How bad are the 152,000 mile old Rod Bearings in our E92 M3?

[@EvolveAutomotive]

BEFORE WATCHING! What do you reckon is waiting for us inside the S65 engine? Place your bets - original bearings? Copper or later updated ones? Been changed recently? About to fail?

[@EuroAutoEnthusiast]

Great video! It’s such a variation of how more or less worn the bearing are on different year builds and mileage driven. Would you attribute the excessive wear on lower mileage to be due to hard driving patterns and/or poor maintenance? • Btw, Ryan and Cat are so amazing to chat with at IND and I agree that Fall-Line parts upgrades vs stock will be the best way to go 👍🏽💯

[@STOP2NWO]

Hi Guys, do you do engine oil flash during the procedure or just quicker oil change?

[@aidenneill4693]

I have no idea what a rod bearing is but I guess I'm about to learn!

[@antj29]

Wouldn’t know as it’s luck of the draw, seen 30k cars have more wear then 100k cars, no rhyme or reason

[@vadimsbutorins8054]

Hi Evolve Automotive ,upgraded rod bearings not available on your website anymore? I can see OEM only… Thanks.

[@Gentlemen_london_]

No denying Astons skills as a technician.... knows his stuff 👍

[@Eamador3]

Alot of knowledge and experience in that big ol head

[@Theoriginalbubbafett]

He demonstrated the difference between a mechanic and a technician, didn’t he? Wow!

[@rrocktoo]

Well done the previous owner. You've given Evolve a decent platform to work on.

[@britishagent]

I found this quite therapeutic

[@TheChrosty]

I 2nd this

[@aneeskara6776]

😂

[@mihu9258]

I can just hear your British accent through your comment 🗿

[@SCD-BOY]

Me too actually!

[@Mrbfgray]

I find it useful as 2nd owner of 2011 with 56k miles.

[@longzie1]

These guys did my Rod bearings on my e93 M3 last week and they did a great job. I can honestly say I trust Evolve more than I trust the BMW main dealers. These guys don't only know their stuff but they are really friendly towards their customers. Evolve are the only company I would trust with my beloved M car. FACTS!

[@EvolveAutomotive]

Thanks for the kind words! We really do love these cars 🥰

[@longzie1]

@@EvolveAutomotive When I was at your workshop last week, I had to leave my car with you overnight. I was about to arrange an Uber so I could get to the nearest train station in order to get home when one of your staff told me to put my phone away as he would drop me to the station!!! I'm not going to lie, I was taken aback as your fella did not have to do that. It's these little touches what will keep me and other customers returning. So not only do you get a professional and trustworthy job carried out on your car, you also get great customer service. Keep up the good work Evolve. 👍

[@reyy1k]

how much was the job if you don't mind me asking?

[@EvolveAutomotive]

£1500 inc VAT

[@Rayzor1502]

Awesome video, it shows that these motors are capable of holding up if they receive good maintenance. Seems like the previous owner respected the car and followed the proper warm up cycle as well, which if not done could also result in failed bearings.

[@ericm8368]

I wouldn’t call bearings worn down to copper as holding up...who knows what the history of the car is, but as was pointed out, if the car had been driven hard or tracked cylinder 8 could’ve gone fairly easily. But yes, it does show that the bearings can last...but bearings should still likely be changed every 50-60k miles. Probably much sooner if tracking the car regularly. What was more concerning to me is hearing that the car with only 30k miles had worse wear. Just goes to show that there is no rhyme or reason for how and why these bearings wear how they do and mileage on the car doesn’t count for much. The best you can do is try to buy a car with long term ownership and maintenance records which is pretty much the rule for any car. Then it’s still no guarantee and you better change the bearings ASAP.

[@Rayzor1502]

@@ericm8368, these motors are notoriously know for failure due to worn bearings at a lot lower mileage. My comments were on the fact that this particular example "held up" a lot longer than most S65s. Bearing replacement on these motors are considered a maintenance item, crazy to think so I know, but unfortunately it is. 🤣

[@smutlee9143]

@@Rayzor1502 I got it😉

[@EvolveAutomotive]

@Eric M - We believe that number of cold starts and how the car is driven whilst cold is the main contributing factor to the wear. The 30k car may have not been looked after, regularly driving hard from cold, lots of short journeys to not allow the car up to temp etc. Unfortunately it’s impossible to know how a used car has been treated in that regards. If it was directly linked to mileage it would be more simple but as this car shows it is not.

[@drwacks]

Okokk

[@dudon.arendse]

I thoroughly enjoyed watching this video. Very informative and soothing to watch at the same time. Job well done to Aston and the guys at Evolve. Can't wait for Imran to do the test drive.

[@ranger4770]

aston does a fantastic job of explaining things. amazing team you have put together! would love to own an e92 now

[@EvolveAutomotive]

Really are a special car, will happily recommend them to anyone.

[@jp-go7hg]

Anyone with a lift 😂

[@chuffa1130]

Thank you gentleman for sharing, might be a small audience for content like this but extremely appreciated, thankfully there's still some engineers and technicians out there

[@faz6870]

Well worth the wait for this one, just goes to show that if the car is well maintained and not ragged the bearings can last. When I get an E92 im bringing it to you.

[@jkulcsar100]

I have a 2013 m3 6mt and I am eagerly watching these videos. Mine has only 28,000 miles and I am the original owner. But I am fascinated by this car and can’t wait to see what you guys do with it!

[@blibbertibs]

Did you need to replace your rod bearings?

[@WarriorsPhoto]

Watching an expert work is always a joy. These are well engineered cars. Thankfully people are recognizing that. 😊

[@hamsterbrigade]

A video about their engine bearings failing is an example of good engineering to you? Interesting bar for "well engineered."

[@WarriorsPhoto]

@@hamsterbrigade We appreciate your feedback. Know that you are loved and accepted. (: Tell us more now?

[@Carobears]

Good that you guys maintained objectivity and demonstrated how a high mileage car that is maintained can have rod bearings that don't look bad. Motor mounts on any car with that kind of mileage will see that kind of wear.

[@automonkey4285]

Professionals at work!

[@lordmas2099]

Its like art watching these guys at work

[@mthrizzle707]

I hope this dude gets paid well, he deserves it.

[@rezaq1]

I changed my 740 Schnitzer engine mounts a few months ago as I just like to change everything. My passenger side mount looked like yours, and exploded as it was removed! Changed the transmission mounts aswell. Used Febi Bilstein ones, fitted a treat.

[@UndeadCrook]

Great idea for this build series. Well done to the owners of this car, it just shows mileage is just a number with proper maintenance 150k is better than 60k in some cases :)

[@tuukkasaastamoinen5921]

I’m really keen on following this series, bought an e92 M3 couple months back aswell, already has the evolve stage 2!

[@94Thornes]

Nice! What does the evolve stage 2 mean? In terms of power and added parts? 😃

[@adrianmate4896]

Ok ok, I’m a little more relaxed now, my e93 has 60.000 miles on the clock and I always worry about this bearings, even tho I always warm up the engine and never rev it more than 3000 until fully warmed, Still in plan to change them soon but hard to find good trusty shops nearby. And great videos guys, I like this project and I’ll follow it closely, curious what you guys will do with it. Cheers

[@BavarianMachines]

Amazing vlog Imran, well done to the previous owner 👍 I was dreading this being the end of the project with the thumbnail, lol. Heard so much about the rod bearings on the E92. Finally able to see some content on it and see it in action, being done. Salute to Aston mans a ///Magician legend!

[@bbrf033]

I did mine at 90k miles with some fellow e90/2 m3 owners. I was a bit scared. The real work is the sub-frame. There was some copper showing on a few of the top bearings, but not much really. I am the original owner and now have 130k miles. I get an oil analysis at every change and the results have always been superb. It runs like new and I love it. I had to rebuild my diff and lsd recently (put in the 4:10 gearset) and all new bearings. That was much harder and less fun than doing the rod bearings.

[@chrismohlala1682]

Amazing first ever video I've watched from the channel and I must say that I won't stop watching vids from Evolve...however, the background tune sounds so much like 'The Game-soundtrack'.

[@darrenboston342]

Just had this done the other day, fitted by Hash. Keep up the fantastic work guys👌

[@HJCars]

aston does a great job explaining it all, awesome video

[@naterockwell7735]

Sounds like you guys have a proper car now.👍Well done! It’s definitely a sigh of relief to know all is well. Another S65 saved!🙌

[@EuroAutoEnthusiast]

I’m at 156K on original bearings in my 2012 E92 M3. Now that I’m on stage 2 setup and tune, I’m eagerly watching this one 👀💪🏽💯

[@michaelgriffiths7937]

This man living life on the edge

[@smm6526]

Risk taker...

[@PixelVogue]

Playing with fire! lol

[@BrandonEccles]

When you were born you drove your parents back from the hospital

[@dangerzone_davis]

I’m at 95k on my e93 M3 and I plan on changing the bearings myself but every time I drive her I let her warm up for about 15 mins just changed the oil too and she runs great!

[@Dashadvent]

Wow, I had no idea rod bearings could be replaced w/o pulling the motor. Great video

[@simontompkins3300]

I think Aston could change the bearings in his sleep now, as usual a great insight into the workings of these cars, love your vids.

[@SuperMarny]

So professional and well filmed video.. looking forward to more 👍🏻

[@AutoBeta2T]

Great project and vid. I love seeing these type of series and Aston is great at explaining what he is doing and making it simple to understand. Nearly at 100k subs too. I'm sure that goal will met very shortly. Keep up the great work.

[@antoniop1968]

Love how the oil coming from the rear plug was nice and amber while the oil from the front plug was black. Seeing how the rear bolt was not stock while the front was, there’s a possible chance that previous servicer, probably former owner, wasn’t aware of the front plug. My 2011 leaks right in front where oil pump is, another item I need to look at when I do my bearings.

[@Hcarmad]

Proof that maintenance is a must. Another great video

[@stumonkey17]

Got my guess right. Pleased to see it looking well looked after. Good base to see what comes next now.

[@aceace5457]

terrific video i will keep. there is so much to remember but you have been excellent. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK. THE BOTH OF YOU. regards.

[@TheRealDr.Mabuse]

I changed mine preemptively at around 75.000 miles and they were, in comparison, in a much, much better shape. The copper wasn't even exposed. I never rev the car cold and this proves, in my mind, that most engines failures is most likely a direct result of abuse from clueless owners. As with any sport cars, if you don't treat them as such they will inevitable fail.

[@EvolveAutomotive]

If it had the pre 2010 bearings that were copper then you did well. We rarely see an early car without at least a little copper showing.

[@TheRealDr.Mabuse]

@@EvolveAutomotive I guess most owner don't save their car for the next owner. I have no intention of selling my M3 (manufactured october 2007) so I take care of it 😁

[@Anthony-qh1xv]

Right, a very mabusive owner... No, but for real, I think it comes down to a few things. Oil quality, how often changed. The thickness of the oil, and the cold starts of the engine. When the engine is cold, the oil pressure is high! and this means that it is very hard on everything until it is warmed it. I always baby my N55 engine when it is cold. Always do the oil very often. Let them warm up for a long time. The rod bearings sit on a very thin layer of oil, and they are not designed to touch the crank. If the oil level is too high, or too low, they will. There are very small holes in the journals, and if the oil is too Thich, it will not do its job.

[@dangerzone_davis]

Videos like this is why I subscribed I love E9X M3 content cheers 🤙🏼🙌🏼

[@moonsapling]

This video gives me the courage to buy an m3, change the road bearings and live a happy car enthusiast life afterwards :)

[@scoundrelh7582]

Good job I'm local, so when I finally get one myself I know where to bring it. PureGT has been useful.

[@jit1994]

i want an e92 m3 so bad, i think im going to pull the trigger next year, fingers crossed 🤞 then I'm coming straight to Evolve!

[@stoss-11]

this is so cool to watch post more on this car!!!

[@shannonkayatani3001]

Great vid guys. Renews my interest in "swapping out" My E36 M3 for a low mileage E90 M3. 🙏

[@indoondabeat7175]

Damn man i’m at 98k miles can’t wait to get these done one less worry in my mind. I honestly rather worry abt the trans taking a sh** then the rod bearings breaking lmao

[@EvolveAutomotive]

DCT failure is incredibly rare on these. Even at 152k we aren't worried about the DCT gearbox in this car.

[@indoondabeat7175]

@@EvolveAutomotive Well good to know that was a worry of mine is there anything else I should worry about besides rod bearings and the dct? Like expensive stuff yk

[@EvolveAutomotive]

Throttle Actuators are the other main thing, we have a video on that here - kzbin.info/www/bejne/aWm7mneDftR7a6s

[@indoondabeat7175]

@@EvolveAutomotive Thanks man

[@kwozzie]

I can't get over how much rust there is under this car...it made me go out and check under my own 2010 E90 M3 Comp

[@joncoh101]

Amazing series gents. Love it!!! I remember you mentioning on one of TR Hamza's videos that you were gonna do a high mileage project. I love being able to learn some mechanics like this!!

[@chifanlucian6575]

Good strategy keep it up. We like to see this type of content and quality editing 👏

[@abidmalik3773]

Keep it coming lads, Quality & Aston is soo knowledgeable

[@jeremybearce8233]

Hey guys I really enjoy watching all the things that you do with all the cars. As I have a E90 M3 and have done the rod bearing as you guys have and wanting to purchase some of the products offered and programs but, I am having concerns of the main bearing and what I am learning about the S65 vs the S85 - what are some of your guys thoughts?

[@mnoovurvi]

2:49 "Ok, that looks good. Let's put it back in."

[@hevendranarayansamy2793]

Well done guys. Great video. And well done to your master tekker.

[@pennywiseslots1637]

Great video & very informative you guys know your stuff 👌 Haven't heard the workshop sounds integrated with the audio before either! Was pretty cool 😎

[@dirtyleeds1458]

Whoever gets mates rates from Ashton is lucky 🧺 great video as usual hope to see the next one soon

[@evo5349]

Enjoyed a great and interesting lower end look.

[@SCD-BOY]

Nice vid,no bollocks,just to the point!

[@A6RXN]

YES!!!! More like this please 🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@tommybaker6287]

The rod bearings on my e92 give up at 72k and only had the car a few weeks lucky for me I bought it from a dealer so got my money back but after saving up for a while it was disheartening after wanting one for so long

[@esthedik92]

Did you buy extended warranty or was it covered by their standard warranty??

[@user-vj6bx3ks7s]

@@esthedik92most likely extended considering these cars r over a decade old

[@mushymi5680]

Enjoyed that video, great work gents.

[@realtruths2291]

Great work, loving the content. Keep up the good work 👏👍

[@timsummers1297]

Great video guys. I started a similar project about 2yrs ago. Bought an 09 on 123k on original bearings. Changed them straight away and looked reasonable, small amount of copper showing but nothing worrying. Interested to see where you go with this. Hopefully will show that a leggy e9x is nothing to be worried about.

[@thomassteffora2210]

This is an excellent video. Thank you

[@valontotaj6553]

Nice video and very nice music🙂

[@demonshin]

Awesome vid! I own 2008 M3, bought back in 2011 with 43k miles and 10 years later ….149k miles :)

[@wookiewookster1214]

Quality workmanship 💪🏻

[@JohnMartin22222]

Good channel this, always learning. Wish you success in the future.

[@pearsebarrett2660]

Great content guys. Very intuitive and keep it coming. Project N54 would be great 👍

[@BalanBro2]

Do you check bearing clearances when replacing stock bearings? I'm sure you guys have done enough of these to know if it's necessary.

[@rabmc]

I have a manual 2004 e46 m3 and has 128k on the clock, owned the car many years now since 100k and this is always on my mind to do.

[@johncoughlan5613]

Superb video guys just brilliantly informative.

[@naimjacobs2372]

Cant wait to see more progress🤙

[@dannyboy0236]

Like the content on this, really useful if in the market for a m3. Looking forward to the build. 👍

[@Czechbound]

Amateur Question : If the bearings are out of round, is the crankshaft not out of round also ? So will the new bearings not just start to wear excessively ?

[@llmasterllp]

That’s the job of the bearing is to absorb the wear and impact of a moving metal on metal surface.

[@warwickstingray]

Cranks are so bloody hard now I’d be surprised if the crank was worn considering the wear on the bearings. You normal get crank wear if the crank has worn completely through the bearing surface.

[@sugarnads]

Think about the movement going on. Rod and journal comes down and deccelerates. Comes up and deccelerates. It is basically describing a very slightly oval arc. Ergo slightly oval bearings.

[@adamknight9535]

well done for saving it

[@AT-tg1ny]

I'm glad you guys are keeping up the e9x m3 platform contents. What bearing/bolts did you guys replace with?

[@EvolveAutomotive]

We use all OEM parts

[@mattnycm3]

Enjoyable video! Keep them coming.

[@tomasz899]

What about main bearing? Is there a risk of spinning one? Is there the same problem with small tollerance and spinning of of them?

[@SM_TheTraveller]

Professional and informative

[@woooster17]

Really interesting that.. I am currently looking at E63 M6s with S85 V10 and know that rod bearings are the main lookout for these cars.. 👍🏼

[@richiebtime489]

Do you lubricate the new bearings before first startup or does the sump oil do this anyway? Thanks and great vid.

[@EvolveAutomotive]

Yes each bearing is soaked in oil before being put in, as a protection before oil pressure builds after first start up.

[@richardtrow2751]

Great work 👌 fair play with that milage on it its pretty good 👍

[@riancoopieri855]

Just digging into this series and think I'm really gonna like it. As a sidenote it's absolutely ridiculous that a ccompany the size of the Milwaukee haven't stress tested their M12 platform with the likes of their impacts for drop testing and 1000's of insert/removals of the battery and wearing of the tabs. I've seen the cable tieing of the battery quite often... Thumbs up I prefer these projects as they feel a bit more realistic to the average viewer in the UK as opposed to brand new 50k + cars upgrading their performance.

[@sugarnads]

The song in the background at 3:20. Cant remember the name, ive been hearing that EVERYWHERE i go lately.

[@EvolveAutomotive]

Sounds like ‘I love you baby’ by Frank Sinatra, or a variant of it.

[@chaybinks7884]

Great vid guys, really enjoyed & I haven’t even got an M3, I have got a BM tho.

[@HelixVega57]

I love this stuf of vidoes what a lovely work , lucky guys :)

[@PerformanceLifestyles]

Great video, can't wait for the next update 👍

[@ctreanor93]

What's the little slim torch he's using to show the oil leaks? Looks very bright for the size. And a nice handy profile

[@EvolveAutomotive]

It’s actually a piece of video equipment

[@Assimilator1]

Interesting video, and the shells were relatively good for 152k! (although some were still shot of course). I don't understand why you put new OEM bearings in it though, you'll still might well end up with too tight clearances.🤨

[@EvolveAutomotive]

Because as this video shows, the OEM parts are perfectly up to the job as long as the car is correctly looked after. We recently had a 1 owner from new 223k mile E92 M3 in and they were on original rod bearings having always correctly warmed the car up before proper use.

[@Assimilator1]

@@EvolveAutomotive A? No it doesn't, no 8 upper shell is showing a load of copper, this should not happen until far higher mileage. Even for a high revving motor, the whole problem with the bearings on these is the high chance of insufficient clearance. The new OEM bearings don't fix this. That said, the tin/alu bearings do seem to fair better, and seeing as it's done 152k on the originals, the clearances probably aren't too bad on it.

[@MrRonalds77]

had e92 335d 2007,too many issues but love it. dream is to own e92 m3 one day just insurance n maintenance cost high

[@bouncycastles1214]

What issues did you have, thinking if getting one myself?

[@MrRonalds77]

@@bouncycastles1214 1st mine was 14owners n 185k mileage.still not so bad no rust whatsoever.after 1month owning went limp mode,needed dpf delete 450£ + turbo recondition 1200£. later on crankshaft pulley was loose change that all belts,after alternator die change that,battery.last was abs pump changed thats from bigger repairs.a[part from that great car would buy again and maybe will,still looks cool not outdated much lol

[@stevecristea3082]

pretty amazing for a 150k mile car. so in theory will the rod bearings continue to be an issue or do the new replacements solve the problem?

[@EvolveAutomotive]

I think this car shows that if correctly warmed up and looked after that they will last a very long time. Generally we would expect anyone who is changing them and then keeping the car and looking after it to not have to worry about the issue. This engine has no ‘major service’ so this is what we consider it to be in reality.

[@iamflaco5839]

I honestly believe the higher mileage ones are the better one to buy since they fail around 50-80k miles meaning if you get one with 120k plus the job should be done already

[@focst1]

He really knows hes stuff.

[@SimplyAmazingPhoto]

When S65 asks to do a “Fancy Pour” on their drink. No funnel baby

[@Anders_HeymSR30]

This is a 2010 version? Monte Carlo edition with the newer Idrive controller? When did the revised (non copper) parts come out?

[@EvolveAutomotive]

Built in Nov 2019, CIC iDrive. Updated bearings were March 2010 we believe with the LCI update.

[@hajirpirouzfar9481]

So is that first thing to change on a high mileage performance car as you have mentioned rod bearings numerous times. Just wondering if there are other components to take into consideration prior to changing the bearings so basically must change, should change and nice to do or change.

[@EvolveAutomotive]

We’re doing these videos in order of priority to us, so yes this is the first thing we would do.

[@hajirpirouzfar9481]

@@EvolveAutomotive OK thanks. I'm watching the video again and learning so it's great to know the bearings are in order of priority given the cars age, mileage etc

[@VR46YAMAHA]

Loving watching these Eps, plan to keep my 50k 2012 92 for as long as I can, so preventative mods and potential failure parts that you guys might make to future proof them I'm very keen to see what this development car is it is will bring us 9X owners! Keep it coming!

[@loko8863]

Whatever happened to doing the job properly & using plastigauge to measure the clearance?

[@Antony_AMGenthusiast]

This car looks like it’s been looked after or had easy miles

[@g19anson]

Without measuring the crank how do you know if it’s ok to stick a new set of bearings in?

[@samyb2834]

Incredible content!

[@Omegaman1969]

Nice job!! I met Imran many years ago when Dyno dynamics used his Dyno as a demo for us, great guy. I don't suppose you guys have a spare S65 sump laying around do you? I have installed an S65, 6 speed box and LSD from a scrap M3 into my Mercedes 190e but the sump has a crack in it. I had it welded but the heat warped the sump and now it won't seal properly. Keep up the good work!!

[@EvolveAutomotive]

Give us a call on 01582 584000 Simon.

[@Omegaman1969]

@@EvolveAutomotive Thanks, will do .

[@962RACER]

I bet more than a few E9X M3s experienced spun bearings and wrote the engine off from the BMW free maintenance program they came with that also included oil changes at 25'000km intervals! Yes they nearly take 9L of oil but such an extended interval was purely to save money on BMW's part. Most Blackstone oil analysis shows the oil being good for about 10'000km which is plenty for a sports car, which means if anyone followed the recommended and included services and intervals, they would be running their high strung engine on oil that is up to two and a half times past its laboratory verified usual lifespan.

[@EvolveAutomotive]

We recommend 10k miles for oil changes and spark plugs. BMWs service intervals are way too far apart.

[@Haider_Malik]

Enjoyed this 👌🏽 This M3 couldn’t have gone to a better team! She’s going to be pampered 🌟