can't beat a good old Streten video where he's elbow deep in broken BMW mechanics. Good to have it back

[@livedeliciously]

I've been so excited for updates to this build. It's going to be stellar!

[@mazpr2025]

I appreciate very much you sharing a piece of your life through your channel. Kudos for using hearing protection. People think that by not using hearing protection the only thing that will happen is hearing loss, many come to know too late what is ringing in the ears.

[@jamesblake3846]

Great to see you living your passion! You have an enviable garage 😊

[@PapaLikesPork_]

You should show how you organize large projects like this!

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

Always a treat watching you work.

[@aa240sx]

keep doing what you're doing. these videos are great. you'll definitely hit 1M subscribers soon. started watching your vids when you posted about the e46 m3 stateside. Fascinating!

[@daviddetweiler7658]

Sreten! I just finished up M62tu timing chain rebuild on a car. Your videos have given me the confidence to take on some larger projects I would have shied away from in the past. You make all these jobs look so easy :)

[@motorpsychohead]

I really enjoy every video you post. You're such a talented young man. One important thing I learn from you is get up and do it whether it's a transmission problem or engine rebuild, overcome the fear of having cold feet and excuses. Anyway all that aside, I have read an awesome article from FCP euro regarding of BMW biggest fear of rod bearings failure being in the majority of modern BMW engines whether it's Natural Aspirated or Turbo, in the article they said in order to solve the rod bearing failure problem is to prime the engine oil before starting after sitting for a long time which most of us know that we turn the engine over with the fuel pump disconnected in a period of time to circulate the oil to components. That sparks my mind that we could really enjoy our BMWs if we really care to learn all the tricks up the sleeves. Anyway, rock on young man! Hope all is well !

[@donsicariofx]

Your tool arrangement shelf corner is every petrol heads dream...

[@marcuslarsson4207]

The Bahco tools are always a hit or miss. My Bahco jack is the best, while all my Bahco handtools that can break is broken.

[@younlgolko263]

I just found that channel. Its amazing amount of knowledge youre giving to me. A lot of tips for repairing my BMW's 😁 Keep the good job, greetings from Poland

[@deividasklusavicius6901]

18:46 "stuck" :D Bolt was holding it :)

[@chefjefe68]

Wow, engine carnage. Have been loving your Insta posts of Bella Italia. Great video, and looking forward to future installments.

[@The_Truth777]

Having done the exact same exercise twice on my e93 M3, all I can say, is, this is the most fun car anyone can ever work on, with the reward we’ll worth it afterwards! Wait until you see the engine timing part! Fun fun fun 😊