E46 M3: Inside guide to rod bearings from a BMW Master Tech @ Auto Engineering

Our BMW Master tech Emil walks you through a rod bearing job from start to finish answering many of the common questions that we’ve received over the years on these cars.
Questions, and our responses:
I just bought my e46 m3 and have no idea if the rod bearings were done. Should I do them? Yes. These cars need them done every 60k-100k and if you don’t know when they were done, it’s always a safe bet to do them before spinning a bearing. Emil explains in this video all of their components so you can make a more educated decision if you want to have them done. For us, it’s a no brainer - if you buy a car with no service history, it’s better safe than sorry and spinning a bearing, saying good bye to your engine. (4:35)
My car is a 2004 with the upgraded bearings, should I do them still? Yes. These cars need them done every 60k-100k, regardless of the upgrades on the 04’s and up. (4:35)
What are Rod Bearings? 1:23
Why do I need rod bearings? 2:09 / 4:35
Why do they matter so much on the e46 m3?
Why do they matter in the combustion process? 1:37
How to tell if they’re too worn? Short answer: you can’t until you take them out. When you do take them out though, this is how you can tell:
What do worn bearings look like compared to new bearings? 2:27
Will not replacing them blow my engine? 3:21
What else happens if they get too worn? 3:31
How to extend the life of my bearings? 5:27
How do you get to the rod bearings? 6:32
How do you replace the bearings? And are there any tricks I should know? 9:02
If there are any further questions you might have, feel free to leave us a comment and we’ll be happy to respond!
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Video Produced by -
@jonnyaperture
www.jonnyaperture.com
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IG - @autoengineeringlexington
www.autoengineering.com

[@waitwuttt]

i would trust that guy to work on my m3. good attention to detail as needed.

[@autoengineeringlexington3249]

Emil is the man!

[@BrianRoediger]

This guy is awesome. I'm sad I live in Seattle and can't reach this guy, lol.

[@ronw.johnson2430]

Great mechanic. Very clear. I would not hesitate to have him work on my M3, even if I had to drive a couple hundred miles for the service. Thanks for the video.

[@PaleD]

One of the best informative videos on this specific topic. Thank you. Insane Dakar Gelb E46 M3, big respect to the owner for doing it right.

[@Jim95M3]

Thank you Christian....its mine, did vanos, exhaust, shifter and other odds & ends too

[@autoengineeringlexington3249]

Thank you! It is a beautiful car!

[@leekindell9937]

The bmw tech did great job of explaining the rob bearing job and engine wear in clear Leyman terms

[@chideverett9580]

Thoughts on plastigauge? Personally i dont understand reasoning behind the practice unless there has been machining. Id love to hear your thoughts though.

[@duncancrickett9212]

This channel needs to make regular uploads, this video was awesome! Top notch explanations on everything, super professional and great production quality.

[@MWallis2]

Emil is a fucking superstar. He did an incredible job presenting this information to the rest of us dummies.

[@tylerrichard2965]

This dude knows his stuffff! Thank you for explaining everything so well!

[@vkutt0]

Good job on this video! This is the first time I've actually understood the whole deal around the E46 M3 rod bearings. Very clearly explained!

[@mukhethwaradzilani5824]

This video is really helpful, thank you.

[@autoengineeringlexington3249]

You're very welcome!

[@vegeta12379]

Nice video. I'm actually getting my rod bearings done next week on my newly acquired Alpine White E46 M3 with 140k miles. This was insightful on what all is going to be done to it while we have it in the shop.

[@autoengineeringlexington3249]

Glad we were able to show some insight!

[@scharris99]

Great video! Video & audio quality, information, content level, humor all on target. Waiting for the next one.

[@autoengineeringlexington3249]

Thanks!

[@SPANNERRASH]

Brilliant video, best I've seen on this topic, Emil is a gentleman and a scholar. Well done lads!

[@marcmuro4076]

so much knowledge to grasp in this video great job guys!

[@LooseNut099]

Nice work and workmanship.

[@dmc3489]

Thank you for the in depth coverage of rod bearing replacements! As an owner of an 04 who is dropping substantial amount of scratch on a bumper to bumper rebuild, it's nice to see the time and effort that's required for rectifying one of the bug three. Well done!

[@PRAGEETHKARUNADHEERA]

Great tips. Thanks guys!

[@Oetti]

Super informative video, very well filmed, showed us everything-where the rod bearings are found in the engine, what their role is, why they get worn down. Thanks.

[@flipfinish]

Best way to prolong the life of s54 bearings is let the oil FULLY WARM UP before beating on it. That means 15-20 minutes if driving at least before it sees anything over 4 grand.

[@martinbarclay9159]

Top tier video! Very informative! Highly skilled technician!!

[@autoengineeringlexington3249]

Glad you liked it! Thanks!

[@cfunkrenegade]

Awesome work guys, can't wait to see more 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@autoengineeringlexington3249]

Thanks!

[@KelvinR79]

Excellent insight to Rod Bearing job! Tks for a great vid!

[@autoengineeringlexington3249]

Thank you!

[@atelieratd]

Great video and great looking shop. I really hope that you will continue to upload this type of videos.

[@autoengineeringlexington3249]

Thanks! We are planning more videos in the futures. Any content you would like to see?

[@brandoncook8300]

Great video

[@hl5557]

Amazing video, even better mechanic! 🙌🙌🙌 very kind and knowledgeable

[@autoengineeringlexington3249]

Much appreciated!

[@Moezer]

I was scared to tackle this job my self on my m3 but after watching this I think I’m going to go for it very nice and clear

[@autoengineeringlexington3249]

Great!

[@keshav4324]

Good content good explanation good vibe in the entire video. We would appreciate more content really

[@autoengineeringlexington3249]

Thank you! Will do!

[@bigcln87]

Hey guys ! You need to upload more videos like this. This was awesome. Can be just regular maintenance or heavier works like this. You’ll get big in a couple of months..

[@autoengineeringlexington3249]

Thank you! more are planned, but we have been extremely busy here in the shop!

[@RISKYSSTAFFORDS]

Top Video! Really enjoyed it 10/10 Bro

[@autoengineeringlexington3249]

Thank you!

[@iaindarling5959]

Great video! I had them replaced in my Z4M Coupe at 76K miles last year and could see copper on about half the shells, so just in time luckily.

[@autoengineeringlexington3249]

Good catch!

[@jamieabraham-brett2978]

Really well explained, this guy should teach mechanics!

[@autoengineeringlexington3249]

Thank you!

[@rabmc]

I also own a e46 m3 and I am in Scotland, interesting the small differences in the cars, non vented front discs and those little reflectors on the front bumper.

[@GabeDeMoraes]

Great vid guys

[@autoengineeringlexington3249]

Thanks!

[@allanwilson8161]

Hi I have a Z4M Roadster with 63,000 miles on the clock and this is the best par non video on this issue . Well done no bull s--t like some you see on this channel.

[@autoengineeringlexington3249]

Thanks!

[@Phongables1]

Top Notch video. Make more!!!

[@autoengineeringlexington3249]

Thank you!

[@LAEdgar]

If I pull through buying a e46 m3 I’ll be trying this in my drive way, I’m ready for it to be parked for months 👀🤣

[@hovnojede010101]

great video

[@autoengineeringlexington3249]

Thanks!

[@kcw9313]

This master tech seems legit but I don’t trust anyone to work on my car but myself. So much can go wrong and you’d never know for sure what happened.

[@nemojac]

isn't their a torque procedure where you torque up and then loosen to stretch the bolts correctly Nice informative relax vid thanks

[@leemiks]

Congrats on the new channel johnny and emil! I have to schedule my rod bearings service soon.. Does it require a wheel alignment afterwards on e92 m3?

[@autoengineeringlexington3249]

Johnny and Emil have been our on camera celebs! They were great! We recommend an alignment since the subframe is removed for access.

[@livewoutlimit]

I wish I can find a tech like this near me.

[@autoengineeringlexington3249]

How far away from MA are you?

[@alanchappell4845]

Very interesting about the 'cracked' con rod joints with cryogenic freezing, is this a widely used method on road cars or any type of engine for that matter?

[@peterjg001]

Any experience with King bearings? I want to go with ACL, but they’re backordered for a while and my shop can easily can Kings. It’s for an N55. Also, age old question but would 0w40 vs 5w40 be preferable given the tight clearances while still offering a good film strength?

[@tjmadden1835]

Why only one video on your channel? I just picked up a 2019 Audi RS5 Sportback and considering the APR tune. I was hoping to see some content on your channel before I give your shop a call.

[@jeffb8685]

Truely a master mechanic. How much would this job cost ? I have a 2012 X6 M.

[@djhsthlm]

What other things should be consolidated into this job? I'm having my rod bearings done in a couple weeks and the shop suggested consolidating preemptive jobs into the main task. 2002 m3.

[@JosepinoRizal]

IMO you can do rod bearings every 80k miles but to be on a safer side 65k. my E46 was done back in 2012 91k mile, thru factory recall or the previous owner did it for peace of mind. I have recently done the bearings this year 2021 @154k miles for my own peace of mind. It didn't show any copper layer so I would assume I could have held off for now until it reached 80k to 100k miles. what I should have done was refreshed the vanos system. I was hearing some ticking sound, I thought it was a spun bearing, but after I had it inspected I need the anti-rattle kit and the beisan system oil pump disk to have a tighter slack

[@tylertyler965]

does it only apply for m car or sport car. what about some n20? would you recommend to do rod bearing on 100000 miles?

[@SniperNuggetz79]

i was taught to never use scotchbrite anywhere near inner components of an engine due to it containing aluminum oxide (an abrasive material). why is it okay to use it on the rod bearings? im curious to hear your reasoning, thanks!

[@anonimushbosh]

Well that was unexpectedly brilliant! Curious why the bolts always need replacing though, unless they're prone to breaking when re-tightening?

[@BrianRoediger]

From what I understand, they are torque-to-yield bolts which means they get their tensile strength from the torque on the bolt and if that bolt is ever removed, the memory of the metal is basically ruined and isn't able to withstand nearly as much wear.

[@anonimushbosh]

@@BrianRoediger Makes sense. Thanks.

[@jdamore44]

I don't "normally" drive around my e46 m3 at 8000 rpm, but i get what your sayin :)

[@autoengineeringlexington3249]

:)

[@rjac001]

The key is to let your engine oil warm up before going over 3-4K rpm thats why BMW installed an oil temp gauge under the Tach meter... And definitely do oil change every 5-6K miles

[@deplorabledave1048]

YES! Especially with the M3's 60W oil! I am super careful about keeping RPM below 3K until oil is at least 180F. Liqui Moly race oil. Liqui Moly Ceretec additive. OIl changes every 4500 miles.

[@abr5819]

I have 04 160k miles original bearings

[@sergio75ny1]

I'm getting close to needing that. About how much is that service and what else is a good idea to replace while all that is disassembled ?

[@autoengineeringlexington3249]

Please give us a call. our info is on www.autoengineering.com thanks!

[@Daniel-dg3np]

Are those 7/16th bolts going on that very European car?

[@ajl0426]

Can you ask Emil if he would take the time to try and rebuild an S54 that still runs with a rod knock?

[@autoengineeringlexington3249]

Please give us a call!

[@isrealperez9069]

Well I don't own m3 but my 04xi sedan now have 217k miles I wanted to do this what would you recommend where to buy rod bearing from and what size do I need great video

[@gregh7457]

if you gotta ask what size bearings you need then you should take it to a shop

[@haniyusuf.E46M3]

nice video i like it but i think you you should measure the clearance between the rod bearings with plastic gauge !! and to torque down the bolts in 3 stages 5NM - 30NM and 103 degree !! this information i got it from( turner Motorsports ) or i am wrong !?

[@autoengineeringlexington3249]

Those specs may be for OEM rod bolts. These are ARP fasteners. Thanks!

[@Gaara_du-desert.]

Indeed , the plastic gage is a must, otherwise how would you know which « size/tickness” of bearings to use? That should be a standard procedure for every rod bearings brand.

[@GotThrottles]

@@Gaara_du-desert. do the bearings come in different tolerances? Otherwise what’s the point of measuring the gap if there is only one standard bearing offered for this platform? I agree measuring gap is good for piece of mind and knowing your result, but then help me understand what you’d do if it was out of spec. Custom order a new bearing?

[@Gaara_du-desert.]

@@GotThrottles yes they are in 2 or 3 different sizes (color coded)

[@ceinjwreouw3697]

The ARP website says 70 ftlb of torque for those rod bolts. Why did you do only 50 ftlb ?

[@autoengineeringlexington3249]

It was gradually torqued in stages.

[@iggyhdz6781]

What would be the typical charge for something like this thx

[@autoengineeringlexington3249]

Best would be to give us a call if you're interested. We can go over it with you! THX!

[@twinscrolled]

Are the arp bolts not torque to angle?

[@autoengineeringlexington3249]

They are tightened traditionally using ARPs spec.

[@MrHayolas]

Hello you are saying every 60 K to 100K is this miles or km?!! Also what does define or indicate whether to do it @ 60K or more ?! This is a big margin. Thx

[@thatct.m3243]

He is talking about miles, the best way to analyze your bearings without actually taking them out is to get an oil analysis every time you get it changed, it shows you what materials wear and contaminate the oil. Also your driving habits contribute a lot to bearing life as well as the frequency of oil changes

[@Mr_Jonno]

Who wants us to make a video on Shaun and how much he loves Cheese? 😃

[@autoengineeringlexington3249]

🤣

[@That_Guy_Izzy]

Time for a collab! Let’s get this channel poppin 🙌🏾

[@deplorabledave1048]

What BRAND bearings? Most people do NOT use BMW ones, but rather better after market ones like: WPC. BE, and ACL.

[@autoengineeringlexington3249]

WPC. Thanks!

[@GotThrottles]

@@autoengineeringlexington3249 is the WPC bearing and ARP bolt sold as a kit? Where do you source your parts from?

[@lancercool1992]

Why is he swapping out the oe bearings for more oe bearings

[@sadie63]

Did he say take your dipstick out, uh there is no dipstick

[@ZenoBeatz]

how much would it cost?

[@autoengineeringlexington3249]

Please give us a call to get a quote.

[@TheRedcroatian]

I have a 2002 M3 Convertible with 135K miles. I just did an oil change and sent old oil to Blackstone labs. They did the analysis and they say there is barely any lead in the oil, not to mention copper. So even though it's high mileage, engine seems to be in really good shape. I am under impression that because it's a convertible, it wasn't beaten up by some degenerates on the track and most likely it was some doctor or lawyer's car hence more like posers than real drivers :) That being said, I am not gonna be doing this preventive maintenance job any time soon. Do you agree with my assessment?

[@autoengineeringlexington3249]

It is certainly a big peace of mind service.

[@keshav4324]

Why no more videos bruhda?

[@autoengineeringlexington3249]

We have been crazy busy at the shop! Any particular content you would like to see?

[@keshav4324]

@@autoengineeringlexington3249 any video like this from regular service to engine swaps or replacement As long as it is detailed and well explained I would love to watch every single sec of it

[@Paris.Kalachnikov]

NO service history on an M3?

[@autoengineeringlexington3249]

Sadly no.

[@jeancharlesrabaux5658]

Pourquoi en Amérique beaucoup sur des M3 e36 M3 e46 les gens monte un moteurs lsx c est dommage parce que ce 6 cylindres tout forger telle une prepa du 2jz on peux arriver à autant de puissance mais ça c est parce que bmw c est nouveaux cher vous avant il fallait faire venir les pièces d Allemagne c est finit ca bmw c est installé cher vous maintenant mais ça c est pour les pièces d origine mais en Europe on a des bmw qui sont des bombes mécanique exemple et il y en plein d autre la e30 M5 turbo elle a 3000 chevaux et dans la vidéo il fait la courses contre un avions a réaction sur 400 M il le mais à l amende c est bien une e30 qu on voie mais le gars la accidenter du coup à rabaissé le toit et monter des phares d américaine

[@jeancharlesrabaux5658]

Yes good motors bmw is the prépa for style 2jz is the idem les japonais eux même on reconnu que bmw faisait les meilleur 6 cylindre d ou le mariage entre toyota et bmw pour la dernière supra c est un moteur bmw le même que la z4 look the you tub e30 M5 turbo is the Roumanie the cars in 3000 ch look

[@tonymontana897]

I think it's a sad indictment on the engineers who designed this and the other ///M engines that rod bearings became a service item like replacing a timing chain for example. That engine hasn't travelled a crazy amount of miles for those bearings to be worn so badly. Not good and a very expensive bit of preventative maintenance.

[@spoonageDC2]

It's not just that. It's the fact that people do not let these cars warm up and take them beyond 2.5-3k rpm treating them like any other car. The fact is this is a really highly sprung race engine that needs the extra care, yet you have people not even changing oil at the correct intervals. My car is on 123k with original bearings, I purposely went for low owners instead of low mileage.

[@paulvicks1336]

@@spoonageDC2 spot on. I cringe when I see videos of people revving up while the guage indicates engine isn't warm enough yet.

[@gewglesux]

That's an individual color... not normally found...

[@autoengineeringlexington3249]

It is beautiful!

[@gewglesux]

@@autoengineeringlexington3249 Agreed.

[@spoonageDC2]

It's Dakar yellow, not sure if it's individual

[@gewglesux]

@@spoonageDC2 Just goes to show you that i don't know everything. I just thought that any color that wasn't Silver, Black or Red was Individual. I wish i saw more of that Color.. that and the Lime green.. i only saw one of them.. it was so ugly.. it was Beautiful!

[@randeepdhillon9607]

Great video

[@autoengineeringlexington3249]

Thanks for the visit!