E46 M3 Rod Bearing Recall

Did bmw recall e46 m3 s for engine failure related issues.

E46 m3 rod bearing recall. We found out though in 2003 that they made a mistake. Bmw of north america llc bmw is recalling certain 2009 328i and 328xi 2009 2011 335d 2008 2012 m3 coupe and m3 convertible and 2008 2011 m3 sedan vehicles. Our s54 treated rod bearing upgrade kit for late model engines 02 03 is the ideal solution for one of the only drawbacks of the legendary s54 motor. One of the top jobs on our list was to inspect the rod bearings for wear and replace them if necessary.

Bmw issues a service action. Unfortunately the s54 used in e46 m3 and mz3 4 cars was released with a rod bearing problem in earlier 2001 2003 model years which often leads to failure. As a result the connecting rod bearings are susceptible to overheating. E46 m3 coupe convertible with s54b32 engine produced from 02 12 2001 up to 05 22 2003 the connecting rod bearings installed in m3 coupe convertible vehicles produced from february 2001 through may 2003 were not manufactured to bmw quality standards.

Bmw gave owners a hassle early on claiming engine failures due to rod bearings were caused by over revving. That s because the s54 m3 engine is plagued by rod bearing wear issues so much so that there was a recall from bmw to replace the bearings on early 01 to mid 03 model year e46 m3s like ours. The recall work comes with a 6 year 100 000 mile warrany on the engine. Bmw began replacing rod bearings in affected s54 engines.

No problems before and the car runs great since the work was performed. Eventually bmw succumbed to the serious s54 rod bearing issues. They made their recall explaining that there was a problem with the rod bearings they manufactured in the early years. The explanation they gave was that the rod bearings were manufactured incorrectly resulting in too tight of a rod bearing clearance when the engines were assembled.

Rod bearings are an essential component to proper internal function.