Rod bearings should be replaced as a preventative measure before 80,000 miles. This package is the most complete rod bearing overhaul kit available and includes not just the latest BMW rod bearings and connecting rod bolts, but also everything else that should be replaced with the oil pan and front subframe off the car.

Rod bearings continue to be a sore subject among M3, M5, and M6 owners. The rod bearings in the S65 V8 have been known to fail within 60,000 miles. There could be a number of reasons for premature failure, with a lot of finger-pointing as to the real cause. Whatever the reason, rod bearings are wearing out sooner than expected, and their replacement should be considered a required preventative maintenance item.

We suggest a replacement interval of between 60,000-80,000 miles with frequent engine oil analysis done along the way*. Driving moderately and allowing the engine to warm up before hard use will also extend rod bearing life.

After many rod bearing replacements, we have put together this overhaul package. This package includes:

Genuine BMW rod bearings

• 11247841703, upper bearings - latest design from BMW (either original or WPC treated**)
• 11247841702, upper bearings - latest design from BMW (either original or WPC treated**)
• 11247834522, connecting rod bolts
• Red Line engine assembly lube

Oil Pan

• 11137841085, oil pan gasket
• 07129905537, oil pan screws (required by BMW)
• 07129905599, oil pan screws (required by BMW)
• 07129905600, oil pan screws (required by BMW)

Replacing the rod bearings requires mechanical knowledge and skill, a clean workspace, and several specialist tools. Our preferred procedure is to leave the engine in the car but remove the front subframe. The engine must be supported from above with an engine brace. Removing the front subframe involves disconnecting the control arms and steering rack and steering column. The oil pan can then be removed and you can access the connecting rods and bearings. Replacing the rod bearings themselves is straightforward, but patience and forethought will be extremely helpful. In addition to analyzing the severity of the rod bearing wear, the crankshaft must also be inspected closely for damage. Rod bearings that have been severely worn may have damaged the crankshaft (requiring replacement or machining).

* BMW released an updated rod bearing around 2011 that uses different materials than the original design. The old rod bearings were constructed with several layers or metal, including copper and lead. If an engine oil analysis revealed high levels of these specific metals then it was a sure sign that the rod bearings were nearing replacement. However, the new BMW bearings do not use copper or lead so an oil analysis will not alert you to heavy bearing wear. The new bearings are also a harder material which prolonged the life of the bearing but increased the liklihood of crankshaft damage if a bearing failed. Even though the bearing theoretically lasts longer it's even more important to preventativly replace them before they damage the crankshaft.

WPC-treated bearings are the best we have seen for the S65. WPC is a shot-peening treatment at a microscopic level. It's perfect for sensitive surfaces like bearings. The WPC treatment removes imperfections and high spots, while creating a surface that retains oil better than the original surface. This greatly reduces friction. The bearings in this kit are factory BMW bearings that are sent to WPC for treatment. The treated bearings are stronger with less metal fatigue and less friction than buying off-the-shelf bearings from the dealer.

BE Bearings is another top pick when considering which bearing kit to choose. Working with Clevite, an OE bearing supplier, their design allows for a bit more clearance than stock, allowing better oil circulation and reducing friction. The material is also made from the original bearing composition of lead-copper, not the updated tin-aluminum used in factory BMW bearings which was excessively hard, potentially damaging the crankshaft when high friction occurred. This softer metal composition can also be tested for via oil analysis, allowing you to see high bearing wear, something the tin-aluminum bearings don't give you the ability to do.

Front Subframe Hardware

• 31106769907, front subframe mounting bolts
• 31106769908, front subframe mounting bolts
• 33326768354, front subframe mounting bolts
• 33326760668, front wishbone collar nut

Tie Rod Boots

• 32106765234, tie rod boot kit (x2)

Motor Mounts with Hardware

• 11812283798, motor mounts (x2)
• 33306760587, motor mount nuts (x4)

Engine Oil Change

• 83212365944, BMW 10W-60 engine oil
• 11427837997, Mahle OEM oil filter