ULTIMATE Guide To Maintaining An E9x M3 | Top Failures | Best Parts Sources | Parts Costs

[@MrErrthang777]

I actually met the Inventor of BE Bearings when I was working D2D sales just randomly knocked on his door. Dude was cool and even showed me his Lime Rock E92 M3 which made me fall in love with the car.

[@Anthony_B]

That’s awesome!

[@abc.garage]

What’s up man, I saw your post from the Facebook group. Nice video on maintenance, hope it reaches a lot of people so they can keep their E9X M3’s in good shape!

[@Anthony_B]

Thank you for checking it out, I really appreciate it! 🤝🏼

[@jamesstein5952]

Very informative. Shopping for one its a process...about as I figured $10K after you buy one.

[@Anthony_B]

Just depends on if you find one with really good maintenance history or not, could potentially end up saving 10k on the purchase and need to do a bunch of work, or spend 10k more for a well maintained one and hopefully not have to worry about it for longer, good luck with your search tho!

[@taigga4763]

Great content, thanks for making this video for the e9x community

[@Anthony_B]

Of course, happy to give back any way I can!

[@Shrm4n]

Thanks for the info! Valve and vanos covers are next on my list. Got just about everything else covered !!

[@Anthony_B]

Of course! Those are some of my next mods as well, good luck with the work!

[@helmsman6542]

Nice video, and after driving a E90M3 since over 10 years, I can confirm all correct.

[@Anthony_B]

Thanks for watching!

[@tedgreen4626]

When the throttle actuators fail, it is often the plastic gears. Metal gears are available, and can be considered a preventive maintenance item. A great deal of time and/or money can be saved by doing all of the preventive maintenance items on top of the engine at the same time.

[@Anthony_B]

You are correct, definitely a solid option if you don’t want to simply replace them! Thanks for pointing it out 👍🏼

[@kurtiscravingbavaria3291]

Great video! Adding for everyone’s benefit that it’s always worth it to check FCP Euro first for OEM/OEM replacement parts. Their replacement program is much better than Turner, ECS, etc. Looking forward to more vids 👍

[@Anthony_B]

Good note! Definitely awesome if you can take advantage of their program!

[@dannymunoz2156]

Thanks for the video. With the exception of the rod bearings I would suggest everyone try to DIY the rest. You just need the tools, a guide to follow from online or KZbin and time. It’s also satisfying knowing you did it yourself and saved a lot of money. Only thing I have left to do is DCT, fuel injectors, ICV and fuel breather.

[@Anthony_B]

Thanks for watching! And I agree, none of it is particularly difficult, and definitely worth keeping these cars on the road longer!

[@Assimilator1]

3:26 if the block is holed then the block, crank and at least 1 rod (likely 2) is scrap, no rebuilding that one, so aside from 1 or maybe both heads, the whole engine is scrap 🙁 Totally agree about oil analysis not being sure enough to pickup bad bearings (I found some examples and posted them to the m3post forum) and bearings to be changed preventatively 👍. Btw have you heard about the new theory for (some of) the rod bearing wear? (at least for the lead type ones). A couple of guys from Mahle examined some old worn rod bearings (from my car) and thought that chemical corrosion more closely matches the wear seen (at least for my bearings, and mine showed wear typical for these). A likely culprit is thought to be ethanol. Regarding the ACL bearings, the only way to get the right clearance is to hand measure each shell, it is not clear from that advert if they actually do that. 17:00 If anyone's going to DIY the clip on covers, make REAL sure that each and every lug is fully seated (look closely!), either use a dentist mirror or turn the engine over to check EVERY lug (their have been some cases of these been found not to be fully clipped on, they are VERY tight to snap in!).

[@Anthony_B]

Very well detailed, thank you for the thoughtful response as well as checking out the video, much appreciated! 🤝🏼

[@quanganhtran2339]

Great Video. Thanks for List. Still some things to do for my e92m3

[@Anthony_B]

Thank you! Appreciate you watching! 🤝🏼

[@jcwest01]

Great video, I've experienced a few of these already. It's helpful to know what to look for when you are repairing something else and can save cost on labor.

[@Anthony_B]

Thanks for watching!

[@yamahaxs6501]

I would add the alternator, or actually the voltage regulator as a potential common failure. I see it a lot on the forums and just dealt with it last week. The dash gives all the faults and goes into limp mode, then nothing. It's all caused by low battery voltage tricking each system into failing. I replaced my battery with an optima and then a new alternator. It's not a terribly difficult job to DIY, either. Anyways, great video!

[@Anthony_B]

Great point, I’ve also pretty much only ever hear that when the battery’s/alternators start to go, that they cause all sorts of weird problems, might have to add that to the next video! 👍🏼

[@RHEESEVDM]

Cool video! Definitely a good source of info for a new buyer for the E9x M3 platform!

[@Anthony_B]

Thank you! Hope it helps people better decide on one of these cars!

[@camluczi]

You do not need to remove the throttle actuators when doing the ICV. However, the grey T pipe connecting the ICV and the throttle bodies can be a really stiff and get stuck onto the black rails of the throttle bodies, making it really difficult to remove. Making it easier would be to remove one bank of the TB (driver side). You would also have to remove the secondary air pump and get the wiring harness out of the way. I recently did this, and just cleaned the ICV, there was some carbon build up on the plates. You also have clear access to the starter motor which sits right under the ICV. Removing the driver side TB also gives you relatively easy access to the non-return valve at the back of the block just behind the cylinder head. Mine was gunky but still ok at 150k kms, but I replaced it anyways since I was there and not too expensive.

[@Anthony_B]

Oh ok, I appreciate you taking the time to add some knowledge to this video, hopefully whoever watches will read it and have a better idea of what to expect while in there 🤝🏼

[@rgpolorized4853]

another thing to replace that I did and would recommend is the motor mounts

[@Anthony_B]

You’re 100% correct, I opted to do mine when I did rod bearings, a perfect time to do them if they haven’t been done prior to that 👍🏼

[@rgpolorized4853]

@@Anthony_B wait I just realized I was with you at bimmer invasion🤣 I know Tony and Mylo

[@lukyone9241]

Great Stuff! Clear and Concise. Thank you!

[@Anthony_B]

Thank for watching!

[@Sergy_101]

Hey! Very informative and helpful video. Good job Man. You can make a video about engine mounts and suspension components + how to check their conditions. As part of E92 aging problems. Thanks and good luck!

[@Anthony_B]

Thank you for checking it out! I’ll have to start planning a follow up video with more common issues!

[@ohhgourami]

The DCT pan bolts might only need to be re-torqued to spec. Discovered mine had a leak and decided to check the torque. Yup, many of the screws and oil drain plug were a bit loose. Tightened them back up, cleaned off all the oil, and checked 2 months later with 1k miles and it's dry.

[@Anthony_B]

That’s a really good point, definitely should check this first before full sending it on a whole job 👍🏼

[@alexferrucci5478]

Bro flawless video 🫡🫡 It was so interesting learning everything about this gen of M3 and I don’t even own one but this was entertaining.

[@Anthony_B]

I appreciate you checking it out! 🤝🏼

[@ElliotsM3]

Careful with them metal vanos covers I heard someone’s came loose and shredded inside the chains!

[@Anthony_B]

Yea I’ve heard similar stories too, need to do a bit of research and figure out if they’re bad parts, or being installed incorrectly, either way thanks for the info! 🤝🏼

[@trevorr5175]

hey just about to purchase rod bearings. Going with BE, do you think it is necessary to plasti gauge them? Great video! definitely will be replacing the rest while doing the rod bearings!

[@Anthony_B]

Hey! It’s always good practice to make sure your clearances are correct, definitely will add some time to the job but the peace of mind is always worth it! Thanks for watching!

[@CW619]

Great video! TY In your research, did you find anything about the rear differential failing? Mine is is whining and I am told it needs to be replaced. I’m at 40,000 miles. 2011 6MT

[@Anthony_B]

Thanks for watching! Unfortunately I didn’t see anything in particular regarding the rear diff, might just be bad luck on your end this time around, hopefully it doesn’t end up being too much to get it fixed/replaced :/

[@averyhammonds9348]

I've had my 2009 e93 about 5 years years, 20k miles, has 110k, throttle bodies were done when I got it. Motor mounts were thrashed, $800 repair, $650 labor, I didn't have lift access, could have found a less expensive shop. Fuel pressure regulator failed, I replaced it in about 2 hours, $300 part, I think book labor is 3 hours. Other than that it's been great. Always replace crush washers and oil drain plugs, it used about a litre/2500 miles when I got it, none since the first oil change I did

[@TheRealDr.Mabuse]

Who the F downvote such an informative video? What's wrong with people? Great job summarizing typical problems. I've dealt with two of these on my manual E92 M3 from 2007; T/A failed and needed replacement. R/B was done preemptive. The rest has not yet shown itself as far as I know and that - in my mind - shows how keeping up with the maintenance can contribute to increased longevity.

[@floyddasilva2719]

Exactly

[@Anthony_B]

I appreciate the kind words! Hopefully the video continues to find people such as yourself who appreciate these kinds of videos, you’re the type of person who I hope they make their way to! 💪🏼

[@Ducky_Shorts_ftp]

Great video, thank you

[@Anthony_B]

Appreciate the kind words, thanks for watching! 🙏🏼

[@kid2519]

Luckily, the previous owner took care of the idle control valve. I took care of the rest except the fuel breather valve because I can't take off the hose thing attached. So difficult.

[@Anthony_B]

You have to brake that clamp off and then use either a generic hose clamp to reattach it, or buy another bmw clamp and the tool to re crimp it, either way, not too bad once you have that first clip apart 👍🏼

[@X11CHASE]

I’ve spent about 15k on maintenance so far (including labor), 24k if you count things that had to be redone

[@Anthony_B]

These can be pricey to own, but well worth it!

[@Rider_Tom]

well that puts me off owning one haha

[@Rmmlom]

We have found by experience is, you want the N52 or N51 smog unit in those states. The N51-N52 E92 328i 6 cyl, 3 stage manifold, with M sport pak is just right, it's not a race car but who wants the tickets. You can get them with the 6cyl. Now, this is to avoid the cost and the problems that come with the N54 V8 engine or any 8 cly cars.But it's a BMW made to enjoy the ride no matter where you go. Love your channel.

[@Anthony_B]

Thanks for watching!

[@ltakallen]

Great Video, I found it to be extremely helpful. I have addressed several items. I now have additional items to add to my preventative list. Thanks 🙏🏾 😊. I have also subscribed and will be sure to recommend to others…✌🏾

[@Anthony_B]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate it! 🤝🏼

[@Woodsea4]

Whats up man. Looks like you live in our area. North County. My brother and I both have e92's.

[@Anthony_B]

Hey! Correct, i do live in north county!

[@JahlMarshall]

A word of caution regarding vanos cap replacement, the cheaper stamped steel vanos caps have been reported to come un fastened, I reached out to evolve on this issue , they responded by explaining the cheaper stamped vanos caps retain some memory to their shape and want to deform over time and heat cycles , in contrast the more expensive evolve caps which are billet aluminum,

[@Anthony_B]

Yea I’ve been hearing/seeing the same things recently, definitely have to be careful with these now too and who you get them from, thanks for the insight for others to see! 🤝🏼

[@trevorr5175]

What about Mporium bolt on caps? Are these overkill? I rather get the Evolve ones simply due to the fact that I can DIY it. What do you think? Are the evolve caps enough?

[@JahlMarshall-b5f]

@@trevorr5175 Im not familiar Mporium. but re-timing the engine would be a lot of work , when comparing them to the reliable Evolve cap

[@trevorr5175]

Have you replaced the vanos caps at all? If so do you think Mporium caps are overkill? Are the evolve ones enough? I heard stories about the silver design clips coming loose over time.

[@Anthony_B]

I replaced mine years ago on my previous e90 m3 with slons covers, to my knowledge they’re still on that car and working well

[@WatchM3Struggle]

What about the main bearings? I hear those can be an issue too?

[@Anthony_B]

Yea i hear about that more often as time goes on, definitely something to keep an eye out for as that job, sadly, is an engine out of the car repair, unlike say the rod bearings Fingers crossed tho that it remains a less frequent failure despite these cars continuing to age 🤞🏼

[@euripidesroques6648]

Greatttttt and Informative video! 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

[@Anthony_B]

I appreciate the kind words! 🤝🏼

[@kcabreja2305]

Dude amazing video 🔥💪

[@Anthony_B]

Thanks for checking it out! 💯

[@lsv6883]

Great informative video. Subscribed!

[@Anthony_B]

I appreciate you checking it out! 🤝🏼

[@xbwang87]

The Slon Vanos Covers have problems.

[@Anthony_B]

I’ve heard of some potential failures, I haven’t researched deep enough yet to confirm if it’s 100% a problem with their product, or the fault of incorrect installs. I do know for a fact that the Slon covers I installed 3 years ago (so very likely close to the first iteration of them) on my personal e90 m3 are still working as designed. I’ve kept in touch with both of the owners after my ownership and neither reported any issues with the covers, so I’m inclined to think that they simply aren’t being installed properly, especially considering that I’ve heard that even one of the tabs not being secured properly can cause them to eventually fail, so until I can do a bit more research now that they’ve been on some cars for a few years now, I can’t say with certainty that those covers aren’t still good to use or not, but like I said, I have heard that there are cases, just need to do my own research is all 👍🏼

[@hectorbarrientos3893]

Great video thank’s so much 🙏

[@Anthony_B]

Thanks for watching!

[@floyddasilva2719]

Great video very informative 👏

[@Anthony_B]

Thanks for watching!

[@Gaidenas]

great vid, love the structure, thank you

[@Anthony_B]

I appreciate you checking it out! 💯

[@kevinnesmith7269]

Good job!! Very helpful!

[@Anthony_B]

Thanks for watching!

[@timessix8434]

Great summary. I am looking for one of these, with open eyes, I know what it will take to maintain it. I saw a video the other wee, they said they started seeing main bearings fail too…

[@Anthony_B]

Yea I’ve been hearing that since picking mine up about a year ago, hopefully it’s not as common as people make it out to be, but might be something owners have to start budgeting for sooner or later sadly :/

[@dommerdom]

This video is great. But it did just cost me $5k in parts. :)

[@Anthony_B]

Haha gotta do what you gotta do to keep these amazing cars going! 💪🏼

[@fengrr]

Pulleys/belts will need replaced around 100k as well.

[@Anthony_B]

Good point! Definitely should replace those as well around then, I’ve heard lots of stories of them failing lately on forums/fb groups

[@rewardrisk6404]

seems like BMW uses platic so it can fail as these issues have been ongoing with bmw

[@Anthony_B]

I agree, lots of plastic parts in these older cars

[@alanlopez4611]

Are these websites reputable? Sorry I’m new to owning one I’ve heard of fcpeuro does anyone have opinions I have a idle issue and I definitely could’ve saved a buck or 2 instead of going to the dealership

[@Anthony_B]

Truthfully I haven’t purchased parts from every single vendor in the video, many of them I have but not all, but I’ve been in this community (the bmw and more specially the e9x m3) for quite a while and have heard people make comments for both ends of the spectrum regarding some of these vendors. Some will have nothing but good experiences and some only bad, but the ones I’ve personally done business with have usually been pretty good. Not only that but if there was a company that I felt was notably bad when I originally made this video, I’d likely not have included them at all, so I’d lean more towards the positive side with any of them until you’ve done business with them personally 👍🏼

[@rj5014]

Bro it don’t matter if I was driving a Toyota. For every 100 miles I’d take 45-60 minutes break- that means opening the hood and let breeze blow in it while I walk around and get stuff. I treat my car like an actual person I would never put this much stress on it.

[@Anthony_B]

Sounds like your cars will last a long time, way to take care of them! 👍🏼

[@brarautorepairs]

If I was driving a Toyota. I was purposely neglecting it, just before it was totally f*cked, I would sell it on a Toyota forum where all the fan boys exist. 😂 Maybe grab all the people's favorite models that people keep calling bulletproof. I'm just kidding but it would be funny

[@LateNightRituals]

W vid. J sub'd

[@Anthony_B]

Appreciate it! 💪🏼

[@Heymeit]

Sloan covers fail fyi

[@Anthony_B]

Appreciate the info, I was not aware that they had problems, the ones I installed a few years ago never had any issues that I was aware of

[@Heymeit]

@@Anthony_B check them, the edges will look filed down and not flush. Engine failure on some cars.

[@chrisbradley3224]

Slon is also a Russian company I believe, another good reason to avoid.

[@cpy]

2:47 Can you quantify what you mean by "so prone to failure". Are we talking under 1%? Also you need to call out that multiple people have replaced the rod bearings, only for them to have the replacement rod bearings fail.

[@Anthony_B]

@@cpy if you listen carefully, I wasn’t referring to them being “so prone to failure” from a numbers stand point, what I was specifically referring to by that sentence was WHY they fail at all, which is a know fact that the OEM bearings were made with too tight of clearances. As far as numbers go, you’re right they don’t fail as much as it seems like they do because it’s a lot more practical to replace them PRIOR to failure, than to wait for them to fail and need an engine rebuild, so of course those numbers are low. Now regarding your statement that I have to acknowledge that even after replacement, that the bearings can still fail, and I’d be inclined to agree assuming someone replaces their bearings with OEM bearings again or doesn’t opt into purchasing bearings with the additional needed clearance, because the cars that have replaced their bearings with the additional clearance bearings, hardly ever, if at all, have THOSE bearings fail, and if they do it’s for outside reasons other than just being poorly designed, like OEM 👍🏼

[@cpy]

@@Anthony_B Ok if that was your intention, that's not what you said. That would be like saying "Why are airplane engines prone to failure?" Nobody is going to think you meant "Why are airplane engines that have failed prone to a particular type of failure".

[@Anthony_B]

@@cpy what I said was, and I quote “the reason they are so prone to failure on these engines is because they were designed with too tight of clearances”, which I’ll state again, is a known fact. So I’m not sure how you’re trying to interpret what I said in my own video, but what I said was not only a fact, but is 100% true in regards to what that particular section of the video was talking about, which was why rod bearings fail on these engines. I wasn’t trying to make a statement about whether it happens a lot or not, I was explaining what causes them to fail, WHEN they do fail. So I appreciate you trying to get clarification, hopefully I’ve cleared it up for you 👍🏼

[@formatviolation]

great video. thanks so much.

[@Anthony_B]

Thanks for watching!