BMW S54 Rod Bearing Replacement DIY (2001-2006 BMW E46 M3)

►The S54 began a series of hiccups for BMW's M division as they fitted their high-performance engines with tight clearances and poorly made bearings. Those factors led to catastrophic engine failures as the M5, M6, and E46 M3 suffered from rod bearing failure. Replacing the rod bearings with aftermarket fixes is the only way to avoid the issue, but that can be a massive undertaking. However, we're here to help.

You should replace your bearings every 80,000 miles with regular and spirited driving. Regular track mileage and constant high-rpm operation will shrink their service life by about 30% on average, so be aware of that if that's where your S54 will live. If you're looking for any other information on your BMW E46 M3 engine, like specs, trouble spots, and upgrades, check out our engine guide here.

Watch along as Gareth Foley, FCP Euro's BMW Expert, tackles an E46 M3 rod bearing replacement.

00:00 - Intro
01:20 - Tools Needed
04:11 - Job Start/BMW E46 M3 Oil Drain
04:42 - BMW E46 M3 Splash Shield & Reinforcement Plate Removal
06:22 - BMW E46 M3 Front Control Arms & Steering Shaft Removal
06:51 - BMW E46 M3 Engine Fan Shroud Removal
07:15 - BMW E46 M3 Fan Removal
08:31 - BMW E46 M3 Intake Removal
09:45 - BMW E46 M3 Crank Pully & Belt Removal
10:33 - BMW E46 M3 Engine Support Brace
11:08 - BMW E46 M3 Sway Bar Removal
11:21 - BMW E46 M3 Front Subframe Removal
12:34 - BMW E46 M3 Oil Pan Removal
16:07 - BMW E46 M3 Oil Pickup Tube Removal
16:57 - BMW E46 M3 Rod Bearing Removal
18:29 - BMW E46 M3 Plastigage Procedure
22:16 - BMW E46 M3 Rod Bearing Install
24:46 - BMW E46 M3 Bearing Explanation
26:28 - BMW E46 M3 Oil Pan Install Prep
28:09 - BMW E46 M3 Oil Pan Prep
32:32 - BMW E46 M3 Oil Pan Install
38:56 - BMW E46 M3 Crank Pully Install
39:29 - BMW E46 M3 Subframe Install
41:16 - BMW E46 M3 Sway Bar Install
41:47 - BMW E46 M3 Front Control Arms Install
42:13 - BMW E46 M3 Serpentine Belt Install
43:38 - BMW E46 M3 Fan & Fan Shroud Install
45:12 - BMW E46 M3 Intake Install
45:50 - BMW E46 M3 Oil Change
47:29 - BMW E46 M3 First Start
47:57 - BMW E46 M3 Rod Bearing Thoughts
49:34 - BMW E46 M3 Reinforcement & Splash Shield Install
50:58 - Wrap-Up

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Buy Tools Used Here:

CTA 2450 Plastigage - https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/2-pi...

LM 48 Installation Paste - https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/asse...

Evo 300 Sealant - https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/sili...

BMW M3
2003 BMW M3 Engine Connecting Rod Bearing Kit
From 4/2003
2004 BMW M3 Engine Connecting Rod Bearing Kit
2005 BMW M3 Engine Connecting Rod Bearing Kit
2006 BMW M3 Engine Connecting Rod Bearing Kit

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