So Why Do BMW Rod Bearings Fail On These Engines S62 S63 N63 N55 S65 S85

[@RickCT2000]

You really call 'em like you see 'em Nathan. That's what we love about you and your channel. Can't wait to see how this engine renovation pans out. I'm sure there will be ups and downs, but you'll deliver!

[@NathansBMWWorkshop]

I always get them fixed just the waiting game for parts is what sucks

[@Mabeylater293]

What’s the point of repair if it’s only going to fail again because of the same problem if bmw never updated the design?

[@omell84]

I think the problem with the rod bearings is because the oil was changed according to the instructions, i.e. every 30 thousand kilometers.

[@pitikuss]

yeah, they have the interval so high for getting into better EURO category,, do it every 10t and you are much better off..

[@jake6084]

Great video Nathan, my two year old son and I are looking forward to your next video from here in Australia 👍🦘🦘

[@s.mas.w]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 star info. Please don’t stop passing on your project vehicles to your subscribers. The vast majority of us out here recognize your hard work and honesty and want to support you in buying the finished product!

[@Iwillnotbepushed]

Art Brookey below is right. Warm that BMW engine up completely. Use only BMW recommended oil. Drive the car easy until it warms up. That really applies to all cars as oil doesn’t lubricate the best until it’s up to temp.

[@NathansBMWWorkshop]

That might prolong it a little but you still have to replace them

[@ironmantooltime]

Bmw recommended oil is bullsh1t. All spec oil is the same. Change interval and temps are more relevant plus how you drive it.

[@artbrookey3468]

@@ironmantooltime I think by BMW recommended oil, he meant 10w60. As for me, I only use Red Line 10w60. BMW says what, 15K miles on a change I think, I never go over 3,500 miles, There is an S85 "magician" so to speak out there, Troy Jeup or something like that, builds and races S85's and others. He uses 10w50 I believe, BUT...his bearing tolerances are different than stock

[@artbrookey3468]

@@NathansBMWWorkshop I do enjoy your stuff, but have to disagree, and so do BMW independent shops outside Seattle where I am...like Strictly BMW in Bellevue Wa, Autometrics in Yakima Wa, Eastside Bavarian is Issaquah Wa...if maintained correctly, warm up, proper oil and change intervals....

[@paperandmedals8316]

I use BMW spec oil but always use Mobil 1. Change frequency is what matters. I do 5k or one year. I definitely warm my car up or at least drive it very softly until it does warm up. I live in a 365 day warm, dry climate. The lack of humidity and cold really does prolong the life of these cars. NEVER had a CCV issue, for example.

[@PLZU81Truth]

After watching your videos I can sympathized everything you say. My 2013 BMW X6 50.i was a nightmare. N63 was nothing but an endless money pit then you have to worry when driving something else is about to fail. I went back to my pragmatic thinking. My wife and I bought a new Honda and Toyota with 10yr/120,000 miles warranty. Life is really great when I don't have to think about mechanics, car repairs, reliability and going to repair shops to get estimate. BMW and Mercedes are great cars. The problem is when you leave manufacture warranty they will start kicking you in the nuts and bank account.

[@turbostatic1]

Thanks for your work Nate 👍

[@artbrookey3468]

All I can speak to is the S85 V10. No one can convince me it's the bearings, it is idiot owners, wrong oil, no idea how to properly warm the V10 correctly. People mistreat the hell out of it, sell it to some unsuspecting soul, then they think they bought junk...I have had three E60 M5's, still have one today

[@ironmantooltime]

Agree running what is a race engine for long intervals oil changes is gonna do the weakest point, in this case rod bearings.

[@paperandmedals8316]

MANY BMW issues come from poor ownership. I have a 2000 E39 528i 5spd ZF. Bought it brand new out of college. In 22yrs I had the radiator and water pump fail. That’s it. I rarely drive the car over 3,000 rpm. Don’t think I ever hit 5,000rpm. Change the oil with synthetic every 5k. Garage kept in sunny AZ. Zero rust, oil leaks or CCV issues - ever.

[@ironmantooltime]

@@paperandmedals8316 jeez bro how do you never red line it? I have an e39 530iA and errr... I do. I don't think that counts as misuse either, but yours should last for ever yea.

[@paperandmedals8316]

@@ironmantooltime I have a Hayabusa if I have the need. Not my E39. It’s a luxury car., not a sports car. I see people all the time in the bmw Facebook groups bitching how shorty their car is, and in another posting they’re talking about drifting it. Treat it like shit and it will turn into shit.

[@ironmantooltime]

@@paperandmedals8316 haha well yea a hayabusa will cover it. How many miles has the e39 done, she must be a beaut/minter 👍

[@miceinoz1181]

As a BMW owner here in Australia, I have always stated that only the very rich or someone who can maintain the car themselves can afford a BMW. Parts costs here in Australia are extortionate! I get my stuff out of the states (FCP Euro/Rock Auto etc). I do follow Jonny at German Auto Works in Witchita. He has a good channel and is a real do the job yourself kind of guy. No BS. I am going to look for the next in this series now.

[@greebj]

the old ones E34 and E39 in my garage have been good to me. FCP Turner Schmeidmann are all good and Clickable is the best for the affordable stuff for the things that go bad. Even Ebay is great for bulk cheap stuff that always needs replacing like trim clips and push clips to have on hand whenever something like a window reg dies But looking at these engines holee sheet theres 10x as many hoses as my M60 and M52TU put together. Worthless when they break, throw em away just like your phone or toaster

[@samzepeda9421]

Paid for the warranty on my M5 till 97k miles. Need that peace of mind!

[@TroyDoxey]

Hey Nathan!! Great videos. I have a 2012 X5 that I am replacing the motor. Bought a running donor engine with 71k. I will be using your info to do the necessary upgrades. You should post a list of all of your upgrades you "suggest" for an N63 with say 120K (.....that would be for my car). Great info!!

[@thomaslefler5242]

Thanks for the info, was considering getting a 2011 750Li with engine knock. By the time I would have bought the car and then new engine, would have more invested than it is worth!

[@EthanCommins888]

You should check out the Smoking tire podcast where Steve Dinsn shows up. He explains that the bearings are too narrow. He basically has to modify the crank and rods to accept NASCAR bearings which solve the issue completely.

[@fastboatster]

Haven’t heard of rod bearing issues in the S55 engine, but did hear about the rod bearing issues in the e chassis and early f chassis N55s. Note that in 2013, N55 got forged connecting rods from the s55 instead of the old cast rods. My theory is that this issues are 1. As somebody said, they are narrow. 2. The rods are a little bit too weak (in relative terms of course) for the torque and/or rpms they are subjected to. Rod bearing wear does depend on the connecting rod stiffness

[@cammgt3rs370]

I heard this too but I heard it's only the M235 an so on that has that forged con rod upgrade.

[@morganlingsweiler9813]

@@cammgt3rs370 are you able to confirm it was only on M235? I think the updated N55 found in the M235 is also in the x4 m40i for 2016-2018. I'm hoping the updated connected rods were in the other n55 engines after 2013, as I'm looking at the 2017-2019 X6.

[@manofsesame3024]

@@morganlingsweiler9813 just get a X4/5/6 with B58 engine

[@FreePalestine1948]

My N55 spun rod bearings at 88k miles. Put a used motor in it, and 3 months later the bed plate was pissing oil. Sold the car because I was just mentally drained at that point

[@WayToManyAssassins]

That's why you stick to older bmws

[@emirdag7995]

what year was ur car? did you have the upgraded version of n55?

[@erwinsm10]

Yes older Bmw non turbo is acceptable but anyone not aware of poor reliability rating of current BMWs will just waste time and money , Toyota, Honda knows what reliability is.

[@hoost3056]

My question is this, given the tolerances in modern engines why is 10W60 oil needed? I would think a lighter oil would protect better.

[@guryoliver]

I change the oil in my F13 M6 every 2000 miles since new. Now at 56000 and still perfect.

[@michaelatkinson3871]

The E46 M3 with the S54 has the same issue. I held out to 167K then did it myself. I also took care of the engine and when I changed the brings, a few were showing the copper so it was definitely getting ready to fail.

[@andrewthompsonuk1]

I think of a modern BMW like an aircraft. After so long everything needs to be done. In the ideal world the value of the car should reflect these overhauls. BMW should make a service kit. However market forces are not doing the best for the customers or the environment in these cases. I must say however I run a V12 760 and perhaps as an experiment I keep on paying a warranty on it with BMW. Over the years I have had a number of engine out repairs, my dealership has never really messed things up at all on my car. They do make comments like waiting for the people with the correct skills to be in the shop. I also think it helps that the service manager is an ex technician who learnt much from working on my car.. They have replaced many hoses and items not specifically covered by the warranty as parts required by the major jobs. So I do think that the specific dealership makes a huge difference.

[@johnwoolfrey5093]

Fuck dude, e46 e39 and e38 really was peak bmw. I’m never going newer

[@aidenp5768]

When you see that view at 7:12, I have to agree. So many things can go wrong.

[@okeet002]

💯%… even though I got an E66 N73 for my Stockholm syndrome 🤣🤣🤣👍🍻

[@MrKeepMomSafe]

THANK YOU 👏👏👏

[@vrooom666]

I almost do v19 s85 swap on my bmw 1 series but after hearing all about rod issues etc. i think im happy with my 150hp n46 engine.

[@Troymatti]

I would highly suggest this , at around 100k you're most likely to have an oil pan gasket leak so just go ahead and replace the rod bearings as well

[@gregoryh4601]

Sir. You are a Blessing from Heaven. I looking for my First BMW X6 and trying to learn as much as I Can. It would be awesome to have Two of you so one can work on this Vehicle and one that could answer my Questions! Would it be Wise to go to Aeroquip to tell them to Design a Series of Replacements Hoses for vehicles? How much to you Charge to learn more about BMW Engines? Does the Staight 6 engines have these Problems?

[@stevenchin1143]

I don’t know , if all that applies to the N 54 engines. I have a 2010 535 I with the N 54 engine in it. It’s got 217,000 miles original rod bearing use Castro 0W 40 or sometime mobile 0W 40 oil ,change the oil every 5000 miles it’s still running With MHD stage 2+tune for the last three years, guess I am one of the lucky ones 😅

[@IBraQx.101]

Same here too I got 535 I Xdrive stage 2+ and I got 163k no issues at all .

[@doca8792]

Damn shame. Good of him to make this informative video. I love all these motors. But shit like this scared me away. Not like I did any better with the car I chose, 2003 Audi RS6. Internals are bulletproof, it’s everything else that’s a pain, gotta pull the motor for nearly any job. For example, to replace all the O2 Sensors, motor out job; parts $400, labor $3500.

[@paulvarrieur976]

I agree with you about dealer work. It is a horrible experience. They do the job as fast as possible, some mechanics are not into their jobs at all.

[@lochlanmckenzie8992]

So a week ago my e71 x6m decided to throw a rod bearings at 172,000kms I picked the car up at 130,000kms and I'm thinking after searching the web for hours about this crap haha That its not the fact the clearances are so tight because the ford GT350 mustang and LS7 cars have the same Rod clearances I think that it basically comes down to the oil service intervals being ridiculously long EG. 10,000miles the amount of contaminants in the oil at that point or even 8,000miles after beating on the car wouldn't be good & at the pointy end of the oil interval service interval those acid like contaminants eat away at the bearing material. Because the factory rod material is manly aluminium which is a weak metal under heat and load. Just my thoughts, would love to here what you think about this opinion. 👍

[@keithmellon7592]

what brand of crank shaft is goood if needed replacement and did not want oem

[@DelLondt]

Agree with him on service time about 80 and 90 thousand miles. And yes if nothing is being done in the decent car, then list is long to do all the gaskets, seals, plastic and robber hoses. To be honest, lot of people selling their car's here in America, to avoid spending big bucks.

[@ronaldrose8595]

Is there any reason for leaving the n54 engine off the list. Bought mine 335i at 93k close to 170k now. Change oil religiously only use European oil Liquimoly or Total. Upgraded aluminum radiator brought engine temperatures down.

[@fstlnj29]

I am in this zone right now. Picking up a 2012 135i to track with. Doing the research I have found the following: No specific clearances for oem bearings can be found. The consensus is that the tolerances are tight. The oil change specs are stupid. There job is to get mileage and to sell cars, they don't care about the customer when it comes to longevity and the government certainly is no help either. Items I have waiting for the car next week: Dual oil cooler set up for track Oil pan gasket Bolt kit Oil pan baffle braided brake lines LSD ACL race bearings CSF radiator new hoses main seal protector shield oem rod bolts ( think the arp may crush the bore) oil pan suction pipe $1375 for part so far and it will climb as I get rid of all fluids when I pick up a new used car

[@_jstatic]

N63 had a class action suit

[@SilverScarletSpider]

Have you replaced Honda rod bearings too? I don’t understand why Mercedes will make more power and not have these BMW engine issues?

[@shanejones578]

Mercedes, making more power…? 😂😅 did I miss something

[@timlad123456]

Great content love your channel

[@jf8085]

The professor of s63

[@neilsimmons9582]

Similar thing happened to me, wished I would have seen this video sooner. In addition if BMW knows this is an issue it should be a part of their maintenance plan, not saying they have to pay for it but at least a warning.

[@irwinscostillareyes6374]

Thank you for your channel! I have a question, Is the problem with the rod bearings in the S63 is the same with the S63tu too? I say that because I want to acquire a BMW M5 F90 but used, so if the newest engine for the M5 are better, which year at least you recommend to me to buy?

[@jamestabor587]

I agree with just about all of this. However, I still have never fully agreed with the n63 engine having rod bearing issues. I personally have never heard of them being bad at all like the s63 and of course s85. Until literally a few weeks ago you could buy a brand new long block of the first year n63, 2008-2013 n63b44a or n63b44o0 for $3024. Now they raised the retail to $5000 and many places you can still get them for $3700-$4000. I myself have actually seen this happen where the engine is ordered and comes in from Germany only for these replacement engines. My neighbor has a 2008 n63 x6 50i with 190,000 on the original block and no issues at all internally it’s his daily driver. He has a 2012 x6m and at 60,000 miles that s63 spun a bearing. So you definitely know what you are talking about it’s just odd to see that happen

[@eurowerx4267]

It’s not as common on the N63 but it’s out there. Anytime I seen vanos and timing faults, first thing i checked was the oil filter for bearing material. Bingo! Seeing a lot of N20/N26 engines at 50k-90k miles. Junk!!!

[@jamestabor587]

I do agree with that. The N20 engine has got to be the worst out there. Twice as bad as any N63,S63 or S85. BMW didn’t do so hot with the N20. I think they realized that and made the b48 and b58 very well because of it

[@Mabeylater293]

A Lexus at 300,000 miles is way more reliable than a bmw at 60,000 miles.

[@nightninja238]

On a 12 750il is it possible to drop the pan to change rod and main without pulling the engine?

[@Bruthahood1776]

Nathan what do you charge for rod bearing replacement before it grenades? I'd be willing to drive it to your shop

[@chrise202]

what causes nobody knows. nice, great video bruh.

[@tech42long35]

Great video.. Im really interested in how the internals look, and the over-all job goes. I almost pulled the trigger on this BMW and now im glad i kinda-didnt.. haha.. I enjoy the one i did pick up.. great fun to tinker with and drive and enjoy..

[@stayedsolidtv]

I’ve seen a few reputable shops do it with the motor still in car but that’s on the m3 the m5 has a cross member that’s basically touching the engine lol

[@raymondpicazo435]

I have a 2014 M5 competition with 63,000 miles when should I change the bearings to avoid this issue?

[@shanejones578]

Now lol

[@shanejones578]

When you can afford it, and before they blow. Do anything you can get to, tighten your oil pump chain tensioner while you’re down there

[@damon123jones]

how about better aftermarket bearings LIKE ACL and fancy ARP bolts?

[@frederickhalljr8947]

Hi bro I'm glad that you are doing this motor I have the same exact motor and my x 5M And possibly want to be able to do some of my work myself Thank you

[@beaches2mountains230]

My god...this is exactly why I tell anyone I care about NOT to buy these cars...its a shame to spend so much money from the dealership and lucky to make it past 5 years without major repair costs..Makes me miss my E36

[@drudown2039]

Why did the n54 seem to not have these issues ?

[@cammgt3rs370]

So the N54 as I was told has more reliable rod bearings I guess. But unreliable in other areas.

[@chrisbradley3224]

Have you torn down any S55s? They seem to do better somehow than N55. Maybe the oil pan design with baffles and suction pump is making a difference?

[@glendekoker3682]

My inside oil line is leaking after 250,km can I replace without touching the pump?

[@ajl0426]

I searched but could not find out why did BMW change the size of the rod bolts in the S54 from 11mm to 10mm?

[@pmfilmsUK]

Very well said. Brilliant

[@rokasm5097]

Amazing guy, thanks for info!

[@TheBimmerShop]

Just had a X6M come in this week. Same problem

[@johnmaclean5429]

Awesome info again Nathan!! I have the 2010x5 with the n62tu which has its own issues 😅

[@billrichardson5386]

Replace all the gaskets around the engine, valve cover, timing cover, vvt solenoid oring, and all the other orings, change your oil and use seal conditioner, and that engine will last a long long time.

[@paulsandgren8625]

I just got quoted $4500 for a brand new N63 from BMW of Bay Shore in NY.

[@the_first_resort940]

A whole engine? That’s a wonderful price

[@saadmotorsport2618]

Hello, is the BMW M62 V8 affected by this?

[@stuartwest3822]

What years? Makes a difference to clump them although!

[@flfun1684]

Engine failure in any engine if not engine tolerances.. Heat kills an engine plus not changing the oil 5K or sooner.. Not 10K. I seen another KZbinr use 1.4 bar coolant cap instead of factory 2.0 bar cap.. Theres oil coolant t stat that pops early to cool.. Over all these mods can protect your engine plus using water wetter

[@211rocketman211]

The rod bearings fail because the oil clearance is too tight. Mine were 0.0004" clearance. This is simply not enough bearing clearance.

[@jonathanschimelfenig5672]

Hey is there anything i can do to the e53 4.4 2006. Whats the worst thing on them that always needs changed

[@NoNicheGuy]

Sorry for my ignorance, does this go for the straight 6 engines on the E90? I have 328i in 2011. Thanks!

[@NathansBMWWorkshop]

No it does not, those have cam ledge seal issues though

[@BassFraud]

@@NathansBMWWorkshop any issues to look out for on the N54 ? I’m at 130k miles

[@peterjg001]

Hey Nathan, i have an n55 with 100k miles, car runs great but I’ve been considering replacing the rod bearings just to be safe. Which bearings and bolts would you recommend? I’ve heard good things about king bearings, any insight?

[@oldsql725]

I Would recommend the M3 bearings, dont cost that much more than OEM

[@ristretto97]

@@oldsql725 S55 bearings are the exact same part number. He should use King or ACL probably.

[@oldsql725]

@@ristretto97 oh really? I did not know that, a motor specialist said that to me, I didn’t look up the number though. Thanks for the info.

[@Cee_M3]

I have an N63TU (F06 650i), S65 (E92 M3), and S63 (E70 X5M). It was the X5M's S63 that decided life was not worth living. I'm curious; the $8k you say for an S63 is used, right? Warranty took care of mine at the dealer at $36k with "discounts." $18k just for the engine, then add turbos, coolers, etc. on top of that. Would I have fixed it out of my own pocket? Never. It would have been another part out, but with warranty covering it, I have a fresh new S63 with a warranty for the next 2 years. That's the part that feels good. I think it comes down to the previous owner's treatment of the car. My very reliable M3 had a very good life with the first owner. The X5M's first owner followed the "maintenance intervals."

[@MrUkielover]

My s63 engine (X5M) spun its bearings at 49,000 miles 2 years ago. Dealer also told me $36,000 for a new engine install. I had it rebuilt for much less than that.She is back and running again with no issues.The rebuilder said it was the tight tolerances bmw used that caused the spun bearing. It’s a shame this is a systemic issue with these engines

[@Cee_M3]

@SunnyD Wow, at only 49k?!! I would have rebuilt mine also and made it better by doing so. I just would never have paid that BMW cost. That's a number where Im already thinking what 36k buys besides an engine. Another car, or another engine? There are better options and at much lower prices. I didn't rebuild it because the warranty covered it. It does feel good knowing it's new and with warranty. The problem is that it's still the same engine with the same issues and the same fate. I love this thing though. *edited to add.... I love everything about this thing EXCEPT the sound. Maybe it's the M3 that spoiled it for me. Maybe it's even the N63 in the 650. Either way, the S63 sound doesn't do it for me. At idle yes. Full throttle, no.

[@MrUkielover]

@@Cee_M3 Yeah, only 49,000 miles & the engine quit on me. I drove it like a gentleman most of the time too & was meticulous with service. I was getting $6,000 to scrap the car. The BMW Dealer wanted $36,000 for a new factory engine swap (with ZERO goodwill from BMW of North America). The rebuild was $12,500 ,installed, with upgraded King bearings, a new crank shaft, new rods, & fixed tolerances. The rebuild came with a 1 year warranty and is rock solid so far. I couldn’t find another 555+ hp car, in this good of shape, for $13,000 so I decided to rebuild the engine. If you want to improve the sound from the S63 engine you can add downpipes (catless) & do a muffler delete. Add a ECU engine tune as well. The stock cold start is enough to wake my neighbors up. But I agree with you, the full throttle sound leaves you wanting a little more.

[@msamual4189]

Nathans "Instils Fear" BMW Workshop . What are your credentials exactly ? just curious....

[@Heathmcdonald]

I changed my transmission fluid at like 150 because I got nervous about it. I bought it at 115. Much to my surprise it was brand new looking fluid I knew then that I had bought a rare bmw that was actually maintained and for that reason, even tho it is a PITA I don't think I'll get rid of it and if I do I won't be rolling those dice again. I love it but I know that if it wasn't taken care of I'd be in the poor house from trying to keep it running and I just can't risk that.

[@billyingram5394]

Where do you buy rod bearings from and what brand is the best brand to put into a e39 M5 when you have to do them?

[@NathansBMWWorkshop]

Acl makes the for that , alot of guys do those at 150k since they are not as bad

[@dogsplantscarsneatstuff176]

Nathan if you take care of the rod bearings (V8-10) in time how long can the main bearing last? What is the longest lasting main bearings on a BMW engine that you have seen? 300K miles?

[@NathansBMWWorkshop]

No matter how the car is treated i would change them short of 100k miles, if not the alternative is very expensive, you will have no warning ...

[@dogsplantscarsneatstuff176]

@@NathansBMWWorkshop Let me say my question differently. If you change the rod bearings at 80K as you suggest. How long have you seen the main bearings last? Any main bearings in these BMW engines last 300K with proper rod bearing maintenance? Thanks. Just curious.

[@NathansBMWWorkshop]

@@dogsplantscarsneatstuff176 correct, we usually don’t see main bearing failures

[@GerardoHernandezF87M2]

N55B30T0 are the most reliable n55s, they are found in the f87 m2 and the f26 x4

[@mry82]

Does FCP not have hose kits?

[@paulsandgren8625]

Beware, at about 150k, your oil cooler lines will burst. Lost all my oil and one cam jumped time but i was able to save it. Doing timing chains and valve stem seals again at.185k.

[@blakaxe]

How about N54?

[@MrBellyman128]

Are WPC treated bearings good? That's what I have in my s65

[@billyingram5394]

Nathan do you have a website and contact info for black stone oil analysis?

[@j.delaney5525]

What rod bearings do you recommend for the S63 in the M5? The standard size or the 0.025 oversized performance bearings?

[@luisislas2162]

No they should be .0 original size because the journal hasn't been ground for . 025

[@bryonmanske]

Say Nathan, that 4.0L V8 in the E90 M3 is designated S65, not S63 as stated in the video. Just saying.... call me an a**hole for pointing it out. IMHO your content is top shelf.

[@bryonmanske]

... and as a unwary buyer I bought a 110k m3 and within short time found out what sound a spun rod bearing makes. The learning curve is steep and not cheap. Now 30k into replacement s65 I am all about the smiles the engine causes. Not cheap, but worth every cent.

[@NathansBMWWorkshop]

I didnt realize i mixed it up, had to shoot this video 3 times since phillip isnt here and i kept having quality issues , but yes i all to well know that is s65

[@glendekoker3682]

I'm on old bearings just don't run cold wait for oil temp s85, 2006

[@sanobike]

Just starting to tear down two S63s for full rebuilds. I know bearings are shot in one of them, heard the knock just before I shut it down, can feel it turning the crank. Best bearing brand to go back in? A lot people advocate for little more clearance and heavier oil, but you didn't mention that in the video. What are your thoughts on opening up the clearance a little?

[@NathansBMWWorkshop]

Get the acl bearing as we used in my m5 video awhile back, they are clearanced a little more already

[@sanobike]

@@NathansBMWWorkshop thanks, I'll look them up. Many thanks for all your videos.

[@sanobike]

Anybody running a heavier weight oil or best to keep the 5W30 in these engines?

[@jamestabor587]

0w-30

[@jamestabor587]

Definitely my opinion. If you’re rebuilding the engine then I’d say absolutely 0w-30. The 0w is needed for protection during start up and if the valve guides are good and new with a rebuild. Possibly 0w-40 but 5w-30 or 5w-40

[@javelinwolfsburg3595]

The S63 and S85 were flawed masterpieces. Are the N63TUs better engines?? Like, will the M50i engines really not need valves stem seals, seize, and eat oil unlike it’s previous iterations?? I very very skeptical after watching your earlier video on the N63.

[@aidenp5768]

Only time will tell if the N63TU has issues, I think we’re on our 4th or 5th update in 2022. 2015+ haven’t heard of any rods, but valve stem seals I think I’ve heard of that already.

[@hirr1]

I have 198000 km on my n55. Going to do it soon 😩

[@toast47624]

Great Channel!

[@blackrednek]

I know what the problem. Tolerances too tight. The S85 has a tolerance of 2 globules. There is no room for error between the parts if you use the wrong oil or let it go too long. Other engines have tolerances of 20 to 50. A little re engineering of the crank will eliminate this forever. That N63 S63 twin turbo is a mistake that should go in the garbage, a complete waste of time and money. The others are actually worth getting fixed.

[@darylmorse]

You forgot to mention the S54. Rod bearings are a wear item on all of these engines, like it or not. It's worse if you don't change the oil frequently and also if you don't let the engine warm up fully before "enjoying" the car. If you don't replace the rod bearings before they fail, it will kill the engine. It's easy to keep on top of this. All you have to is get the oil analyzed every oil change or maybe every second oil change. As soon as you see lead, or worse, copper, the bearings need to be replaced ASAP. Anyone who can't do this maintenance or pay someone to do it should not own one of these cars. Problems like this aren't unique to BMW. AMG V8 engines are notorious for bending connecting rods (which takes out the cylinder bores), especially on 4Matic cars. Audis have their own problems. BMW M, MB AMG and Audi S cars are expensive, high performance vehicles. They are not for everyone.

[@sam10mix]

I’ve put 60k miles on my n55 done oil changes a lot

[@andrewthompsonuk1]

Nobody really knows why they fail, however the forces on the bearings are far higher than the forces on old cars and the bearings are the same size and materials. I think the real question is why do Mercedes bearings last... My guess it is to do with oil pressure and efficiency. I suspect BMW have lowered oil pressure to the point where the bearings suffer. We may well find that the later cars with electric oil pumps are better because electric loads can be run off regenerative braking.

[@NeoJSsk]

This Guy Wife Woke up and Figure out that now The Kitchen is the Garage

[@davidgreen7867]

They go through bearings because of the high rpms! The redline is 8250rpm! 500hp

[@jamest5149]

I know this is BMW content but the information is the same for any marque. If people don’t keep up with maintenance, push oil change intervals out and don’t replace things as wear/issues appear then you end up at 100k and its massive bill to out right. Leasing has made this worse as theres no incentive to properly maintain and lease companies have forced manufacturers to push out service intervals past whats needed for mechanical preservation, they just need to out last the warranty and the lease period. Also I know the ‘drama’ of slating Euro cars and in particular BMW is good for KZbin but US domestic cars are no better

[@kylemurphy2980]

Hey Nathan I have an S 63 on my 2015 X5 M. Did the timing chain following your guidance on my m62 e39 2003 540i… I know worst car ever. Do you think it’s worth doing rod bearings on my X5 M ? I have heard mixed feedback that they are better in the later years but I have trust issues…

[@aidenp5768]

Don’t do it, just change the oil and warm it up correctly. S63TU2 are strong engines.

[@NathansBMWWorkshop]

I would Absolutely do it , anyone telling you different will cost you $10k

[@aidenp5768]

How many miles do you even have on the X5M?

[@goddesseddog]

watched the video but you don't say why?

[@jeffreywolf5235]

How about the m8s I haven't heard you mention those I imagine it's a similar motor to the rest of them. It's a damn shame they did away with the v12. And the only ones they make it's called the last V12 and only if you bought in from BMW of V12 in the past. And $200,000 on a 760il or something like that. And from the factory that motor sounds pretty good. But then again it's all new technology so it's probably not nearly as good as something from the 90s or earlier

[@eurowerx4267]

It’s not as common on the N63 but it’s out there. Anytime I seen vanos and timing faults, first thing i checked was the oil filter for bearing material. Bingo! Seeing a lot of N20/N26 engines at 50k-90k miles. Junk!!!

[@paperandmedals8316]

So what’s the best BMW engine if the past 20yrs? I6 or V8. Not looking for a debate. There’s only one answer. Best as in dependability and reliability, fewest repair needs over 150k miles?

[@mauriceclemens3286]

Basically it’s. BMW problem. Either they engineered them that way on purpose or engineers just screwed up. BMW should be fixing these while the cars are under warranty before the damage comes in. I will never buy a BMW again.

[@IWrenchmobile]

Knock knock.. who's there

[@DG-xj7pm]

I just picked up my dream 2013 f13 with 17k original miles. I was under the impression the s63 motor was a great motor. Now im realizing it can blow at really low miles which is absolute bullshit. I don't know of any manufacturer that catastrophically blows motors like BMW does. I have a 3yr 36000 mile warranty but it's after that which worries me....

[@Vgk36]

Sell it right now so you can get top dollar and pivot to what you want. Or live with the anxiety. What's a small possible loss vs a giant one.

[@DG-xj7pm]

@@Vgk36 was going to get the bearings done at 5k.....

[@ryanturnerboles]

Don’t worry about it because it’s so low mileage. Do your oil changes at 5k miles, do all the scheduled maintenance right when it’s due, and use good quality synthetic oil. 17k miles isn’t enough for someone to really abuse that engine.

[@mryouknooow]

@@Vgk36 He should at least keep through its warranty period...

[@MrAvant123]

Good vid but I have to ask why do Americans have so much trouble with BMWs when they are one of the most dependable cars sold in UK ? IF you ALWAYS use good synthetic oil at every say 12K miles you shouldnt have problems..

[@luisislas2162]

Might as well go forged internals

[@johnjubie7144]

The moral of this story is to be the guy who sells it when it's out of warranty.