connecting rod bearing failure

[iTz BMWz FiNeSt]

Has anyone experienced connecting rod bearing failure?? In this article it says the early S54 engines had this problem and had to get teir engines replaced Is it a better bet to go with the S52 model instead?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_M_Coupe#2001_-_2002


Thanks
-Mike

[organic///M]

Search.

Take a look at this:
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...95&postcount=6

[Randy Forbes]

See: S-54 tic, tic, tic...

[iTz BMWz FiNeSt]

hmm i will probably go with the S52 but just wondering..did u replace the bearing yourself or did u take it to the dealer? If u did it yourself is it worth it or did the warranty cover your end at the dealership?

Thanks
-Mike

[jblack]

Wait a minute....

Read up. There is a lot of misinformation around.

Net is, if you go with an S54, buy one that does not sound bad. Replace the rod bearings (like Randy is showing). Drive the car. Your chances for failure of the engine with the updated bearings is no worse than an S52.

If it is ticking, clicking, clanking or anything like that, it could be too late.

It is a shame BMW did not include Coupes and Roadsters in the replacement of bearings like they did with the M3. All early M3s have either new engines or new rod bearings at this point - and failure is very rare; no more common than on an S52 M3.

Problem is, some read that there was a problem with the engine and avoid it. Reality is, there was a defective part that needs to be replaced. IMO, you need to bite the bullet and replace the bearings on your own dime if you have an S54 in an non M3. This is a combination of not enough number to scare BMW into a service action, and the lower rev limit of the Coupe/Roadster.

[iTz BMWz FiNeSt]

how much would it cost though?

[Randy Forbes]

how much would it cost though?

< 10% of the cost of a new/remanufactured engine. Kind of a deal, when you think about it...