E46 M3 Rod Bearing Recall

We found out though in 2003 that they made a mistake.

E46 m3 rod bearing recall.

Bmw issues a service action. Rod bearings are an essential component to proper internal function. As a result the connecting rod bearings are susceptible to overheating. The recall work comes with a 6 year 100 000 mile warrany on the engine.

Bmw began replacing rod bearings in affected s54 engines. 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. Did bmw recall e46 m3 s for engine failure related issues. No problems before and the car runs great since the work was performed.

Internal issues are never good. Connecting rod bearing replacement in october 2004 bmw issued technical service bulletin si b11 04 04 for bmw e46 m3 coupes with the s54b32 engine that were manufactured from 12 february 2001 to 22 may 2003. 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. 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.

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. One of the top jobs on our list was to inspect the rod bearings for wear and replace them if necessary. 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. Eventually bmw succumbed to the serious s54 rod bearing issues.

Bmw gave owners a hassle early on claiming engine failures due to rod bearings were caused by over revving.