Why your BMW N55 Rod Bearings are failing

[@chrisfernandez8151]

Great synopsis of the N55 rod bearing issue! Now I'd like to see your take on which steps are available to counter this "issue".

[@motoringfan]

Will do mate. Thanks for watching

[@azelic8190]

@@motoringfan Would you say just replacing the rod bearing with aftermarket ones before any issues occur is the best way to prevent this?

[@motoringfan]

@ I wouldn’t necessarily say aftermarket ones. If you replace your rod bearings with original BMW parts and treat your car right, it should last the life of your car. Only reason rod bearings are an issue is because people buy a used car which has been abused. You must balance this against the cost of replacing your rod bearings.. not cheap. It’s all based on your risk profile.

[@morenutshell1565]

N55 have large issues of oil starvation for the rod bearings due to their design. Replace the oil pan with an s55 oil pan that has better baffles to prevent oil starvation to the bearings, and then even stock bearings will last 200k miles let alone some nice acl or king bearings.

[@theXvisions]

true, i own N55 E90.. Always overfill oil by at least 500ml when doing skids/donuts or you track your car. Already over 30000km with it, no issues at all .)

[@motoringfan]

awesome to hear mate. well done

[@mrmusic1880]

No ways that's how you look, this is a good style of video!

[@motoringfan]

Haha 😅 glad you enjoyed it

[@mesmaayan]

With the purpose of rebuilding, I bought a 2011 X5 with a N55 engine that had a nasty rod knock. With the way it sounds and how much glitter is in the oil, I suspect that the bearing is completely gone and it’s metal on metal. I suspect I will have to have the crank bearing rectified and purchase oversize bearings and perhaps one connecting rod.

[@motoringfan]

@@mesmaayan perhaps a turbo too if the metal has made its way through everything

[@MarksThinkTank]

I use the same watch, I salute you!

[@motoringfan]

@@MarksThinkTank thanks mate. Simple and effective!

[@nissan2002]

BMW with reliability issues...I'm shocked 😮

[@Areku06]

N55 rod bearing issues is mainly due to abuse or poor maintenance, like oil starvation. If maintenance is done properly, engines easily can do 200-300k miles.