Rod Bearing Replacement

Hello,

I am about to replace the connecting rod bearings with BE Bearing STD with OEM bolts after making many researches. I need to ask a suggestion about something.

The shop that I want to work with suggested to replace the oil pump while they are in there. And also suggested it is better to replace the main bearings as well. It is always that, to change as much as since "Over There" .

But the thing is my car has 39K, how much necessarily to change the pump or main bearings? Or how many of you change the oil pump while you are over there? I am a keeper and planning to keep this vehicle forever since it is the last v8!

I think you need to get a second opinion. Changing main bearings would cost a ton, and I dont think people that are not stroking or doing a project motor for a SC would even consider opening up the motor for mains. Oil pump is probably not necessary at the age of your car.

I am just an enthusiast, but I'm pretty sure a main bearing swap is motor-out service. It's also not nearly as much as an issue as it seems rod bearings are (especially at your mileage). Also, I've yet to hear anyone mention a failed oil pump on this car. What you should consider is inspecting the motor mounts and replacing if necessary. You should also consider replacing spark plugs. Just my opinion, but I would be questioning working with this shop at all.

I really appricate for your answers. Yeah after doing 1 month study of this issue I never seen single person who replaced the oil pump nor main bearings. I am just trying to get some opinions that's all

The issue is connecting bearings cuz the weakest point and the poor design due to clearance.

So yeah I would definetly replace the mounts even they are looking good. Spark plugs are replaced by bmw when I purchased the car which was 9K ago. Is that necessarily or just leave it?

Main bearing swap can definitely be done in car but is significantly more work than just replacing rod bearings and requires more precision and expertise.

It sounds like the shop is (wrongfully) assuming that the bearing wear is being caused by a faulty oil pump and suggesting it be replaced. I would question their understanding of this engine and this job. FYI even at a 20% online vendor discount, a set of brand new OEM oil pumps is still $1200. $800 for rod bearings and $700 for mains, plus the OEM gaskets and specialized block sealing tool with sealant, and you're already tickling $3k with incidentals before you even get to labor or their parts markup.

At the rate this shop is going, they're going to be trying to hit you with a $5-7k service... I too would suggest a second opinion.

They are one of the best rated shop in the area. He said they are done couple of bearing jobs on e9x m3. I think he was just trying to say it is better to replace all Since I am the keeper. But I think it wont be issue without replacing the main and oil pumps. And the car is low enough to fail on those parts impo.

If you're discussing main bearing replacement, my estimates for full tear down to pull the crank out had labor rates along the lines of a used motor swap (engine +labor) with subtracting your old motor as a sale

If you get a better labor rate / hookup, maybe. I would do it if I was planning on upgrading the bottom end.

deansbimmer wrote

It sounds like the shop is (wrongfully) assuming that the bearing wear is being caused by a faulty oil pump and suggesting it be replaced. I would question their understanding of this engine and this job. FYI even at a 20% online vendor discount, a set of brand new OEM oil pumps is still $1200. $800 for rod bearings and $700 for mains, plus the OEM gaskets and specialized block sealing tool with sealant, and you're already tickling $3k with incidentals before you even get to labor or their parts markup.
.

There is zero evidence there's an issue with either the oil pumps or the mains.

Touching parts that are perfectly fine is asking for trouble. Even if you are a millionaire, it does not make sense to touch either of those two parts at all.

SYT_Shadow wrote

There is zero evidence there's an issue with either the oil pumps or the mains.

Touching parts that are perfectly fine is asking for trouble. Even if you are a millionaire, it does not make sense to touch either of those two parts at all.

Yeap that was my point Just want it to know how bad the oil pump can be at 39K.

SaNGRia wrote

Yeap that was my point Just want it to know how bad the oil pump can be at 39K.

The E46M3 and the E92M3 have oil pumps which so far have appeared to be excellent.

Awesome So if the shop really done the job couple of times of the same car, how long does it take to replace the rod bearings ?

To be honest with you I do not have any lift or more professional tools like a pro shops but when I learn something it takes a lot quicker than ever at the 2nd time Example : I spent total of 4 hours to install KW Has kit without a lift . And it was the first time ever. The time I spent more for the research before I start the process such as ISTA guide or DIY topics. If you tell me to do it today I will not spend more than 2.5 hours unless something goes wrong!

So according to the process it should take 12-13 hours on the paper. But it should not take more than 8 hours if someone is done the same car impo. If I would have the lift, it will take me not more than 3 hours to unscrew drive train to reach at the oil pan.

I will be honest this job should not be more than 1k for labor for a professional shop who has done many of them. I am just the DIYer and did not fail so far whatever I DIYed in my entire life since I made quiet a bit research for what I am doing.

But If I was making a living of repairing the car I would put the price tag based upon My Repair time other than general work hours. I also do the same pricing method on my business.

I would like to get your opinions on this particular job and pricing! Thanks

You can see the steps in my DIY thread. It really is not brain surgery. I'm sure I'll do it in 8-10h next time. A shop should charge $1200 in labor max. Anything else is just ridiculous.

I wouldn't take my care to any regular place. If a shop recommends I change main bearings or oil pump, they are blacklisted for sure!

Maybe you can find a place that rents out a lift and DIY it?

SYT_Shadow wrote

You can see the steps in my DIY thread. It really is not brain surgery. I'm sure I'll do it in 8-10h next time. A shop should charge $1200 in labor max. Anything else is just ridiculous.

I wouldn't take my care to any regular place. If a shop recommends I change main bearings or oil pump, they are blacklisted for sure!

Maybe you can find a place that rents out a lift and DIY it?

That makes me little bit unconfortable, to go to shop and work at unknown place. I wish I had a lift in my garage so I can even work for month just to do a best job This is a project car just for fun. So I would like to do DIY, but touching the internal part of the motor is different even I have some reall close bmw professional technician friends in my land and can help me with the details since they built so many s85 and s65s , still I would like to do with someone who is done successfully before. It would not be fun to experience a motor problem after failing on the DIY.

Can you send your link? So I can see whats going on?

SaNGRia wrote

That makes me little bit unconfortable, to go to shop and work at unknown place. I wish I had a lift in my garage so I can even work for month just to do a best job This is a project car just for fun. So I would like to do DIY, but touching the internal part of the motor is different even I have some reall close bmw professional technician friends in my land and can help me with the details since they built so many s85 and s65s , still I would like to do with someone who is done successfully before. It would not be fun to experience a motor problem after failing on the DIY.

Can you send your link? So I can see whats going on?

here's the link. If you are somewhat familiar with cars you can pull this off. It is not complex at all, it just takes a while

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1333638


Edit: where are you located?

I am in South Florida. Come down

SYT_Shadow wrote

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1333638

That is an excellent DIY. Come down, wherever you live getting colder

In searching for a shop in the Cincinnati area to do rod bearings, one shop also wanted to replace the oil pump. This particular mechanic had worked on many high end motors and was highly recommended. That particular shop had not performed any S65 rod bearing replacements but many shops in my area had no experience either. I think he was in the process of rebuilding an M5 motor which may have issues with the oil pump. Also the E36 was known to have issues. I decided to go with a different shop mainly because of timing, but also was in the same boat as you, not hearing any reports of oil pump issues.

You may want to check your regional forum to see about shops in your area that have replaced rod bearings.

drrust wrote

In searching for a shop in the Cincinnati area to do rod bearings, one shop also wanted to replace the oil pump. This particular mechanic had worked on many high end motors and was highly recommended. That particular shop had not performed any S65 rod bearing replacements but many shops in my area had no experience either. I think he was in the process of rebuilding an M5 motor which may have issues with the oil pump. Also the E36 was known to have issues. I decided to go with a different shop mainly because of timing, but also was in the same boat as you, not hearing any reports of oil pump issues.

You may want to check your regional forum to see about shops in your area that have replaced rod bearings.

And that's the thing, anyone that talks to me about replacing an S65 oil pump preemptively gets blacklisted. Other cars have issues with oil pumps. The S85 (V10 M5/6) had issues with the high pressure Vanos oil pump, *not* the regular oil pump.

I am relatively handy around cars but try to adhere to the KISS method: keep it simple, stupid. Do not replace things that work perfectly. Every time you mess with something you risk grenading the engine. Don't take risks when there was no potential reward.

This is like someone talking about welding plates onto the E9X M3 subframe because 'other Ms have issues with the subframe'. Well that's great, but each model is its own little universe.

SaNGRia wrote

That is an excellent DIY. Come down, wherever you live getting colder

I live in Greenwich, CT. It's already cold

You can do that DIY if you have a lift!

SYT_Shadow wrote

And that's the thing, anyone that talks to me about replacing an S65 oil pump preemptively gets blacklisted. Other cars have issues with oil pumps. The S85 (V10 M5/6) had issues with the high pressure Vanos oil pump, *not* the regular oil pump.

I am relatively handy around cars but try to adhere to the KISS method: keep it simple, stupid. Do not replace things that work perfectly. Every time you mess with something you risk grenading the engine. Don't take risks when there was no potential reward.

This is like someone talking about welding plates onto the E9X M3 subframe because 'other Ms have issues with the subframe'. Well that's great, but each model is its own little universe.

This. Find another shop OP. I don't care if this shop supposedly has a great reputation. They clearly don't know jack about the S65.

SYT_Shadow wrote

I live in Greenwich, CT. It's already cold

You can do that DIY if you have a lift!

So what did you do? Rent a DIY place and did the replacement? If this is the case come down I pay ur plain ticket and hotel just bring important tools rent a DIY place and done in one day together?

SaNGRia wrote

So what did you do? Rent a DIY place and did the replacement? If this is the case come down I pay ur plain ticket and hotel just bring important tools rent a DIY place and done in one day together?

Exactly, I rented a place to DIY it. I only work with my brother on car stuff as well, so in the end it'll cost you as much as paying a shop to do it.