BMW designed the S54 with approximately half the industry standard oil clearance.  This is a trendy move among some auto manufacturers to increase gas mileage and increase horsepower.  But when they do it, like in the Toyota Prius, the auto manufacturer also specifies a very thin oil to match the very small oil clearance.  BMW dropped the ball here and is using very small oil clearance and very thick 10W60 oil.  Many consider this its own recipe for disaster. 

Engines with clearances too small, coupled with oil too thick, leads to premature rod-bearing related engine failures. With clearances too small and oil too thick, the lubrication around the bearing is marginal.  Some metal-to-metal contact is made between the bearings and rod journal.  The oil and rod bearings overheat.  Some bearings seize on the crankshaft, while others will "spin" and cause a crankshaft failure.

This is a serious concern for M3 owners, especially those that have higher mileage or are supercharged/tracked often. Engines with clearance too small, couple with oil too thick, leads to premature rod-bearing related engine failures. With clearance too small and oil too thick, the lubrication around the bearing is marginal.  Some metal-to-metal contact is made between the bearings and rod journal.  The oil and rod bearings overheat.  Some bearings seize on the crankshaft, while others will "spin" and cause a crankshaft failure.

It's rare to see bearings without at least some sort of premature surface wear, it's good to jump on this issue soon. For those looking to keep their vehicles for extended use, our Rod Bearing Service is a must. Don't let your BMW engine become a casualty.

 

Find similar articles:

bmw e46 bmw m3 e46 e46 m3 s54 z4 m

Mentioned in this article

More stories

CMS Performance Bolt In Roll Bar For BMW G87 M2

CMS Performance Bolt In Roll Bar For BMW G87 M2

The CMS Performance Roll Bar is the strongest, safest, most beautifully constructed bolt-in roll bar on the market for the BMW G87 M2. It is engine...

Alpharex PRO-Series LED Tail Lights (Red Smoke) For Tesla Model Y

Alpharex PRO-Series LED Tail Lights (Red Smoke) For Tesla Model Y

These Tesla Model Y LED tail lights feature two LED tubes as the parking light. The center LED strips for the outer piece tail lights function as t...