Your BMW E46 M3's Engine Will Self Destruct Unless You Replace This!

Long overdue but thankfully just in time, it's time to finally address the scariest thing about the BMW E46 M3. The rod bearings! If not inspected by either physically looking at them or getting an oil analysis you could run the chance of ruining your iconic S54 motor. In this video I'll take you through the process of getting rod bearings replaced and hopefully educate you further on the topic by having mechanics do and explain the job itself. Huge Thanks to PSI Orlando for the work!
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[@brucepeninsula2036]

My 2004 M3 has 432 000km now. Last time rod bearing changed at 26,000 by the dealer. Well maintained. Liquimoly 10w60 always. 2 owners. Have all the maintenance record from day one. Tracked with previous owners and Me. Still have no clue why my bearings didnt fail yet. I have put 200 000km. She lives at around 8000rpm many times. Original engine. If anyone wants to see a video ill post it.

[@rodrigoguida1990]

Send the link

[@HOTBLAZINHOTBLAZIN]

I just want to say he is such a good friend to you.. He has your back on alot of stuff.. GREAT GUY!!!

[@startingtech3900]

Ali?

[@HOTBLAZINHOTBLAZIN]

@@startingtech3900 yes

[@startingtech3900]

@@HOTBLAZINHOTBLAZIN ali is the shit he needs his own youtube channel with videos

[@n3on170]

@@startingtech3900 he actually does have a channel. It’s called “Swap Depot”

[@startingtech3900]

@@n3on170 saw that I subbed last month he is gonna blow up SWAP DEPOT

[@klaspeppar5619]

BMW:Knock knock BMW owner: who’s there? BMW: rod bearings BMW owner: rod bearings who? BMW: engines gone

[@VehicleVirals]

💀

[@MR94JOKER]

break my wallet

[@elijahtate4324]

It’s not a vehicle virals video if he doesn’t mention he bought his e46 m3 for $3000 dollars 😂😂

[@swansmeister]

All these youtube carvloggers or whatever , all of em supposedly buy all cars for a killerprice and the luck doesnt end there, the big huge ass problem is always fixed for a 100 dollars, add a little comment like 'the previous owner is not gonna like this'' or whatever and you have 90 percent of these vloggers covered, Tavarish, legit street cars, this dude and so on. It's pathetic realy.

[@startingtech3900]

Big facts!

[@RantzCore]

Yet again you show us that every chance you get you should not take for granted the maintenance of your vehicles. Check the health every chance you get for the longevity of your vehicle. Great work and great video Cristian! Glad it all turned out good in the end. Hope to see you tonight! Best wishes brother!

[@deathisfreedom1442]

Thank you for finally doing this!!! Was waiting for that since you got that car and I hate it when people just go for performance/aesthetic tuning and neglect the maintanance. Now she's gonna be a happy M3! Happy new year from Germany man

[@Jerem3iah]

I talked with you on instagram about this! I’m actually about to replace the rod bearings pretty soon!😄

[@ivanpineiro4487]

Redline 5w50 oil is best for these cars. 10w60 is too thick. It doesn’t protect engine during cold starts. Check out @troyjeup on ig if you’re curious he’s made posts explaining why

[@user-jm9xb3ld6f]

You are pretty lucky to have such a good place for servicing the car. I have been searching for place like yours for almost 2 years .

[@calebschweizer3940]

Great video man! I followed the 335i from the beginning and even made some mods on my own 335i! Can’t wait for this new segment of your channel!

[@MrFabioSsousa]

Best video to end 2020! That’s how you do it, and particularly for me it’s the best BMW in your fleet now! Can’t wait to see this car at the track!

[@OhCrapItsJimmy]

Hey - mark my words - this mechanic is doing a good job. He's even implemented a system (paper template) to keep him from making mistakes.

[@ijoshie3659]

Yessss this is what i missed from this channel!!!

[@lyfzgoodgarage826]

I did mine on jack stands so it can be done just all I can say is get the car as high as you can and make sure every step is remember and recorded and put back in place also I hope I win this beautiful e93 🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞

[@Marcini007]

I like the way you take care of your cars, perfect car owner mate 👍

[@FieryWings01]

Love the rims you put on this beast 🙌🏼

[@sammyjames1929]

Good luck hopefully everything goes smooth! Have a good new years eve and a happy new year to you, your family, and the guys at the shop🍻

[@VehicleVirals]

Likewise man!

[@seanryan7896]

I need a shop like these guys for when I don’t wanna do it myself

[@billymania11]

Sounds like you are making all the right moves on your M car. When you're done, you'll have a nice performance car and you will be able to flex a bit.

[@bmw_knight_f3088]

Damn brother!! Can not wait to see it on the track!!! 👍

[@23kaykilla]

We need a Q and A for both of you guys ! ASAP

[@MrGRISAD]

Love your love of bimmers! Btw, where did you get the upgraded bearings?

[@seanryan7896]

1st ever engine swap and rebuild I did at 19 was on a 335i n54. Learned so much but lost bare $$

[@dnolt747]

Great topic good information like your videos ur doing great job 👍

[@CHICOBM]

Happy new year 🥳

[@Sam9wilson9]

Solid! Thanks

[@KeenanStyles]

Happy New Year from Tokyo

[@JosepinoRizal]

never knew that the shop is next to Adam LZ until i saw the last e46 vid lol

[@lesterstanislas5590]

On what side if Orlando is this

[@floridaheat305]

Near UCF east side

[@jorgearroyo317]

VAS HACER GRANDE AMOS TUS VIDEOS 🔥🔥🔥

[@lyubomirpadalski4645]

Hey how long does this job take I wanna get it done myself but the garage bi work im only allows me to work on Saturdays from 8/1 so just wondering if it's enough time to get it done

[@magichackerv8]

What does Ali think about using thinner oil so that it can provide more lubrication to the bearings? Is that a good a idea? Seems logical

[@TheSinghoff]

Which test would you get done from Blackstone to help with Rod Bearing Diagnostic's?

[@UC559]

nice howuch did they charge to do this thinking about doing mine

[@Isa-wr4qg]

Make a video of you driving it around revving and all that good stuff

[@GeraldTungol]

What brand did you get? VAC?

[@jameconradi8269]

I ran a bearing in my m3 years ago, dont use castrol edge sport, also big issue is vanos

[@patteng1899]

you just talk about the problem. I was hoping youd explain how to drop the front components to get to the oil pan. Do you know of a video showing this? Or is there online guide we can use?

[@dcarz7310]

Can you let us know what brand the rod bearings were?

[@fvhitman4hire]

Great E46 M3 content! Question ... I have a 2001 M3 Convertible with 75k miles and according to the stealership records, the rod bearings were replaced in 2004 as part of a recall or tech service bulletin. Would you recommend replacing them again?

[@gregs8685]

Depends on how many miles since they were replaced. If they only have 20 k miles then no. If they have 60k then maybe. Consider doing an oil analysis to check for copper, although that is no guarantee you won’t spin a bearing.

[@alvinthulani]

And be mindful of the oil pump. My N42 engine had a malfunction which had me do an engine overhaul

[@polie67]

How much did they charge to replace the rod bearings?

[@deplorabledave1048]

My S54 burns ZERO oil between oil changes. Liqui Moly oil, Liqui Moly Ceratec for the rod bearings. Most important to keep RPM below 3,000 until oil is at least 180 degrees F. That 60W oil does not flow well under the con rod bearings until the oil is up to temp.

[@clivebruce7334]

me too brother

[@DannyGrc]

E46 looking nice

[@p.doetsch6209]

While it's great for the long term maintenance, the alternative is you could have called your local BMW and they would be able to tell you when the rod bearing replacement was performed. That's what I did with mine. They provided the year and mileage since it was done at their expense. It wasn't a recall but a technical service bulletin from October 2004 (SI B 11 04 04): www.siwilson.com/BMW/Service_bulletins/S54%20Bearing%20shell%20Service%20Bulletin.pdf

[@ItsMikeArre]

Did u also check the rear subframe for cracks ?

[@jayvalenciia]

he made a video on it

[@802Garage]

Make sure you follow the break in period and oil change if it's recommended!

[@RantzCore]

We meet again Mr Anderson..... Lol. How's the V10 Scooby coming along?

[@802Garage]

@@RantzCore Not much progress the last few days, call it vacation, hahaha. Back at it again very soon. :)

[@chinchy111]

Break in period on cars is a myth. Do it if it makes you feel better if you want

[@802Garage]

@@chinchy111 It's not a myth and various break in procedures have been validated by OEMs and race teams as well. How much long term impact it has is certainly questionable, but the main reasons I'm recommending it in this case are two fold. Beating on the bearings immediately could cause heat expansion and rapid degradation before the surfaces have properly mated. Otherwise, there is sure to be a very small amount of bearing material after initial run in and I would just want to change that oil out ASAP rather than leaving it in the engine. It's not that I think either issue is likely or highly problematic, it's just best to give the engine its best shot rather than risking lots of money. Cheap insurance, as they say.

[@exotickarizma]

can you list where you got the bearings change kit ? i’m about to change mine on my s54 very soon

[@VehicleVirals]

PSI provided them for me.

[@startingtech3900]

Let’s be real Christian psi provides everything for you haha 🤣

[@Unknown-ic5qr]

Bro i started rebuilding motors in my garage at 16 years old watching a KZbin video 😬 this is really simple to do

[@Sphyn0x]

Bro I started bulding cars in my room at 7 years old watching teletext tutorials...this is really simple to do

[@sergio75ny1]

So what's the ball park cost on something like this?

[@thev8744]

Love the new e46 🤟

[@habouriakhalil6909]

how many time should i do The rod bearings

[@michaelbrooks9462]

BMW builds the engine tight I suggest moving to a 0w/40 full synthetic oil I use AMSOIL is all my BMWS cars and they look brand new. And I never have VAnos issues. I have zero varnish.

[@bobross6677]

Happy break in period

[@mansfield1971]

Should plastiguage the bearing clearance to check the cranks in tolerance first. The shop could check the old bearings to see a date stamp on them. This would have told you if they had already been done.

[@lotusjp]

Y AST coil overs and not From across from BC coilovers????

[@JR-fi7qq]

What if it’s a 2006 ? Wasn’t the rod bearings addressed and recalled ?

[@FieryWings01]

Are the rod bearings in the M54B25 engine similar and any same issues as the S54?

[@Tonycallanta1]

No your fine. It’s typically the M performance cars That like to eat rod bearings.. There are other BMW engine models that consume rod bearings at A faster rate than usual but you are fine.

[@FieryWings01]

@@Tonycallanta1 no worries cheers

[@wallynicholas5]

Would this also be a problem in a 2000 323ci?

[@floridaheat305]

No just older m cars

[@S54Christian_]

My boy! how much PSI charging for rod bearing? i'm in Miami but ill take a drive to Orlando.

[@lyfzgoodgarage826]

Fr I need estimates on these jobs lol

[@floridaheat305]

It's usually a 1400 to 1800 dollar job

[@startingtech3900]

7 grand

[@gochi6542]

He’s mentioned that he gets his work done for the down low or for free cause he’s a partner or sum like that.

[@bellaollie2037]

bro you gotta take a lil road trip cruise to the middle of nowhere with the e46 and just spend some quality time together! i feel like you two need to bond a bit more- i sense a little resentment... when its just you alone with the s54 for an extended period of time your entire tune will change - the car is a legend for a reason but you gotta give it a chance - stop looking for flaws and go take a roadtrip

[@joemanga350]

Where is the shop and what’s the name ? I’m in palm beach thanks !

[@VehicleVirals]

Precision Sports Industry - Oviedo FL

[@EricShoots]

VV, I Love you. Vanos rebuild next! Then Control arms and rear wishbones. Then you'll have a car ready for 250k!

[@paulvicks1336]

Multi link suspension in rear

[@EricShoots]

@@paulvicks1336 same in vert?

[@paulvicks1336]

@@EricShoots I don't think BMW changed suspensions components for the vert

[@evanmccarley4850]

How much roughly does conversion of smg to manual tend to cost in parts and in labor? I was looking at a few e46 m3's in my area with failing smg's and thought that I could get a deal on it and convert.

[@floridaheat305]

I did mine for $3500 parts and labor, if u do it yourself the parts are about $1200

[@startingtech3900]

Around 20k

[@wsyee7]

My guy got those Megan fox thumbs

[@paulvicks1336]

Here's an idea, instead of buying a $3k lemon and claiming ALL e46 M3s have a 99% chance of rod bearing failure, why not save up more money and buy an 2004-2006 model. This way, you don't have to worry about any of these issues

[@juansavinon2799]

What is the cost of that job?

[@seanpaul3050]

Rod bearings are a common issue on many BMWs. Not just M cars. Even BMWs just a few years old have been showing problems with rod bearings.

[@chinchy111]

Subarus also. Terribly shitty engine designs

[@ryanmcburrows8051]

How much does a job like this cost?

[@Gamerguy9355]

I’m the same way w my e92 m3 it’s low miles 55k but I just don’t trust it until I get the rod bearings done myself cus idk if the last owner warmed it up to temp before revving it

[@ivanpineiro4487]

I have e93 m3 w 83k miles. I am not doing rod bearings and I do not have any worry about it. My car is running better than ever w viper thermostat and redline 5w50. Check out @troyjeup on ig

[@Gamerguy9355]

@@ivanpineiro4487 I think imma get mine done because lately I have noticed my car has been driving a little rough/off and I would rather just have the peace of mind than to be worried about throwing a rod and having to replace my engine. My ig is @ferreirasjulian

[@iancook2921]

@@Gamerguy9355 rod bearings won’t make your engine run rough unless it’s like on the edge of blowing up with 55k miles you are probably fine. I would do them anyway for peace of mind I’m going to be doing my s54 rod bearings soon at 130k miles even with a perfect oil analysis. But don’t stress yourself out too much.

[@Gamerguy9355]

@@iancook2921 thanks for the words I been buggin myself out and not driving it as much because I’m just worried about something major breaking. Just scheduled my rod bearings for next month tho!!

[@gtcreels532]

Wait, you didn’t get an oil analysis before doing this? There’s only a few shops that I trust with my car around the Sf Bay Area. For me personally I’m more worried about my vanos personally and just get an oil analysis twice a year

[@VehicleVirals]

I've heard stories where oil analysis came back good and the rod bearings near the end.

[@jayvalenciia]

mods next?

[@AutoObsession_]

Why don’t you colab with adam lz he’s literally the next shop over

[@n3on170]

I think he said in a video before that he wants to but they're both usually pretty busy.

[@sydbell8508]

The rubber became split when you hit a curb !!! And VANos as in VAN (truck) ok

[@domkraggp9944]

When is the giveaway

[@bimmercodetutorials5975]

🔥🔥

[@Diego-cj8fj]

🔥🔥🔥

[@dimitriosmoliotis3649]

CSL trunk!!

[@yhp99]

Isnt there a break-in period like 1000miles or so?

[@VehicleVirals]

Yes break-in is recommended, but I'm not sure for how many miles.

[@yhp99]

@@VehicleVirals I heard 500-1000miles and have to drive across all rpms so a lot of city style driving. And keeping it under high rpm load maybe 4k rpm

[@dancob3247]

Always there’s that one thing to fix....Scotty fans where are you 🤣🤣...Endless money pits😎😎😎

[@startingtech3900]

Yes but they make us feel alive! No one likes a celica

[@crazygamer889]

Did you say frequent oil changes??

[@rono]

i think he meant in frequent.

[@Rebecca_The_Dragon]

Always thought only the E92 V8 M3s had this issue.

[@gjergjcamaj5770]

Almost all bmws have this issue it's crazy how they haven't fixed this even on their modern cars such as the 550 or the m5.

[@iancook2921]

S54, S50, S60, S85. They all suffer a lot in part because of the high rev limit and very fast piston speeds but all of those engines also share a very similar internal design the S60 is basically two s54’s with 2 cylinders cut off fused together at the crank.

[@sydbell8508]

Not rod bearings,they are Big End Bearings ?? And the suspension arms,you can buy the bearings at each end but not the Pin in the middle.You have to buy entire arm. The rubber which was split,was probably because fully tightened while on ramp.The car has to be on ground before fully tightened.

[@dmichaud]

Dude those are dust caps on the spherical bearing, not to retain grease.

[@jrodriguezm5]

That’s a sexy car.

[@francispoulina9435]

I have missed something. Who won the 335i ?

[@VehicleVirals]

Going live today 7PM EST to choose and announce the winner.

[@milessheppardson3008]

Cars manufactured after May 22 2003 DO NOT HAVE ROD BEARING ISSUES. It took me 10 seconds to google this, so why not give out correct information?

[@tonyluk112]

Weren't the rod bearings in 2000-2002 supposed to be a factory recall?

[@ivanpineiro4487]

Bmw did a recall for rod bearings but over time they will all still fail because of the wear during cold starts caused by the 10w60 oil

[@tonyluk112]

@@ivanpineiro4487 So if a better oil was used, the rod bearings would have last much longer?

[@ivanpineiro4487]

@@tonyluk112 yes using a redline 5w50 , warming up vehicle to operating temperature before beating on the car, and lubricating new oil filter before oil change is best to prevent bearing wear

[@MrFabioSsousa]

And... can you give an idea in terms of costs (rod bearings + ARP bolts + office hours to do the job)? I was impressed you don’t need to disassemble the subframe to do it

[@floridaheat305]

My shop quoted me $1800 with the coated bearings, oem will cost you $1500 out the door

[@realtruth97]

Hey Man are they doin this work for free?

[@VehicleVirals]

Me and PSI are partners

[@Chezzzzy]

Ali cool 😎

[@justswippin2693]

frequent oil changes increases rod bearing wear? 4:45

[@ivanpineiro4487]

Not lubricating new oil filter before oil change is reason bearings wear during oil change

[@ivanpineiro4487]

If you make sure that is being done the more frequent the oil changes the better

[@paulheyes653]

Ive never once heard of e46 m3 rod bearings going. The v10m5 yes, the newer e90/92 m3 yes, the m6 also. But never the e46 m3.

[@iancook2921]

I’ve seen it happen the v10 m5 is basically two s54’s put together with 1 less cylinder on each they suffer from similar issues

[@VehicleVirals]

S54, S65, S85

[@paulheyes653]

@@VehicleVirals an education in engines, thanks. Changed my opinion on e46 m3's. The values of them are climbing in the uk now. Great vids man 👌🏻

[@DC5Angelo]

How much does psi charge to do this ?!

[@startingtech3900]

7 grand

[@floridaheat305]

Usually $1500 to 1800 parts and labor

[@ivanpineiro4487]

Although the factory bearing clearances aren’t the best the main reason s54 and s65/s85 bearings wear is because of the garbage 10w60 oil bmw recommends

[@brucksport]

What would you recommend?...

[@ivanpineiro4487]

@@brucksport 5w50 as recommended by @troyjeup on ig

[@iancook2921]

The s54 actually used to run 10w40 in like very early production some e46 m3’s and m coupes still have stickers recommending it. I still run 10w60 in mine but the Castrol tws oil they recommend is garbage it’s not even full synthetic and was only used because of a deal between them and BMW. Redline or liquimoly is the way to go regardless of viscosity. Both full synthetic with lots of good additives.

[@ivanpineiro4487]

@@iancook2921 instagram.com/p/CDY2zjnpaBd/?igshid=bffx3o23u5ev

[@n.shiina8798]

@@iancook2921 i felt bad after knowing this. one of my friend on the local club uses that 10w60 oil on his M54. i told him it's such a waste of money but he doesnt care. i wonder how bad is it using 10w60 on M54

[@realisrealite5554]

S54 rod bearings need to addressed multiple times according to BMW they should be treated as a wear item.

[@the_batmobile0.4]

Bro so yesterday I went to carguru to test drive a 2020 240i xdrive killer deal with only 12k km, car is amazing fast asf and playfulness is plenty I was so excited until mid way through while test driving the car the engine light came on and a battery warning also came on like wtf, now I'm so so sad cause I ain't buying that. ☹

[@gochi6542]

Yeeeaaa that’s the BMW life 😂

[@the_batmobile0.4]

@@gochi6542 dude I was so happy when I drove the car , the m240i is so nice and fast I was so sure I'm trading my civic right there for it until the engine light and battery warning came on, I'm just surprised because the car only have 12k km on it

[@prettyridesmedia]

Liqui Moly 10w60

[@dogdog4173]

Dude put the other headers back. The car sounded way way better before you changed the headers

[@startingtech3900]

I agree! All he needed was that vrsf exhuast

[@dazdealz4648]

You're only 5 years late, I could've def used this half a decade ago

[@ivanvega6532]

Me: 👁👄👁 at 12:20pm est

[@mxnny_r5002]

This is misleading not all s54s still have the rod bearing issue, although common it’s not guaranteed

[@johancoetzer4624]

Fml. ALL S54's should have rod bearings checked, if not replaced (depending on mileage and age). Regardless of recall. BMW did NOT fix the issue with the recall. I just had rod bearings done on a 2008 S54, and they were in an absolute sorry state.