[mym3isslow]

All, I'm in the process of replacing my leaking sump gasket and I decided to inspect the rod bearings for laughs and giggles.

Mileage: 105k
Build Date: 01/11
Bearing Code: bbbrrr
Maintenance history: I'm the second owner. Unknown oil change history until 80k, which is when I acquired it. I've been changing the oil on average every 7.5k miles.

I pulled the rod caps for cylinders 2 and 5. They both seemed fine (compared to many pictures I've seen online) so I'm not going to pull anymore. I'm not going to change them this time around because why spend $500 on parts if you don't need to?

Discuss.

[scotthilly]

Originally Posted by mym3isslow

All, I'm in the process of replacing my leaking sump gasket and I decided to inspect the rod bearings for laughs and giggles.

Mileage: 105k
Build Date: 01/11
Bearing Code: bbbrrr
Maintenance history: I'm the second owner. Unknown oil change history until 80k, which is when I acquired it. I've been changing the oil on average every 7.5k miles.

I pulled the rod caps for cylinders 2 and 5. They both seemed fine (compared to many pictures I've seen online) so I'm not going to pull anymore. I'm not going to change them this time around because why spend $500 on parts if you don't need to?

Discuss.

Glad to see it! Your name says M3 but I’m guessing you’re a 335i with the N55? Or you might be in the wrong spot haha.

Can’t remember who, but a big YouTuber recently took apart his 2011 135i that had a few mods and 120k. The bearing were perfect. I might still get them done once my valve cover gasket leaks, but not before then!

[mym3isslow]

Originally Posted by scotthilly

Glad to see it! Your name says M3 but I’m guessing you’re a 335i with the N55? Or you might be in the wrong spot haha.

Can’t remember who, but a big YouTuber recently took apart his 2011 135i that had a few mods and 120k. The bearing were perfect. I might still get them done once my valve cover gasket leaks, but not before then!

Yes, sorry, my car is a 2011 335i 6 spd, N55. The username is a tribute to my e36 m3.

If I were you, I would not think about the rod bearings unless you are already in there for the sump gasket. Once you're there, spend the extra $25-$70 in parts to inspect them and go from there.

[fastboatster]

Yours look like mine at 108 knives. That said, you need to look at the upper rod bearing shells, these are the ones getting worn heavier than the lower shells. 2 and 5 might not be a good indicator, I recall the most worn were #1 and 6. Would still recommend doing them, it’s def less than 500$, but peace of mind is priceless. I used ACL bearings, std kings are even cheaper, the rest of the hardware was about 100 if I recall correctly, just need to get the parts online