2011+ Rod Bearings, what to look for?

Rupes · 08-03-2014, 11:00 PM

What should you be looking for on an oil analysis for 2011 or newer models? Lead was the obvious indicator of bearings issues on the older models, but the new ones, I'm not so sure.

MFL · 08-04-2014, 12:57 AM

There is an abundant amount of information for you to look through in the infinite amount of threads created regarding rod bearing concerns.

Literally read the first page of this section of the forum, you don't even need to use the search function.

Rupes · 08-04-2014, 06:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MFL

There is an abundant amount of information for you to look through in the infinite amount of threads created regarding rod bearing concerns.

Literally read the first page of this section of the forum, you don't even need to use the search function.

Thanks. I have a 2010 and have read quite a bit on the issue. My question was specific to 2011+ rod bearings since they aren't lead. Seems like an analysis would be much harder to determine bearing issues.

JPH704 · 08-04-2014, 06:59 AM

Listen for the tick... tick.

Tick, Tick... Boom!

Dave07997S · 08-04-2014, 08:32 AM

This is a sure tell tale sign..

Rupes · 08-04-2014, 11:05 AM

Some great advice today

W/// · 08-04-2014, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave07997S

This is a sure tell tale sign..

That actually made me laugh. Well played

aus · 08-04-2014, 11:56 AM

It seems OP has done some reading on the topic. Unfortunately, there's no warning indicator for bearing wear on the newer engines.

Rupes · 08-04-2014, 04:23 PM

Well that kind of sucks. Seems like you're almost better off with the lead bearings. At least then you have an idea of when they're going bad.

aussiem3 · 08-04-2014, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by W///

That actually made me laugh. Well played

+1

bigjae1976 · 08-07-2014, 11:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave07997S

This is a sure tell tale sign..

This is the M3Post that I love so much!

m3ray · 08-08-2014, 12:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ///M3_DCT

Listen for the tick... tick.

Tick, Tick... Boom!

Or a rod sticking out of the block...

bdaddylo · 08-08-2014, 08:13 AM

I thought copper was the real indicator and not lead. Wear on the outer shell of the bearing doesn't mean you have a bearing issue.

modkrazy · 08-10-2014, 06:37 PM

Look at copper levels and other trace metals, you can establish a baseline if you take a sample after 1000miles, 3000 miles, 5000 miles, etc. If the counts are significantly higher on the older samples, you know you have bearing wear. Although that in itself is not necessarily a bad thing.

Unless you start hearing ticking, I wouldn't worry about it too much. Think of it as a $2000 fee you have to pay up front if you want a supercharger.

08-03-2014, 11:00 PM	#1
Rupes Major 1056 Rep 1,459 Posts Drives: F87 M2 (current), E90 330xi (w Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Oregon iTrader: (0)	2011+ Rod Bearings, what to look for? What should you be looking for on an oil analysis for 2011 or newer models? Lead was the obvious indicator of bearings issues on the older models, but the new ones, I'm not so sure.
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08-04-2014, 12:57 AM	#2
MFL Major 174 Rep 1,246 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Bellevue, WA iTrader: (3) Garage List 2010 BMW M3 [9.00]	There is an abundant amount of information for you to look through in the infinite amount of threads created regarding rod bearing concerns. Literally read the first page of this section of the forum, you don't even need to use the search function.
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08-04-2014, 06:59 AM	#4
JPH704 Captain 26 Rep 767 Posts Drives: Huracan Performante & 720s Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: South East iTrader: (18)	Listen for the tick... tick. Tick, Tick... Boom! __________________ 2019 McLaren 720s / 2018 Lamborghini Huracan Performante / 2019 Porsche Macan Turbo / 2016 BMW M3/// IG @jon.hagerty
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08-04-2014, 08:32 AM	#5
Dave07997S Brigadier General 739 Rep 3,982 Posts Drives: 2020 Ford Mustang GT Join Date: May 2009 Location: El Segundo, CA iTrader: (1)	This is a sure tell tale sign.. __________________ 2020 Ford Mustang GT 6MT PP1 444rwhp (Sold)2013 M3 Coupe-MR/BLK ZCP, 2011 M3 Coupe-MR/Blk 2007 Porsche 997C2S Speed Yellow/Blk sport seats 2004 BMW M3 Imola/Blk
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08-04-2014, 11:05 AM	#6
Rupes Major 1056 Rep 1,459 Posts Drives: F87 M2 (current), E90 330xi (w Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Oregon iTrader: (0)	Some great advice today
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08-04-2014, 11:56 AM	#8
aus Major General 894 Rep 9,034 Posts Drives: Odysse Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Seal Beach, CA iTrader: (10)	It seems OP has done some reading on the topic. Unfortunately, there's no warning indicator for bearing wear on the newer engines.
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08-04-2014, 04:23 PM	#9
Rupes Major 1056 Rep 1,459 Posts Drives: F87 M2 (current), E90 330xi (w Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Oregon iTrader: (0)	Well that kind of sucks. Seems like you're almost better off with the lead bearings. At least then you have an idea of when they're going bad.
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08-08-2014, 08:13 AM	#13
bdaddylo Major 168 Rep 1,479 Posts Drives: 2017 F80 M3 Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Houston, TX iTrader: (3) Garage List 2011 BMW E90 M3 [10.00] 2005 Acura MDX [0.00] 2011 BMW 1 Series M ... [10.00]	I thought copper was the real indicator and not lead. Wear on the outer shell of the bearing doesn't mean you have a bearing issue. __________________ _______________________ 1991 E30 M3/Brilliantrot 2017 F80 M3/AW
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08-10-2014, 06:37 PM	#14
modkrazy Lieutenant Colonel 171 Rep 1,536 Posts Drives: m3 Join Date: May 2014 Location: tx iTrader: (1)	Look at copper levels and other trace metals, you can establish a baseline if you take a sample after 1000miles, 3000 miles, 5000 miles, etc. If the counts are significantly higher on the older samples, you know you have bearing wear. Although that in itself is not necessarily a bad thing. Unless you start hearing ticking, I wouldn't worry about it too much. Think of it as a $2000 fee you have to pay up front if you want a supercharger.
	Appreciate 0 Quote