Last 3 generations of M3's - Always that one scary flaw

[///M///]

     Featured on BIMMERPOST.com

I will not comment beyond the last 3 generations as I have only owned the last 3 starting with the E46 M3. All glorious cars in their own right but each seemed to have a ticking time bomb that has always been a major cause for concern especially after warranty. I omitted mentioning the smaller issues as I didn't lose sleep over them. These are the big ones that stressed me out.

E46 M3
2001 through early 2003 Rod Bearing Issue
Infamous Subframe Cracking
Vanos Bolts backing out

E9XM3
Rod Bearings
Throttle Actuators

F8X M3
Spun Hub

I really wish BMW would release a proper fix for the spun hub. I would pay to get it done. The aftermarket fixes are too new and have had mixed results.

Here's hoping the G8X is free of any major big dollar issues

[six-n-twins53]

Machines break unfortunately

[uniqueMR]

Hey, at least, fewer and fewer things happening with every new Generation

[maizer89]

At least for the most part, the vendors and community have figured out somewhat permanent fixes. Though the bmw M tax applies

[coldsteelrain]

Don't forget the rise in coolant leaks into the engine for the F80
Stopped by the dealer on Monday and they had one sitting there for blown engine due to coolant leak
Let's hope G80 won't have any issues

[allinon72]

All the spun crank hub talk has spread through this board like a virus. It does not hold a candle to widespread issues like the subframe and rod bearing issues in terms of frequency.

I'm tempted to put the coolant reservoir in the same category, as the original post came up last year, a full 4 years after the car had been released.

[G35POPPEDMYCHERRY]

crank hub in the same sentence as rod bearings



how do not notice your engine is overheating without coolant

[G35POPPEDMYCHERRY]

Originally Posted by PureModelsOnly

I probably should know this but does the spun hub issue only a problem for modded/tuned cars?

there was been some talk about stock cars getting it too..


if it makes yall sleep better by sister cracked her piston in her n20 motor; and i can guarantee you she never goes over 4k rpm...so sometimes shit just breaks

[Poiseuille]

Originally Posted by G35POPPEDMYCHERRY

crank hub in the same sentence as rod bearings



how do not notice your engine is overheating without coolant

By coolant leak, I assume he means intercooler leak resulting in hydrolock which resulted in bent rods. I check the level in that tank once a week.

[G4BR13L]

The F8x is a very good car so let’s not get blinded by the very rare crank hub spin or coolant leak. It is also very hard without actual numbers on sales, issues, ...

[Humdizzle]

forums do a great job of overblowing these issues.

[domino_z]

yep by g8x, the only thing you'll need to deal with is that nonsensical reverse sweep rev counter..... and there will be countless threads asking if you can code the rev counter to sit on the left instead

[G35POPPEDMYCHERRY]

Originally Posted by Poiseuille

By coolant leak, I assume he means intercooler leak resulting in hydrolock which resulted in bent rods. I check the level in that tank once a week.

i see....would the oil temp be rising before this damage occurs?

[Poiseuille]

Originally Posted by G35POPPEDMYCHERRY

i see....would the oil temp be rising before this damage occurs?

no. this is unrelated to engine temp, it is an intercooler fault where coolant leaks into the intake. since water is non-compressible hydrolock results and typically rods on compression stroke bend. so far seems pretty uncommon, but sadly some of those who have had to replace their motors report little or no warning. BMW has been replacing these motors on warranty, but if your warranty has expired you'll take a very big hit unless BMW decides to recall the IC's.
anecdotally, it appears that the leak starts quite gradually which is why I check the level in the IC tank once a week, and mine is not a DD. Takes about 90 sec to check it. i've had this car 3 years now and that level has not budged at all. if it ever does, the car's going on a flatbed.
some call this "overblown", and I suppose if you lease your car that may be true. I expect to keep my car a lot longer than that.

[G35POPPEDMYCHERRY]

Originally Posted by Poiseuille

no. this is unrelated to engine temp, it is an intercooler fault where coolant leaks into the intake. since water is non-compressible hydrolock results and typically rods on compression stroke bend. so far seems pretty uncommon, but sadly some of those who have had to replace their motors report little or no warning. BMW has been replacing these motors on warranty, but if your warranty has expired you'll take a very big hit unless BMW decides to recall the IC's.
anecdotally, it appears that the leak starts quite gradually which is why I check the level in the IC tank once a week, and mine is not a DD. Takes about 90 sec to check it. i've had this car 3 years now and that level has not budged at all. if it ever does, the car's going on a flatbed.
some call this "overblown", and I suppose if you lease your car that may be true. I expect to keep my car a lot longer than that.

i see, thanks for the info. i guess i start checking my coolant level

[Poiseuille]

Originally Posted by G35POPPEDMYCHERRY

i see, thanks for the info. i guess i start checking my coolant level

just to be clear, this is what to check==>

Edit: apparently, I suck at drawing circles on here

[allinon72]

Yes.

[///M///]

Originally Posted by G35POPPEDMYCHERRY

i see, thanks for the info. i guess i start checking my coolant level

There is a thread on this that shows where the level should be. Search for keyword “Beware” in title search.

[G35POPPEDMYCHERRY]

Originally Posted by PureModelsOnly

But at least warranty is intact because stock?

lol out of warranty....car has ran hot becuase rock took out raditior and sister obvs kept driving....this i think was a result of fuel starvation as the stupid car didnt know it ran outta gas and probably set this up for damage. they replaced the tank.

imagine getting bmw to admit fault or even cover parts....lets say they cover parts; they def wont do it right.

i took it to an indy...tore the engine down...he also found a slight mark on piston three and replaced that as well...would BMW been this thourough...who knows..

cost 5k....but whatever. i spent that on mods...and she makes twice my salary!

[G35POPPEDMYCHERRY]

Originally Posted by ///M///

There is a thread on this that shows where the level should be. Search for keyword “Beware” in title search.

whats that caution sign. I was going to do it but was afraid hot steam would roast my face and I would be a parody on this forum and life lmao

[tom @ eas]

Doubt we'll see anything from BMW. S55 is done, all focus on next-gen S58 now. S65 bearings still weren't acknowledged.

S54 got a recall since the issue was presented early during production.

[///M///]

Originally Posted by G35POPPEDMYCHERRY

whats that caution sign. I was going to do it but was afraid hot steam would roast my face and I would be a parody on this forum and life lmao

Check in the morning on a cold car.