One of the reported problems with my M3 is that of catastrophic engine failure due to
worn out rod bearings.
One of the ways to potentially get an early warning of this problem is to send the engine
oil off for analysis.
So, This time on road and race, I change the oil, post the oil, wait a bit, then go through
the results.
In the last episode I went through some of my favourite features on my BMW that you might
not have known about
In this episode, I’ll take you through the process of changing the engine oil and filter
in E92 M3 and then go through the results of the oil analysis to see if my car has any
early warning signs of rod bearing failure.
So, just to be special the M3’s S65 engine has not one but two drain plugs
When it comes to sending the oil off fill in the supplied card, pop it in the plastic
bag, wrap it in the towel, pop it all in the container then get it ready for posting.
Now sit back and wait for the results.
So, two weeks later here are the results: My car had done 77,000 miles and the oil was
last changed 6743 miles ago.
Here’s what the report said: Universal averages for this type of engine
are based on about 5,600 miles of oil use.
This oil was in place a little longer, so a little more metal than average isn't unusual.
Silicon is the only element high enough to mark and it could be a harmless sealer or
lube, or it could be abrasive dirt getting past the air filter, so give the air filtration
system a quick inspection to make sure all is well.
The viscosity was correct and no fuel/water was found.
Here’s are the results in more detail.
My figures are on the left and the average for this engine is listed on the right.
For rod bearing wear we are looking for high levels of iron, copper or lead
As you can see they are all within average readings which is good.
The only item of note is the Silicon.
So as recommended it’s time to check the air filter.
From the service history episode a did a few weeks back the paperwork said the air filter
had been changed recently.
So let’s have a look….
Well, the air filter looks properly fitted so let’s check it.
Yeah, looks clean so was definitely changed recently.
All I can think of is maybe the turkey baster I used to transfer the oil into the testing
pot wasn’t perfectly clean so contaminated the oi a bit?
So summing up the oil report looks good.
I’ll send another sample off next time but at the shorter 5600 mile oil change interval
they mention.
If you’ve had an oil analysis done on your M3 or if you’ve had a rod bearing failure
please let me know in the comments.
I spend the weekend driving the 270S from Caterham.
Is it really as good as people say it is on the track and what is it like to use as your
daily drive?
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