The BMW S54 engine, which powers the E46 M3, Z3M and Z4M are fantastic high revving engines but are known to prematurely fail due to rod bearing issues. Some common contributing factors are clearance issues from factory, irregular oil changes and high RPM usage.
Unfortunately, it is very difficult to catch failing rod bearings as it happens without a warning and takes out the engine with it. Once you hear knocking or observe excessive metal shavings in the oil, the problem is far too gone to be fixed by just replacing the rod bearing as by then the crank also get damaged and metal shaving circulates the entire engine and oil cooling system. Fixing can become very expensive very fast.
Fortunately, it’s possible to completely avoid this problem by upgrading your rod bearings and oil change regularly every 5,000 miles. Here at NoLimit Motor Works we take pride in what we do. We use the highest quality parts for every job we do.
Parts we use
- ACL Rod Bearings
- ARP Bolts
- OEM Oil Pan Gasket
- OEM Oil Filter Kit
- Liqui Moly Engine Oil