The short version
- The S65 V8 is famous for rod bearing wear. We recommend replacing them at around 60,000 miles.
- Worn bearings rarely give a warning. New S65 engines are no longer available from BMW, and used ones start from around £8,000.
- It's the job we're best known for. We've done so many we've lost count.
- S65 rod bearings are from £1,749 including VAT.
If you own an E90, E92 or E93 M3, you've almost certainly heard about rod bearings. It's the job that defines S65 ownership, and it's the one we're best known for. We've done more than we can count, including inside a motorsport race team, which probably makes us the most qualified place in Scotland to do yours.
Why the S65 wears its rod bearings
The S65 is a 4.0 litre V8 that revs to 8,400rpm. That's a lot to ask of the thin bearing shells each connecting rod runs on. The factory bearing clearances are tight, and between high revs, high temperatures, a heavy oil grade and oil that thins with age, the shells wear over time. Once they wear through, the protective oil film breaks down and metal meets metal.
When to do them, and why not to wait
We recommend replacing the rod bearings on an S65 at around 60,000 miles.
Rod bearings rarely give a useful warning. By the time there's a knock, the damage is usually done, and a spun bearing normally means a replacement engine. That's harder than it sounds: new S65 engines have been discontinued by BMW, so the only option is a used one, from upwards of £8,000 depending on mileage and condition. Next to that, the bearings are a small price for peace of mind.
How we do the job
- The engine is stripped down carefully to get at the crankshaft.
- Every old shell and bolt is laid out by position, so you can see exactly how each one has worn.
- New ACL bearings and new OEM rod bolts are fitted and torqued to specification.
- Fresh oil is part of the job.
- The whole job is photographed as it goes, and you get the pictures.
- Every old part is kept out for you to inspect when you collect the car.
What our customers say
Top service from a true specialist. Dropped my e92 BMW M3 into RDM for rod bearing change, engine mounts and a new battery. Work was completed to an amazing standard but additionally the communication and attention to detail was superb. Literally hundreds of photographs of the work carried out, with all removed parts available for inspection and small issues not included in the original requirement resolved as well! Would highly recommend to anyone with a performance BMW.
E92 M3 owner, Google review
Worth doing at the same time
Engine mounts are the job we'd always recommend alongside rod bearings on an S65. While the car is in, it's also a good time to look at the S65's other known jobs: throttle actuators (from £849), brake vacuum sensors (from £249), VANOS covers, cam cover gaskets, and a major service (from £299).
Prices
S65 rod bearings are from £1,749 including VAT. Every car is different, so we'll confirm the price for yours before any work starts.
The S85 V10 in the E6x M5 and M6 has the same reputation and gets the same treatment, again from around 60,000 miles. Rod bearings on the S85 are priced on application.
