For M3 Owners... Check your local listing now....
- Thread starter m3magic
- Start date
piggyboyz
Core Group Members
Check this out............
Very detailed info
http://members.roadfly.org/bmw_e46_m3/bulletins/110404.pdf
Very detailed info
http://members.roadfly.org/bmw_e46_m3/bulletins/110404.pdf
It looks like either there was insufficient clearance on the internal diameter of the rod bearings as installed, or the bearings were not produced with enough eccentricity leading to excess pressure at the two points lateral to the transverse midpoint of the rod journal, due to rod bore distortion under high tensile loading at TDC. The excess pressure cuts through the oil wedge and metal on metal = not good.
Am willing to bet that it was the latter since the former is too basic a mistake to make esp for an established manufacturer like BMW. Can anyone get one upper halve and one lower halve from both the old set and the replacement set and mic them at the four points next to the parting line? And while you're at it just take the thickness of both vertically as well.
Am willing to bet that it was the latter since the former is too basic a mistake to make esp for an established manufacturer like BMW. Can anyone get one upper halve and one lower halve from both the old set and the replacement set and mic them at the four points next to the parting line? And while you're at it just take the thickness of both vertically as well.
no no.. run the engine damn hard right now till it destroys itself completely... and then when they finally send out the recall which should be sometime soon, you step up and say "ah! so these faulty rod bearings caused my engine failure, so you should give me an entirely new engine."
BMW SERVICE ACTION ON M3 S54 ENGINES – AUGUST 2004
(Q1) Why is BMW announcing a service action on M3 S54 engines?
(A1) We have determined that certain BMW M3s with S54 engines could experience premature engine damage. The engine connecting rod bearings were not manufactured to BMW quality standards. As a result, the bearings can overheat and fail prematurely if the vehicle is operated at higher engine speeds over an extended period.
(Q2) How many cars are affected by the service action?
(A2) Approximately 20,000 M3s are affected in the US (48,000 Worldwide).
(Q3) Which models are affected?
(A3) BMW M3 Coupe/Convertible equipped with S54 engines and produced between February 12, 2001 and May 22, 2003.
(Q4) How many M3s with S54 engines in total were sold in the US?
(A4) Approximately 28,600 M3s with S54 engines have been sold in the US to date.
(Q5) How did BMW become aware of the problem?
(A5) BMW became aware of the problem through its own quality control processes.
(Q6) What is the reason for the defect?
(A6) The connecting rod bearings were not manufactured to BMW quality standards. As a result, the connecting rod bearings are susceptible to overheating and subsequent premature failure if the vehicle is operated at higher engine speeds over an extended period.
(Q7) How does the driver become aware of the problem?
(A7) If the connecting rod bearings were to fail, the damage is often accompanied by engine knocking or a loud rattling noise. If this were to occur, the driver should pull over to a safe location, turn the ignition off and call BMW Roadside Assistance at (800) 332-4BMW to have the vehicle towed to the nearest authorized BMW center.
(Q8) Is this a safety issue?
(A8) No, this is a long-term durability issue. The vehicle can still be operated with no immediate need to have the repairs carried out. The driver would become aware of the problem if the engine started knocking or making a loud rattling noise. If this were to occur, the driver should to pull over to a safe location, turn the ignition off and call BMW Roadside Assistance at (800) 332-4BMW to have the car towed to the nearest authorized BMW center.
(Q9) What is the solution to the problem?
(A9) The affected cars will require replacement of the connecting rod bearings and the engine management system will be programmed with the latest software.
(Q10) BMW conducted a service action in March 2003 for an internal engine problem. How is this service action different?
(A10) Our original investigation identified a problem with contamination of the engine lubricating system during assembly and unfavorable tolerances in the engine oil pump in M3 S54 engines produced from October 2001 through February 2002. The current service action addresses a quality issue with the engine connecting rod bearings which can result in premature wear.
(Q11) How many cars have experienced this engine damage?
(A11) To date, only a small percentage of cars have experienced engine damage caused by premature connecting rod bearing wear.
(Q12) Is BMW aware of any accidents or injuries attributed to the problem?
(A12) No.
(Q13) Will BMW initiate a recall?
(A13) No, this issue will be addressed through a service action.
(Q14) How will affected customers be informed?
(A14) Affected customers will receive a letter from BMW of North America, LLC informing them of the service action. Affected customers are asked to contact their authorized BMW center to schedule an appointment for the service action.
(Q15) How long will the repair take?
(A15) The repair will take approximately 1½ working days to complete, however, the actual time will vary depending on center scheduling.
(Q16) Are there any repair costs for the customer?
(A16) No.
(Q17) Can customers continue to drive their cars?
(A17) Yes. However, BMW recommends affected customers schedule an appointment for the repair with an authorized BMW center as soon as possible. In the unlikely event that your engine is knocking or making a rattling noise, please pull over to a safe location, turn the ignition off and call BMW Roadside Assistance at (800) 332-4BMW to have the vehicle towed to the nearest authorized BMW center.
(Q18) Does my M3 Coupe/Convertible have a 6-year/100,000 mile engine warranty extension?
(A18) To show our commitment to customers, BMW provided this warranty to all 2001, 2002 and 2003 model year BMW’s with S54 engines.
(Q19) Why is the M roadster/coupe not affected by this service action?
(A19) The design of the M roadster/coupe is different from the M3 Coupe/Convertible. Most important, the M roadster/coupe has a lower maximum speed, 7600 rpm vs. 8000 rpm in the M3 Coupe/Convertible. As a result, the connecting rod bearings are not subjected to the same stress as those in a M3 Coupe/Convertible.
(Q20) Do customers have to wait to receive their notification letter before having this repair performed?
(A20) Yes. BMW is in the process of implementing the service action to ensure that the necessary parts are at the BMW centers prior to sending out the owner notification letters.
(Q21) When will letters be sent to affected customers?
(A21) Mailings are scheduled to commence in August 2004.
(Q22) The engine in my M3 was previously replaced. Does the service action still need to be performed?
(A22) It depends on the production date of the replacement engine. The customer should consult with the authorized center or customer relations to confirm whether the vehicle is affected.
(Q1) Why is BMW announcing a service action on M3 S54 engines?
(A1) We have determined that certain BMW M3s with S54 engines could experience premature engine damage. The engine connecting rod bearings were not manufactured to BMW quality standards. As a result, the bearings can overheat and fail prematurely if the vehicle is operated at higher engine speeds over an extended period.
(Q2) How many cars are affected by the service action?
(A2) Approximately 20,000 M3s are affected in the US (48,000 Worldwide).
(Q3) Which models are affected?
(A3) BMW M3 Coupe/Convertible equipped with S54 engines and produced between February 12, 2001 and May 22, 2003.
(Q4) How many M3s with S54 engines in total were sold in the US?
(A4) Approximately 28,600 M3s with S54 engines have been sold in the US to date.
(Q5) How did BMW become aware of the problem?
(A5) BMW became aware of the problem through its own quality control processes.
(Q6) What is the reason for the defect?
(A6) The connecting rod bearings were not manufactured to BMW quality standards. As a result, the connecting rod bearings are susceptible to overheating and subsequent premature failure if the vehicle is operated at higher engine speeds over an extended period.
(Q7) How does the driver become aware of the problem?
(A7) If the connecting rod bearings were to fail, the damage is often accompanied by engine knocking or a loud rattling noise. If this were to occur, the driver should pull over to a safe location, turn the ignition off and call BMW Roadside Assistance at (800) 332-4BMW to have the vehicle towed to the nearest authorized BMW center.
(Q8) Is this a safety issue?
(A8) No, this is a long-term durability issue. The vehicle can still be operated with no immediate need to have the repairs carried out. The driver would become aware of the problem if the engine started knocking or making a loud rattling noise. If this were to occur, the driver should to pull over to a safe location, turn the ignition off and call BMW Roadside Assistance at (800) 332-4BMW to have the car towed to the nearest authorized BMW center.
(Q9) What is the solution to the problem?
(A9) The affected cars will require replacement of the connecting rod bearings and the engine management system will be programmed with the latest software.
(Q10) BMW conducted a service action in March 2003 for an internal engine problem. How is this service action different?
(A10) Our original investigation identified a problem with contamination of the engine lubricating system during assembly and unfavorable tolerances in the engine oil pump in M3 S54 engines produced from October 2001 through February 2002. The current service action addresses a quality issue with the engine connecting rod bearings which can result in premature wear.
(Q11) How many cars have experienced this engine damage?
(A11) To date, only a small percentage of cars have experienced engine damage caused by premature connecting rod bearing wear.
(Q12) Is BMW aware of any accidents or injuries attributed to the problem?
(A12) No.
(Q13) Will BMW initiate a recall?
(A13) No, this issue will be addressed through a service action.
(Q14) How will affected customers be informed?
(A14) Affected customers will receive a letter from BMW of North America, LLC informing them of the service action. Affected customers are asked to contact their authorized BMW center to schedule an appointment for the service action.
(Q15) How long will the repair take?
(A15) The repair will take approximately 1½ working days to complete, however, the actual time will vary depending on center scheduling.
(Q16) Are there any repair costs for the customer?
(A16) No.
(Q17) Can customers continue to drive their cars?
(A17) Yes. However, BMW recommends affected customers schedule an appointment for the repair with an authorized BMW center as soon as possible. In the unlikely event that your engine is knocking or making a rattling noise, please pull over to a safe location, turn the ignition off and call BMW Roadside Assistance at (800) 332-4BMW to have the vehicle towed to the nearest authorized BMW center.
(Q18) Does my M3 Coupe/Convertible have a 6-year/100,000 mile engine warranty extension?
(A18) To show our commitment to customers, BMW provided this warranty to all 2001, 2002 and 2003 model year BMW’s with S54 engines.
(Q19) Why is the M roadster/coupe not affected by this service action?
(A19) The design of the M roadster/coupe is different from the M3 Coupe/Convertible. Most important, the M roadster/coupe has a lower maximum speed, 7600 rpm vs. 8000 rpm in the M3 Coupe/Convertible. As a result, the connecting rod bearings are not subjected to the same stress as those in a M3 Coupe/Convertible.
(Q20) Do customers have to wait to receive their notification letter before having this repair performed?
(A20) Yes. BMW is in the process of implementing the service action to ensure that the necessary parts are at the BMW centers prior to sending out the owner notification letters.
(Q21) When will letters be sent to affected customers?
(A21) Mailings are scheduled to commence in August 2004.
(Q22) The engine in my M3 was previously replaced. Does the service action still need to be performed?
(A22) It depends on the production date of the replacement engine. The customer should consult with the authorized center or customer relations to confirm whether the vehicle is affected.
bimmerworks
Member
PML has sent mail dated 27th August to affected owners offering to make the changes at no cost to owner. Needs 2 days work and you need to run in the engine again 
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Rays Homura 2x7 5x120. JB4 for N54.
- Latest: imprezawrxsti22b
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