S54 vs. 2JZ and GTR

[Sticky]

S54 motors failing prematurely due to rod-bearing problems (or Vanos breaking) should be mentioned anywhere because this is a good thread comparing popular motors and sharing is caring.

It's kind of an irrelevant point these days as it has been since 2002.

Although 2JZ motors have 0.2L less swept displacement than the S54 motor, they do not have wide-spread rod-bearing problems nor variable valve timing failures, especially in stock form.

Here is proof the S54 motor's premature Rod Bearing Failure also affects BMW S54 cars after 2005, so it's not just the "early" models

I had a 2001 E46 M3 the moment it hit the floor. I'm quite familiar with it. The bearings were replaced. So what's the problem?

[iTuneCars]

I had a 2001 E46 M3 the moment it hit the floor. I'm quite familiar with it. The bearings were replaced. So what's the problem?

S54 Bearing replacement costs time and money. With the 2JZ motors, you don't have to spend that time nor money because these stout motors don't have that problem.

Out of curiosity, at what mileage where your bearings replaced, what type were they (oem, coated, or treated), and how many miles have you put on them since then?

Thanks.

[Sticky]

S54 Bearing replacement costs time and money. With the 2JZ motors, you don't have to spend that time nor money because these stout motors don't have that problem.

You're misunderstanding. BMW did a factory bearing recall and replacement. This was only an issue in early cars for a short time period.

Out of curiosity, at what mileage where your bearings replaced, what type were they (oem, coated, or treated), and how many miles have you put on them since then?

I have no idea. That car is long gone.

[JeroenM3]

Where should it be mentioned?

It was only an issue for early cars. BMW did a recall.

Sorry i cant agree with you on this, ive had (what we think was) a rod bearing failure on my 2005 M3 ZCP with 50,000miles.... all stock car, no track history either...

I must also say i have been able to blow a 2JZ-GTE engine, with only BPU+ mods and a blitz ecu connected to it, however i must say, it was probably due to a failed fuel pump.... but still people all around the world say you cant blow a stock 2JZ-GTE

[Sticky]

Sorry i cant agree with you on this, ive had (what we think was) a rod bearing failure on my 2005 M3 ZCP with 50,000miles.... all stock car, no track history either...

It happens sometimes. That doesn't mean everyone's motor fails.

I must also say i have been able to blow a 2JZ-GTE engine, with only BPU+ mods and a blitz ecu connected to it, however i must say, it was probably due to a failed fuel pump.... but still people all around the world say you cant blow a stock 2JZ-GTE

Agree completely. It's reputation is inflated due to movies and high horsepower builds.

Plenty of BPU 2JZ's have blown.

[JeroenM3]

It happens sometimes. That doesn't mean everyone's motor fails.

I havent said that, you said it was only a issue for early models, so i weighed in on the fact that, that isnt completely true (sadly) if you guys like i can post plenty of pictures of both blown engines here....

If you search M3 engine explosion, 1 of the 1st pix you get to see is my picture....

[Sticky]

I havent said that, you said it was only a issue for early models, so i weighed in on the fact that, that isnt completely true (sadly) if you guys like i can post plenty of pictures of both blown engines here....

Well I guess I should phrase it as BMW addressed the initial issue with a recall but that does not mean bearings will never fail and S54's will always be trouble free.

[JeroenM3]

Well I guess I should phrase it as BMW addressed the initial issue with a recall but that does not mean bearings will never fail and S54's will always be trouble free.

This is very true! sad but true. I loved my old M3 even though it was a stock ZCP SMGII (I must say i miss my SMGII in my current HPF M3). i still regret selling it to this day, everyday (and i sold it 5 years go already) sadly it was forced by my parents as the engine blew, couldnt get one there, and i was never ever ever going to go with a non M engine in that car... now its running a 2JZ with 950bhp...

[Sticky]

This is very true! sad but true. I loved my old M3 even though it was a stock ZCP SMGII (I must say i miss my SMGII in my current HPF M3). i still regret selling it to this day, everyday (and i sold it 5 years go already) sadly it was forced by my parents as the engine blew, couldnt get one there, and i was never ever ever going to go with a non M engine in that car... now its running a 2JZ with 950bhp...

I still miss mine too. 2001 SMG.

I'll get another one someday...