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Thread: E46 M3 engine failure update & other info

  1. 05-14-2002, 12:37 PM #1
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    E46 M3 engine failure update & other info

    After talking to several people who own E46 M3s and my dealer, BMW has acknowledged internally that there is a definite problem with the connecting rod bearing on some E46 M3s.

    From empirical data from people in Dallas and other cities in Texas. Several cars with a production date of 11/01 with SMG II transmissions have blown up.

    However mine fits this criteria and I seem to have the world record at 11K miles with no problems. My only explanation is that this connecting rod bearing problem happened midway through the production cycle in November and mine happened to be one of the earlier cars produced since I got my car in early December.

    Also there is no limit on Launch Control starts on SMG II models.

    My advice to other E46 M3 owners is,
    1.Let your car go through its entire warm up sequence before driving it.

    2.Take your car in at the slightest occurance of anything unusal.

    3.Be sure to check your oil frequently until this problem gets ironed out.

    Brian
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  2. 05-14-2002, 10:03 PM #2
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    BIMMERFORUMS     Administrator
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    I understand BMW has increased the connecting rod bearing clearances from .03mm to .04mm for the S54 B32 engine per Bulletin 11 08 01.

    I know BMW has changed the engine oil viscosity (apparently since making this change in bearing clearance) in hopes of prolonging the life of the engine. I understand the engine still has "issues" that remain to be corrected however!

    Bob ///M3
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  3. 05-16-2002, 01:16 PM #3
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    Is there a way/source to get a copy of Bulletin 11 08 01?
    MAB
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  4. 05-16-2002, 01:45 PM #4
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    Not that I'm aware of. I don't think they are available in hard copy any more...only on-line. A BMW service tech might be able to ciopy or print it...

    Bob ///M3


    Originally posted by MAB Badgerbimmer
    Is there a way/source to get a copy of Bulletin 11 08 01?
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  5. 05-16-2002, 02:16 PM #5
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    They should make that information available online...
    Let me get this straight... You are swapping out parts designed by hundreds of engineers that get paid thousands of dollars for something you bought at Pep Boys because your buddy who doesn't have a job told you it was 'better'?!?
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  6. 05-16-2002, 02:18 PM #6
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    you mean this?


    Brian

    Originally posted by MAB Badgerbimmer
    Is there a way/source to get a copy of Bulletin 11 08 01?
    Last edited by SDbboy; 05-16-2002 at 02:20 PM.
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  7. 05-17-2002, 11:09 AM #7
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    The question now is; have there been blown engine problems occurring with engines manufactured after November 2001 when the clearance increase was incorporated?
    MAB
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  8. 05-24-2002, 08:29 PM #8
    trumperZ06
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    Gosh guys, we complain to the General about a "little" oil burning and y'all have hand gernade engines!!!

    I am real sorry to read about these problems.

    When the new M3 is running right its really a cool car. Did some track time last week at Carolina Motor Sports Park, a white M3 pulled really strong on the straights.
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