Does N55 have rod bearing problems?

Nerdking · 04-20-2018, 08:51 AM

I've read a few threads across the net now about the N55 having engine failures due to a spun rod bearing. I have a 2015 with a stock N55. Is this something I should worry about or is this not really a common issue? Anyone with over 100k on an N55 yet?

JaredG_F30 · 04-20-2018, 09:16 AM

This is news to me. I've read the N55 has the same rod bearings as the S55 in the M3/4.

Bimmertodd88 · 04-20-2018, 10:50 AM

Yeah I haven't heard that either

Nerdking · 04-20-2018, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bimmertodd88

Yeah I haven't heard that either

It's not common, but google returns enough threads on the forums to make me worry. Apparently a lot of them happen after OFHG replacements.

M2Rush · 04-20-2018, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IK6SPEED

OFHG?

Oil Filter Housing Gasket.

Bimmertodd88 · 04-20-2018, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nerdking

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bimmertodd88

Yeah I haven't heard that either

It's not common, but google returns enough threads on the forums to make me worry. Apparently a lot of them happen after OFHG replacements.

Pardon me lol what is that lol

Feddersen · 04-20-2018, 02:38 PM

According to those I spoke to from the BMW dealership/garage, when my engine blew, there were some N55-engines in the beginning of the F30 life cycle that were bad. From 2014 and forward there should be any issues.

I don't know the source of the failure but in case I had to replace the engine with a used one they advised me to look only at 2014 and forward. Luckely BMW replaced my engine.

Mine is one of the very first F30s and the new engine was complete different in "behaviour" compared to the old even though the old was not bad/poor at all.

Anthony235 · 04-20-2018, 03:21 PM

It's an issue with E9x M3. Well documented and what stopped me from buying one a few years ago. Have not heard of anything about it with the n55.

Nerdking · 04-20-2018, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bimmertodd88

Pardon me lol what is that lol

Sorry I should have been more specific. It means oil filter housing gasket.

Nerdking · 04-20-2018, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Feddersen

According to those I spoke to from the BMW dealership/garage, when my engine blew, there were some N55-engines in the beginning of the F30 life cycle that were bad. From 2014 and forward there should be any issues.
.

That makes sense. Hopefully I'm in the clear as mine was made in late 2014. I believe BMW changed the rod bearings in the N55 some point after 2013 to the same ones used in the S55. Not sure on specifics though. Sorry you had an engine fail on you.

rphz · 04-20-2018, 08:58 PM

There are several on this site who have experienced this, including myself. My N55 failed with less than 48K miles and was diagnosed rod bearing noise caused by "connecting rod knock, internal engine failure". Thankfully with 2K miles and only a couple of months left on warranty, I received a complete engine replacement at no cost. If you search around for rod bearing you will find others with the same. It's rare but happens. Your best bet would be to have your oil checked every so often and, and in my personal opinion, change your oil sooner than the ridiculous 10K+ mile intervals.

RoundelM3 · 04-21-2018, 08:40 AM

Zero problems and zero oil consumption/leaks with my 2013 N55 with MPPK installed.

Drpoomanchu · 04-21-2018, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rphz

There are several on this site who have experienced this, including myself. My N55 failed with less than 48K miles and was diagnosed rod bearing noise caused by "connecting rod knock, internal engine failure". Thankfully with 2K miles and only a couple of months left on warranty, I received a complete engine replacement at no cost. If you search around for rod bearing you will find others with the same. It's rare but happens. Your best bet would be to have your oil checked every so often and, and in my personal opinion, change your oil sooner than the ridiculous 10K+ mile intervals.

What were your symptoms.? Was the engine warm or cold when you noticed this ? Mine is a 2014 N55 and notice after cold start while idling I hear a knocking tapping noise on the drivers side especially when the car is in my garage. After warm up the noise seems to go away for the most part. I was unsure if it was vanos or maybe lifters.

Polo08816 · 04-21-2018, 10:22 AM

So far 91,000 miles on my N55 including track miles and no issues. Knock on wood.

rphz · 04-21-2018, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drpoomanchu

What were your symptoms.? Was the engine warm or cold when you noticed this ? Mine is a 2014 N55 and notice after cold start while idling I hear a knocking tapping noise on the drivers side especially when the car is in my garage. After warm up the noise seems to go away for the most part. I was unsure if it was vanos or maybe lifters.

Engine was warm. I was WOT in 3rd and right before touching redline and shifting up, the engine just shut off. I coasted to a stop and restarted the car. It ran rough, so I turned everything off for a minute then restarted. It was still running a little rough, and as soon as I started driving off and got to about 2500 rpm I could hear the knock. Limped it home and towed to the dealer the next day.

Drpoomanchu · 04-21-2018, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rphz

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drpoomanchu

What were your symptoms.? Was the engine warm or cold when you noticed this ? Mine is a 2014 N55 and notice after cold start while idling I hear a knocking tapping noise on the drivers side especially when the car is in my garage. After warm up the noise seems to go away for the most part. I was unsure if it was vanos or maybe lifters.

Engine was warm. I was WOT in 3rd and right before touching redline and shifting up, the engine just shut off. I coasted to a stop and restarted the car. It ran rough, so I turned everything off for a minute then restarted. It was still running a little rough, and as soon as I started driving off and got to about 2500 rpm I could hear the knock. Limped it home and towed to the dealer the next day.

Wow, sorry to hear that... at least dealer made it right.. I think I'm chalking mine up to cold engine noise.

Feddersen · 04-22-2018, 02:08 AM

In my case there was no difference in the sound of the engine. At least not before it was way too late at 112.000km. However the old engine used oil and the new one doesn't. It used a litre pr 5-8.000km.

XutvJet · 04-23-2018, 03:17 PM

I've read of a handful of instances of spun rod bearings on N55 equipped 3/4 series cars and also a few instances with M235s. It's definitely not a widespread problem but it has happened in both older and newer N55s and high mileage and low mileage motors as well.

What kills rod bearings in most instances is lack of lubrication. With the N55s, I could see the following spinning a bearing:

1) Running the motor hard on cold oil. Oil needs to be a minimum of 180 degrees before driving hard. That typically means at least 10 minutes of driving (not idling). As oil warms up, the oil chains "thicken" thus increasing protection. I can see this being the #1 issue as most people have not a clue that oil needs to be up to temp, especially on a turbo motor.

2) High G load (typically the result of ultra sticky rubber during racing) which causes the oil to pool to one side of the pan and the oil sump temporarily starves of oil.

3) Power mods. Adding power to these cars often means manupulating boost, timing, and AFR to achieve more power. With more power comes higher combustion chamber temps and an increase in a "super knock" situation which is where the piston is hit so hard with detonation that it hammers the piston and rod so violently that the rod momentarily breaks through rod and rod bearing oil film thus spins the bearing.

4) Money shift with a 6MT. Typically other things break too.

5) Manufacturing detect.

6) Low oil teamed with hard driving.

torkles · 04-25-2018, 05:14 PM

I just had my oil filter housing gasket replaced this week under CPO warranty, 68k miles on the motor, 2013 n55. Tech said we had caught the leak early enough, but that what happens is the leak drips on the belt and belt tensioner, and can cause the tensioner to eventually fail and/or the belt to slip off the pulleys, and then the motor would lock up.

There are tons of n55's over 100k on the motors. These motors are in every line of car that BMW produced. Just like anything else, some are going to have issues.

F30ed · 10-05-2018, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by torkles

Tech said we had caught the leak early enough, but that what happens is the leak drips on the belt and belt tensioner, and can cause the tensioner to eventually fail and/or the belt to slip off the pulleys, and then the motor would lock up.

Can someone try to explain why "motor would lock up" if "the belt to slip off the pulleys"? All the belt drives is the A/C pump and alternator, as I understand. Why the hack "motor would lock up" then?

Pray for Mojo · 10-05-2018, 05:15 PM

The belt wraps around the crankshaft pulley and forces itself into the motor through the crank seal.

XutvJet · 10-06-2018, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pray for Mojo

The belt wraps around the crankshaft pulley and forces itself into the motor through the crank seal.

As a car guy and shadetree mechanic for 25 years, I would never believe such a thing could happen until seeing the pictures.

04-20-2018, 08:51 AM	#1
Nerdking Private First Class 63 Rep 153 Posts Drives: 2021 530i Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	Does N55 have rod bearing problems? I've read a few threads across the net now about the N55 having engine failures due to a spun rod bearing. I have a 2015 with a stock N55. Is this something I should worry about or is this not really a common issue? Anyone with over 100k on an N55 yet?
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04-20-2018, 09:16 AM	#2
JaredG_F30 Lieutenant Colonel 1106 Rep 1,499 Posts Drives: 2014 335i, M-Sport, Manual Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Raleigh, NC iTrader: (0)	This is news to me. I've read the N55 has the same rod bearings as the S55 in the M3/4. __________________ 2014 F30 335i, M-Sport, 6MT, V804s, custom exhaust, CTS Turbo Intake & IC, FTP CP, VRSF DP, TMS Strut Brace, BM3 Stg 2, AEM WMI, H&R Sport Springs (381 whp, 429 wtq on Cali 91oct before WMI). SPI Films Blog/DIY Vids
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04-20-2018, 10:50 AM	#3
Bimmertodd88 Private First Class 53 Rep 180 Posts Drives: 2014 335i M-Sport Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: 33714 iTrader: (0)	Yeah I haven't heard that either
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04-20-2018, 02:38 PM	#7
Feddersen Lieutenant 451 Rep 469 Posts Drives: X1 xDrive25i Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Denmark iTrader: (0)	According to those I spoke to from the BMW dealership/garage, when my engine blew, there were some N55-engines in the beginning of the F30 life cycle that were bad. From 2014 and forward there should be any issues. I don't know the source of the failure but in case I had to replace the engine with a used one they advised me to look only at 2014 and forward. Luckely BMW replaced my engine. Mine is one of the very first F30s and the new engine was complete different in "behaviour" compared to the old even though the old was not bad/poor at all. __________________ DD: F48 X1 xDrive25i '20 - https://f48.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1703083 For fun: F22 M240i '19 - https://www.2addicts.com/forums/show....php?t=1644646 Previous BMW: Fully loaded F30, 335i https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1681247
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04-20-2018, 03:21 PM	#8
Anthony235 Lieutenant Colonel 715 Rep 1,541 Posts Drives: m235i Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: OC, Ca iTrader: (2) Garage List 2015 BMW [0.00]	It's an issue with E9x M3. Well documented and what stopped me from buying one a few years ago. Have not heard of anything about it with the n55. __________________ For Sale: SoCal: Sportline 8s 18x8.5 (2) For Sale: OEM wheels and exterior bits
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04-20-2018, 08:58 PM	#11
rphz Second Lieutenant 70 Rep 206 Posts Drives: 2014 F32 435xi Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Colorado iTrader: (0)	There are several on this site who have experienced this, including myself. My N55 failed with less than 48K miles and was diagnosed rod bearing noise caused by "connecting rod knock, internal engine failure". Thankfully with 2K miles and only a couple of months left on warranty, I received a complete engine replacement at no cost. If you search around for rod bearing you will find others with the same. It's rare but happens. Your best bet would be to have your oil checked every so often and, and in my personal opinion, change your oil sooner than the ridiculous 10K+ mile intervals.
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04-21-2018, 08:40 AM	#12
RoundelM3 Major General 1837 Rep 6,990 Posts Drives: 15 F80 M3, 22 G01 X3 30i Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Clayton, NC iTrader: (2) Garage List 2022 BMW X3 [9.83] 2015 BMW M3 [6.50]	Zero problems and zero oil consumption/leaks with my 2013 N55 with MPPK installed. __________________ 2015 F80 ///M3 Sedan 7DCT Tanzanite, 2022 X3 sDrive30i 8AT Brooklyn Grey
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04-21-2018, 10:22 AM	#14
Polo08816 Brigadier General 1610 Rep 3,947 Posts Drives: 2014 335i M Sport Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: MD iTrader: (0)	So far 91,000 miles on my N55 including track miles and no issues. Knock on wood.
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04-22-2018, 02:08 AM	#17
Feddersen Lieutenant 451 Rep 469 Posts Drives: X1 xDrive25i Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Denmark iTrader: (0)	In my case there was no difference in the sound of the engine. At least not before it was way too late at 112.000km. However the old engine used oil and the new one doesn't. It used a litre pr 5-8.000km. __________________ DD: F48 X1 xDrive25i '20 - https://f48.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1703083 For fun: F22 M240i '19 - https://www.2addicts.com/forums/show....php?t=1644646 Previous BMW: Fully loaded F30, 335i https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1681247
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04-23-2018, 03:17 PM	#18
XutvJet Major General 5556 Rep 5,372 Posts Drives: 2011 Cayman Base, 2016 M235 Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Kansas City iTrader: (-1)	I've read of a handful of instances of spun rod bearings on N55 equipped 3/4 series cars and also a few instances with M235s. It's definitely not a widespread problem but it has happened in both older and newer N55s and high mileage and low mileage motors as well. What kills rod bearings in most instances is lack of lubrication. With the N55s, I could see the following spinning a bearing: 1) Running the motor hard on cold oil. Oil needs to be a minimum of 180 degrees before driving hard. That typically means at least 10 minutes of driving (not idling). As oil warms up, the oil chains "thicken" thus increasing protection. I can see this being the #1 issue as most people have not a clue that oil needs to be up to temp, especially on a turbo motor. 2) High G load (typically the result of ultra sticky rubber during racing) which causes the oil to pool to one side of the pan and the oil sump temporarily starves of oil. 3) Power mods. Adding power to these cars often means manupulating boost, timing, and AFR to achieve more power. With more power comes higher combustion chamber temps and an increase in a "super knock" situation which is where the piston is hit so hard with detonation that it hammers the piston and rod so violently that the rod momentarily breaks through rod and rod bearing oil film thus spins the bearing. 4) Money shift with a 6MT. Typically other things break too. 5) Manufacturing detect. 6) Low oil teamed with hard driving. __________________ The forest was shrinking, but the Trees kept voting for the Axe, for the Axe was clever and convinced the Trees that because his handle was made of wood, he was one of them.
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04-25-2018, 05:14 PM	#19
torkles First Lieutenant 198 Rep 351 Posts Drives: 2013 335i MSport 6mt Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Northern Virginia iTrader: (0)	I just had my oil filter housing gasket replaced this week under CPO warranty, 68k miles on the motor, 2013 n55. Tech said we had caught the leak early enough, but that what happens is the leak drips on the belt and belt tensioner, and can cause the tensioner to eventually fail and/or the belt to slip off the pulleys, and then the motor would lock up. There are tons of n55's over 100k on the motors. These motors are in every line of car that BMW produced. Just like anything else, some are going to have issues. __________________ 2013 335i M-Sport 6MT, MPE, VRSF CP and IC, BM3 Stage 1 2006 330i 6MT, Sport Package - sold
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10-05-2018, 05:15 PM	#21
Pray for Mojo Major 430 Rep 1,115 Posts Drives: 2014 M235i & 2018 X3 M40i Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Calgary iTrader: (0)	The belt wraps around the crankshaft pulley and forces itself into the motor through the crank seal.
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