Yet another F10 M5 rod bearing question!

[spikeymikey12000]

I’m looking at an F10 M5, 65 reg so LCI with 41k mileage. Service history is great. My question is, does the LCI suffer as badly with rod bearing failure?

I’m thinking if I buy the car to get a warranty with someone but also at about 70k to get the bearings changed as a precaution. Car will do about 10k per annum so likely 1 service/oil change annually.

Advice appreciated

[lemonslap]

I think it can affect any N63/ S63 engined BMW, from my reading it does seem to be more of an issue on tuned cars. This was backed up by a BMW M specialist I visited recently to have alignment work done.

Does worry me as failure will take out the engine and normally turbos as well leaving a £40k repair, this is the key reason I keep the comprehensive BMW warranty going on our X5M. Be careful with warranties most aren’t worth it and even the BMW one will only cover up to the purchase price of the vehicle.

[spikeymikey12000]

Thanks for that.

I know it’s a risk but I’m hoping low mileage/regular oil changes and buying a clean non mapped car, warming it up before using any revs etc will see me safe and rod bearings at 70k

[lemonslap]

spikeymikey12000 said:

Thanks for that.

I know it’s a risk but I’m hoping low mileage/regular oil changes and buying a clean non mapped car, warming it up before using any revs etc will see me safe and rod bearings at 70k

I would hope so, also just reference changing the oil at 12 months and 10k miles. My oil filter looked a state after 9k miles and 12 months:



I now change the oil every 6 months and 4.5k miles with Millers Nanotech 5w-30w LL4 spec oil.

[thecremeegg]

Just get them done when you buy if you're worried I guess? Knock a few k off the asking price to cover it

[MikeM6]

thecremeegg said:

Just get them done when you buy if you're worried I guess? Knock a few k off the asking price to cover it

Absolutely this, I paid £1500 for the rod bearing change on the V10 very quickly after I purchased (54k miles) and the piece of mine was worth it. They were also not in good shape, and you just don't know the condition until you do them.

It's not worth the risk, but once done and with commitment to look after the car, you on much safer ground and can enjoy the car.

[Francis-92xcj]

Where did you get them done for £1500?

[MikeM6]

Francis-92xcj said:

Where did you get them done for £1500?

I took it to BMR performance near Crawley, although that was in 2020 so prices will have adjusted since then. Cheaper than dealing with the consequences of not changing them though.

[SoupAnxiety]

Can recommend Fixed Automotive Services in Stockport, they've changed the rod bearings on my pre-LCI F10 M5. The bearings were in good condition but it's worth doing for the peace of mind, as others have said. Getting the work done means I can get on and enjoy the car.

[Tommie38]

Personally I’d get a warranty from BMW and forget about getting the bearings changed.

Monthly payments on a car bought under 60k. Unless something has changed, the monthlies can come down after a year (you may need to make a small change to the product), so best to get a car that will be under 60k after a year of ownership.

[MikeM6]

Tommie38 said:

Personally I d get a warranty from BMW and forget about getting the bearings changed.

Monthly payments on a car bought under 60k. Unless something has changed, the monthlies can come down after a year (you may need to make a small change to the product), so best to get a car that will be under 60k after a year of ownership.

I would not do this. The warranty only covers up to the invoice price you pay, and then only that amount in any 12 month period.
How much is a brand new engine fitted at BMW? Just avoid grenading the engine in the first place, it's the best option in the long run. Save the warranty for stuff that you can't avoid!

[A44RON]

on the S63TU engine the Rod Bearings in isolation aren't a weakness like on the S85 and S65 engines. The main issues with these which cause the engines to detonate are:

- Fuel Injector failure and/or High-Pressure-Fuel-Pump failure which dilutes the oil with fuel and can grenade the engine.
- LSPI / super-knock events from using garbage low quality fuel
- following the recommended BMW service intervals of 15,000-20,000 mile oil changes (LOL).