Depending on where you go, your rod bearing replacement will cost $2,000-$3,500 on average. BMW dealerships will always charge higher prices than independent shops, and estimates can range up to $9,500 after all is said and done.
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How long do BMW rod bearings last?
BMW Rod Bearing Maintenance The original rod bearings should be replaced every 60-80,000 miles, especially on vehicles which followed BMW’s 15,000-mile oil change recommendation. Consistent BMW maintenance is crucial for a high-performing vehicle.
Why do BMWS have rod bearing problems?
Lack of proper clearance limits oil lubrication between the crank journal and the rod bearings. This causes premature wearing of the rod bearings. This rubbing also creates debris which can damage other engine parts. Because of this, we see BMW engines wearing through their bearings early.
How long does it take to replace a rod bearing?
i can confirm, someone who has done it before, can most likely get it done in about 8 hours.
What year E46 M3 had rod bearing issues?
The M3 vehicles produced from October 2001 through February 2002, which already had the Connecting Rod Bearings/Oil Pump Campaign 356 (SI B 11 02 03) previously performed, are also affected by this Service Action.
How much does a rod bearing job cost?
The Average Cost for Replacing a Rod Bearing is $10 to $5,000, Depending on Whether You Have it Done by a Mechanic or DIY. The listed average cost is based on the national average for all vehicles and does not factor in any fees or taxes or your particular make and model.
Which BMW engines have rod bearing issues?
BMW M3, M5 & M6 โ Engine Rod Bearing Failure The engine rod bearings in these BMW models experience excessive wear and consequently premature failure. Some engines have been known to fail within 60,000 miles.
What causes rod bearing failure?
Lack of lubrication is the number one cause of rod bearing failure. The root cause of the issue could be anything from a low oil level to a faulty oil pump. Clogged oiling passages can also lead to isolated bearing failures.
Are main bearings and rod bearings the same?

What does engine bearing noise sound like?
Crankshaft bearing noise is also caused by low oil pressure, which damages the bearing surfaces and could eventually damage the crankshaft itself. This type of noise is usually described as a rumbling or thumping sound deep in the engine when accelerating.
What is spinning a rod bearing?
With that in mind, when the term “spun rod bearing” is used, it means that the little tabs that are supposed to hold the bearing shells in the rod and the end cap aren’t doing their jobsโthey’ve broken and the two bearing shells are instead spinning in place.
What is a rod bearing in an engine?
Connecting rod bearings provide rotating motion of the crank pin within the connecting rod, which transmits cycling loads applied to the piston. Connecting rod bearings are mounted in the Big end of the connecting rod. A bearing consists of two parts (commonly interchangeable).
Can you fix rod knock by replacing bearings?
How Do You Fix Rod Knock? The only solution is an engine rebuild where you pull the rods and replace the bearings. It’s likely that the flailing rod damaged the crank journal surface, so you’ll definitely need the crank polished and most like turned.
Is a spun rod bearing fixable?
The best case scenario for fixing a spun bearing is you’ll replace the crank, rods and pistons, but the block is often also toast so you need a complete new bottom-end on your motor.
How much does it cost to replace a rod in an engine?
So, how much are engine rod repair costs? On average, expect to spend between $2,000-$3,000 for both parts and labor. Usually, the job consists of replacing the seals, gaskets, connecting rod bearings, cylinder head bolts, and flushing out the engine and cooler lines.
What year E46 M3 is best?
The BMW E46 M3, produced from 2000 to 2006, is arguably the closest to the ideal of what the M3 should be and amongst one of the best driver’s cars.
What are common issues with E46 M3?
- Engine. The high-revving characteristic of the S54 can cause multiple difficulties with the solenoids, throttle bodies, and VANOS system in high-mileage vehicles.
- Interior problem.
- Transmission problems.
- Rod Bearing Problems.
- Cracks in Subframes.
- VANOS Issue.
Does E46 M3 have rod bearing issues?
BMW is not the only car manufacturer to have engine bearing issues. It is just the most widely known of recent times because it has affected several of the world’s most popular BMW car chassis, the E46 M3, the E90 M3, S60 M5 and S63 M6. In BMW, the engine bearing failure affects the rod bearings.
Is it worth fixing rod knock?
Rod knock is a serious issue with your engineโit means the engine is not functioning properly. If you start to notice rod knock, this isn’t a problem that will just resolve itselfโyou must take immediate action and replace the rod bearing while also fixing any other parts associated with the sound.
How long can a rod knock last?
Once an engine starts to knock, the rod can fracture without warning. It could be the next time you start it in your driveway, or it could keep going for six months. Eventually though, the engine will blow and you’ll be stranded somewhere.
What causes an engine to throw a rod?
What Would Cause an Engine to Throw a Rod? There are a few reasons why an engine might get to the point of throwing a connector rod: low oil pressure, too much engine revving, valve failure, or some loose nuts and bolts. Proper engine maintenance is your best defense against these issues.
Does N55 have rod bearing issues?
The Problem Many BMW drivers with N55 engines have experienced engine failures and issues related to bearings inside the engine. When this occurs you’re often stuck looking at complete engine replacements and repairs totaling over $10,000 to fix the issue and repair all of the damages caused.
What are rod bearings made out of?
Friction rod bearings are commonly made from nonferrous metals such as bronze, aluminum, and babbitt. A nonferrous metal is a metal that does not contain iron. Bronze is a nonferrous metal alloy that consists of brass and zinc. Aluminum is a nonferrous metal commonly alloyed with zinc or copper.
What are connecting rod bearings?
Connecting rod bearings provide rotating motion of the crank pin within the. connecting rod, which transmits cycling loads applied to the piston. Connecting rod bearings are mounted in the Big end of the connecting rod. A bearing consists of two parts (commonly interchangeable). โข
How can you tell if a rod bearing is bad?
- Noise In The Engine. Noise in the engine.
- Loss Of Oil Pressure.
- Transmission Noise And Worn Belts.
- Silver Shavings In The Oil.
- Copper Sheen In The Oil.