Say it ain't so.
- Thread starter Immobile
- Start date
![[;)]](/images/smilies/wink.png "Wink [;)]")
![[:)]](/images/smilies/smile.png "Smile [:)]")
Yeah, I had trouble trying to pin down specifics from my friend. I assume that he is referring to tracked M3s. At any rate, the few responses so far seem to point to either a) it's an old problem that is now fixed or, b) it doesn't happen. Perhaps it's simply jingoistic talk coming from the P-boys. Although,..., he claims to have pics....
I believe it was a bad main bearing on engines made in a specific time frame in 2002, but it may have included some 2001 dates as well. The engines are now subject to a 6 year 100k (or unlimited mileage?) warranty, and I would not let it put you off if you are thinking of buying a new M3.
It would also be applicable to any 2001 M roadster or M coupe that shares the M3 engine, assuming that the production dates for those cars fell within the defined range, but I don't think that it does.
Such problems are not unique to BMW. The first-year of the 996 series Porsche 911 (1999) has a bad main seal that leads to expensive engine repair/failure. Porsche, however, has not stepped up their warranty and as a result the 1999s are worth much less than a comparable 2000, at least to a knowledgable buyer. Audi is currently experiencing strange failures with the new S4 that they are still trying to figure out. Many S4s have been rendered undriveable and I understand that Audi has picked up the cars, provided a long-term loaner, and nobody knows when the situation will be resolved.
They may also be referencing a different phenomenon that can destroy an engine, the dreaded money shift. That is not unique to BMW (don't ask me how I know), and results when a driver misses a shift and over-revs the engine. E36 M3s are notorious for that problem, which is a result of the ability to over-rev by getting into 2nd at a speed too high for 2nd to safely engage, (say at redline in 3rd, approx. 85-90 mph, or higher speeds.)
A journalist just blew up the engine in a $440k Porsche Carrera GT when he shifted from 5-2 and sent the engine spinning to the sky. It blew at 14,500 RPM, which speaks of the strength of that motor.
It would also be applicable to any 2001 M roadster or M coupe that shares the M3 engine, assuming that the production dates for those cars fell within the defined range, but I don't think that it does.
Such problems are not unique to BMW. The first-year of the 996 series Porsche 911 (1999) has a bad main seal that leads to expensive engine repair/failure. Porsche, however, has not stepped up their warranty and as a result the 1999s are worth much less than a comparable 2000, at least to a knowledgable buyer. Audi is currently experiencing strange failures with the new S4 that they are still trying to figure out. Many S4s have been rendered undriveable and I understand that Audi has picked up the cars, provided a long-term loaner, and nobody knows when the situation will be resolved.
They may also be referencing a different phenomenon that can destroy an engine, the dreaded money shift. That is not unique to BMW (don't ask me how I know), and results when a driver misses a shift and over-revs the engine. E36 M3s are notorious for that problem, which is a result of the ability to over-rev by getting into 2nd at a speed too high for 2nd to safely engage, (say at redline in 3rd, approx. 85-90 mph, or higher speeds.)
A journalist just blew up the engine in a $440k Porsche Carrera GT when he shifted from 5-2 and sent the engine spinning to the sky. It blew at 14,500 RPM, which speaks of the strength of that motor.
This is the E46 M3 engine, which is the same in the US or in Europe. The hp. quoted is 343 Europe and 333 US, but 5 of that is just the difference in US vs. Euro hp. measurement, and the other 5 is emissions related, likely on the exhaust end.
I believe that the engine failure is occurring in all E46 M3s manufactured in that limited time period, which is probably just in 2002, but I don't have the data, and I have no reason to doubt Mr. Elussive's statements on the years of the warranty. (I was not implying that all of the engines have the warranty, only those potentially effected.)
This is not an old wive's tale, but a verified manufacturing defect that BMW has acknowledged and corrected. Not to say that the P-car fan doesn't talk out of his a$$ in exaggerating the scope of the problem, but it does exist.
I believe that the engine failure is occurring in all E46 M3s manufactured in that limited time period, which is probably just in 2002, but I don't have the data, and I have no reason to doubt Mr. Elussive's statements on the years of the warranty. (I was not implying that all of the engines have the warranty, only those potentially effected.)
This is not an old wive's tale, but a verified manufacturing defect that BMW has acknowledged and corrected. Not to say that the P-car fan doesn't talk out of his a$$ in exaggerating the scope of the problem, but it does exist.
If you look in the latest issue of Roundel, the BMW racing team mechanics take the oil pans off all their engines they are going to race and locktite the oil pump onto its mount. They say the engines they have blown were traced to the thing twisting off under conditions of constant high RPMs. They say if you intend to race with the engine it is a MUST DO. Otherwise you are guaranteed a blown engine.
The majority of engine problems were experienced by M3's with production dates that I believe were between Oct 01 and Mar 02. This was specific to the S54 3.2 liter engine. According to BMW, the problem was a contaminant created by the oil pumps installed during that time period. Some engines experienced rod bearing failure as a result. Initially, BMW intimated that failures were caused by drivers mis-shifting at excessive RPM, however, when the failures became apparent with engines that were proved to have not been over-revved and even with SMG equipped M3's having built-in safeguards against over-revving, they started to change their tune. Ultimately, M3's within those time frames were recalled for a new oil pump and rod bearing change-out.....even if they had previously experienced no problems. In addition, they bumped the warranty to 6 years or 100,000 miles from date of sale.
PuShAkOv said:
I was thinking of buying a 2001 M3.. good thing I changed my mind. This is not a common problem I would want to have if I decide to keep the car for a while. ![[B)]](/images/smilies/icon_smile_blackeye.gif "Black Eye [B)]")