GB: WPC Treated OEM S54 Rod Bearings

[Eson535]

In collaboration with enthusiast "M3Dragon" on m3forum.net, I am able to offer WPC treated OEM S54 rod bearings at a discounted price provided we reach five paid group buy participants.

S54 Bearing Kit -
$226.44 -- 6 Upper / 6 Lower bearings
$10.91 --- Group rate shipping to WPC
$39.00 --- WPC cost with 20% discount
$20.30 --- Shipping from WPC to me then to you
$296.65 -- Total for GB each
$5.00 ---- Just in case shipping is incorrect
$301.65 -- Total to be paid

We (Z3M's) do not need new bolts because it is year dependent (we can re-use current). However, if you have a friend who wishes to partake with a 2003+ S54, WPC OEM bolt pricing would be as follows -

Rod Bolts
$42.90 ----- x12 Rod Bolts at $3.41 each and $2 for extra shipping..

*Please remember we are not a business and are doing this as fellow enthusiasts. So please be respectful and patient. The last GB we had 24 individuals successfully buy bearings, except for USPS taking 12 days in a few cases - It should be noted M3Dragon is the one to thank*

[Eson535]

I'll be ordering mine this coming week, so bump!

[Eson535]

Just need 2 more

[M3dragon]

subed

[KBH22102]

I read through the thread on the M5 forum and still am not clear how this improves the bearing. It seems to imply that this micro peening process reduces friction (like golf ball dimples?). Nowhere did I read what 'WPC' actually means. Could someone else please clarify the nature of this improvement?

I bought Randy's coated bearings and had mcoupemindy install them. They cost a bit more than this GB, but I don't mind about that. I'm just looking for knowledge.

[M3dragon]

Info taken from the first GB

Question: what process are we having done?
1. Surface Finish Heat Treatment 2. Wear Prevention of Sliding Parts of the Metal Products 3. Diffusion at Normal Temperature Penetration Coating
These articles make me feel a little better knowing this has been around for over 30 years, is used in F1, and has a patent.

http://www.fujimfg.co.jp/english/wpc.html

http://jmf.or.jp/monodzukuri03/en/article/p08/

For the process we have with the GB it is 2 and 3

To be clear this is not a coating. The bearings you bought will lose it's coasting over time. The WPC process for us guys (s54 and S65) in particular is better as it reduces the likely hood of a spun bearing. The old process with coatings like bimmerworld or others came up in our discussions and were found to give no benefits for reducing spun bearings other than lightening your wallet.

Hope that helps understand the WPC process and why most of us are using it. Stronger and slicker bearings mean safer motor.

And anyone motor is welcome to join. Just S54 and S65 are the main bearing destroyers at the moment.

[Eson535]

Need one more buyer!

[fmcfad01]

Just a side comment, just because something has been patented doesn't mean it's worth a shit...

[M3dragon]

Just a side comment, just because something has been patented doesn't mean it's worth a sh...

Agreed. In this case out of all the products this is the best option most of us S54 owners on other chats have found.

You don't need to change bearings unless A) you want piece of mind like most of us or B) the blackstone oil analysis says you should be scared.

[mcoupemindy]

Stronger and slicker bearings mean safer motor.

Not entirely true ... there are many reasons bearings are generally soft.

Just a side comment, just because something has been patented doesn't mean it's worth a shit...

Exactly. WPC has a place. I personally don't think it's going to do a damn bit of good in these engines.

[BimmerBreaker]

There are some treatments that could be very beneficial but the site doesnt really explain what they are doing. It just kind of says it improves things.

What about a cryogenic treatment?

[M3dragon]

Sweet jesus guys. This was posted to help you.

If you don't want to you them then go your own route. We have discussed this on the M3 forums as we have the same engine and same issues as you guys. If you think this is a waste then fine, go your own way and do your own thing.

Sorry for trying to help fellow members of the BMW community out.

[Eson535]

Group buy completed and closed. If you do your research and don't like what you see, don't participate. When my bottom end goes kaput, you guys will be the first to know.