E46 M3 Big 3: Rod Bearing Replacement, Subframe Reinforcement, VANOS Overhaul

3 infamous weak points on every E46 M3 can lead to either catastrophic engine failure or the mounting points of the rear subframe falling apart: Rod bearings, Subframe, VANOS. aka the ‘Big 3’.
The LSB did not have any of the three done yet. At 160k miles, we figured it was time to tackle them. We also took the time to replace other miscellaneous maintenance items and installed some performance modifications 😎
IG: @Bav.life
Shop/Dealership Page: @Puristmotors
0:00 Intro
0:53 Subframe Removal
4:05 Bushing Refresh
8:04 Subframe Reinforcement
14:21 Water Pump
14:39 VANOS Overhaul
22:15 Rod bearings & Headers
32:25 Outro

[@bentremy]

This video is 🔥🔥🔥. Completely showing what it takes to perform the big 3. Loved it

[@Usuckman]

Been waiting for sum e46 m3 content for a while, very excited

[@oversteer6771]

It’s criminal to not end the video with a pull 😁 sick job though guys 👏🏼

[@bavlife]

We’ll get you one when the cars tuned, next video 😁

[@DropTopKingM3]

Great job as always Bav Life !! These guys are 100% legit. Great guys, enthusiasts, and they do excellent work.

[@naiart82]

Wow, the boys were the real mvps in this video. What a hero!

[@PRAGEETHKARUNADHEERA]

Great job guys! Thanks for the great video.

[@DiscoR53]

After seeing this I understand why my mechanic changed me so much for an oil pan gasket on my N55.

[@naiart82]

This guy deserves a Nobel prize. Holy hell!

[@QuellOMG]

Great job on the video!

[@cadtrev]

Great job!

[@andreagate542]

highly entertaining vid Chappps!!!!🥳 New subscriber✌🏽🚀🍺

[@krustysfunbodegas]

Good job 👍👍

[@mikolizazi]

Lovely video. Couldn't help but notice how dark the cams look. Hope you do an engine flush to get them to bronze look.

[@DonBMW]

Yo this is awesome work! I also work on older BMW's and it takes me forever to do this work on jack stands and on my back. Wish I had some homies to help me out.

[@Tyreakmcgregor]

There back 💛

[@bavlife]

Yessir 😁

[@Jrk450]

Fantastic effect lads. Keep it up. Not looking forward to do mine 😂

[@bavlife]

Yeah its overbearing work, but once you get started, all you can think about is getting it done

[@Jrk450]

@@bavlife yep once you are in the zone you just don’t stop until it’s properly done and you are happy with it 🙂✌🏼

[@make2magazine]

Great job on the big 3! Are those genuine CSL wheels? If not what are the specs and or spacers you're running, they look great

[@IzPOV]

Ive seen this car in person 🔥🔥🔥

[@mikeshiftseveryday]

🔥🔥🔥

[@Classe1976]

Congratulations, you have an extraordinary car

[@ricardoarriaga7595]

Nice good job good video👌 around how much would you say you spent on parts ? Thanks

[@Andy242455]

Jungs top Job, Grüße aus Deutschland

[@davidmartin9505]

Love the video, bit why ya'll working on the ground?😂

[@russelltaylor3282]

First word to mind is AWESOME! THANKS. EFFICIENT AS HELL! When I do the bushing in the rear, I’ll relook the subframe repairs done in 2016 and 36,000 back. Curious, how does the rearend ride now with the urethane bushing back there vs stock rubber? Will that promote more firm, harsher stress to the subframe? Curious as to which way to go. Little track, but the incredible torture of the streets of Chicago, makes me think, first. Thanks in advance and keep on keeping us up.

[@russelltaylor3282]

And Oh Yeah, got Vanos and Rod Bearing coming up this fall.

[@russelltaylor3282]

You did that over what timeframe?

[@danidpassportintegra5371]

✅

[@averyc7492]

lol my crankcase was just as gunked up as this one. Going to use some marvel mystery oil before my next oil change to hopefully clean some of that up. Save the e46's!

[@bavlife]

We cleaned up safely as much as we could with the valve cover off, but theres still more cleaning to do

[@Jim95M3]

Hi Felix, just saying hi....Jim with the Yellow e46 M3 from Lime Rock =)

[@bavlife]

Hey jim! Hope all is well 👋

[@kaetos03]

Man, thanks for the video. Can you indicate where to get the torque specs for the subframe?

[@bavlife]

Online, there are a bunch of bmw forums indicating torque specs for these cars

[@turkldo]

Great video! I see the cracks you pointed out at 3:48. Is there an easy way to check for sub-frame damage other than tearing apart the entire rear end? 2002 M3 slicktop manual...original owner. Only 59k, but I've beat her the whole 59k. Does the sub-frame damage typically present itself at such low mileage? Rod bearings have been replaced as a result of recall at ~ 33k, so should be good there. At what mileage does the VANOS service need to be accomplished? Are there symptoms to indicate the need for VANOS service? TIA...again, great video!

[@bavlife]

Unfortunately the subframe area can only be properly inspected with the subframe off, you cannot see all the cracks on the mounting point if it's on. I’ve seen some lower mileage examples with trunk damage so it's better to get it done sooner rather than later. As for the VANOS, typically you will get VANOS Codes to tell you it's about time to rebuild it. But at 80k-100k miles would be a good time to do look into it.

[@turkldo]

@@bavlife Thanks very much!

[@tyronenube5434]

Where you guys located?

[@GTPoor]

Nice video. Do you plan taking on customer M3’s?

[@bavlife]

Yes. If you do wish to inquire, message us on our shop page @puristmotors on instagram

[@UgurOzturkoglu-qj7bx]

WhTs something like this cost?

[@bavlife]

If you are interested in pricing, please message our shop page @puristmotors on instagram for more information. Thank you.

[@tinyboots22]

Do you think the subframe cracked because of the LSBs extra power?

[@bavlife]

😂😂😂 Yeah the extra unlocked horsepower. In all seriousness, these cracks are from poor design from the factory. So they are prone to cracking.

[@terrypope77]

What year M3's require the big 3 ?

[@bavlife]

2001-2006 BMW M3

[@cuceralex]

how much did this cost the owner

[@jensduhem8904]

If hack job had a name lmao

[@JacesOwnWorld]

Yeah, not trusting those welds at all lol. And all that work, and you didn’t even put the reinforcement plates in. Seems like a waste of effort guys.

[@bavlife]

We welded in rev shift subframe reinforcement plates, and the cars been great.

[@arnoldswagnegger5670]

Better watch some redish motorsport videos. this subframe job is only half what you really need to do.

[@fazlijanurkovic6060]

🔥🔥🔥

[@mmdeuro]

🔥🔥🔥