S65 Rod Bearings??

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2007-bmw-z4-m-roadster-27/

Just said goodbye to an incredible roadster (see link above).

I am a 12 yr participant in Bimmerpost.

The S54 rod bearings were always of concern; performed oil changes every 6K miles; Blackstone Oil analysis every year for a number of years.

I began a search for another BMW and am interested in the 2011 M3 E93 hardtop-convertible.

My search led me to the knowledge that S65 rod bearings are of concern.

Could a few of you speak to this; if I purchase a 60K mile car, do I need to spend the money to have the rod bearings replaced; have you seen high mileage S65 examples with no issues; I am aware of the throttle valve actuator premature failures.

Thank you -
Racerbruce

Yes, there are some high mileage examples on original bearings. There are also low, middle and high mileage failures. Do you want to play the lottery?

Best to read the lengthy discussions and make up your own mind about how you want to reduce exposure to a potential failure. Think of it as like an insurance policy — you may pay and never use it. I’d factor the $2k into your costs — half that or less if you can DIY.

pbonsalb wrote

Yes, there are some high mileage examples on original bearings. There are also low, middle and high mileage failures. Do you want to play the lottery?

Best to read the lengthy discussions and make up your own mind about how you want to reduce exposure to a potential failure. Think of it as like an insurance policy — you may pay and never use it. I’d factor the $2k into your costs — half that or less if you can DIY.

Thanks -
You referenced $2K to replace S65 rod bearings; may I ask if that was your experience or if you perhaps have the pulse of this issue - thanks for responding.

That's roughly the cost. I think I paid ~$2500 in Chicago.

Welcome to the German lottery!

Goodluck

racerbruce wrote

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2007-bmw-z4-m-roadster-27/
Just said goodbye to an incredible roadster (see link above). I am a 12 yr participant in Bimmerpost. The S54 rod bearings were always of concern; performed oil changes every 6K miles; Blackstone Oil analysis every year for a number of years. I began a search for another BMW and am interested in the 2011 M3 E93 hardtop-convertible. My search led me to the knowledge that S65 rod bearings are of concern. Could a few of you speak to this; if I purchase a 60K mile car, do I need to spend the money to have the rod bearings replaced; have you seen high mileage S65 examples with no issues; I am aware of the throttle valve actuator premature failures.

Thank you -
Racerbruce

pbonsalb wrote

Yes, there are some high mileage examples on original bearings. There are also low, middle and high mileage failures. Do you want to play the lottery? Best to read the lengthy discussions and make up your own mind about how you want to reduce exposure to a potential failure. Think of it as like an insurance policy — you may pay and never use it. I’d factor the $2k into your costs — half that or less if you can DIY.

OP.. This ^.. Here's the reading homework.
.
https://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1253084
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https://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1333638
.
https://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1873514

There are alot of these cars floating well over 150k Miles with unknown bearings. ive done several high mileage 08 cars and the bearings came out beautiful. In my own experience its the 2009+ cars the bearings always come very worn.

my 2011 car had the motor seize at 32k miles. main bearing failure tho.

if youre buying, especially an lci 2011+ car I would def budget for the bearings.

racerbruce wrote

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2007-bmw-z4-m-roadster-27/

Just said goodbye to an incredible roadster (see link above).

I am a 12 yr participant in Bimmerpost.

The S54 rod bearings were always of concern; performed oil changes every 6K miles; Blackstone Oil analysis every year for a number of years.

I began a search for another BMW and am interested in the 2011 M3 E93 hardtop-convertible.

My search led me to the knowledge that S65 rod bearings are of concern.

Could a few of you speak to this; if I purchase a 60K mile car, do I need to spend the money to have the rod bearings replaced; have you seen high mileage S65 examples with no issues; I am aware of the throttle valve actuator premature failures.

Thank you -
Racerbruce

The vert's weigh close to 400 lbs more than a standard E9X M3, and are closer to 4,000 lbs. Not sure if that matters to you..

For the bearings, $2,500 preventative or $17-20K if the worst happens. Totally up to you. No one knows the true failure rate but there's a small chance it could happen anytime. It's a tough call but if you plan to own the car long term and $2,500 won't hurt you financialy I would get them done.

kolosy wrote

That's roughly the cost. I think I paid ~$2500 in Chicago.

Which shop in Chicago are you using, do they do good work?

ChiTownM wrote

Which shop in Chicago are you using, do they do good work?

I used Performance Eurowerks up in elk grove. Was very happy with their work and the way they conduct themselves. Wouldn't hesitate to go back.