Bearing replacement a DIY or leave to "more qualified" personnel?

Logodude · 10-10-2016, 05:18 AM

I'm looking for a shop to do my bearings but seeing as there aren't any replies I might be in situation.

So I feel pretty comfortable doing them my self. Yes pretty nervous being that this engine is so expensive to replace if something goes wrong. Has anyone done this on there cars and can chime in on how it went? I don't want to get the bottom end exposed and find I need a special tool to take something apart.

I have good knowledge of engines as well as a shop and lift. Don't get me wrong, I'm no engine builder. But I've taken several engines apart, but no bottom ends.

My understanding is you support the engine from above and remove the subframe. Then oil pan (drained) and then the rod end caps. This is extremely brief but just what I'm thinking I would have to do if I did do this my self.

Any input would be great.

VictorH · 10-10-2016, 06:25 AM

I'd say the biggest factor is time. If you have time, reasonable skills (not advanced by any means) and the tools then you should do it yourself. It's not difficult and if you're careful the chances of damaging the engine are minimal. By far the biggest part of the job is just getting to the rod bearings. There are numerous threads on this topic (is what I used). My post below.

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1206759

BzsBimmer · 10-10-2016, 08:45 PM

Pm user @nlholmes
He's done it a couple of times from what I've read.

10-10-2016, 05:18 AM	#1
Logodude Private First Class 26 Rep 147 Posts Drives: 2012 M3 ZCP Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: El Paso, Texas iTrader: (1)	Bearing replacement a DIY or leave to "more qualified" personnel? I'm looking for a shop to do my bearings but seeing as there aren't any replies I might be in situation. So I feel pretty comfortable doing them my self. Yes pretty nervous being that this engine is so expensive to replace if something goes wrong. Has anyone done this on there cars and can chime in on how it went? I don't want to get the bottom end exposed and find I need a special tool to take something apart. I have good knowledge of engines as well as a shop and lift. Don't get me wrong, I'm no engine builder. But I've taken several engines apart, but no bottom ends. My understanding is you support the engine from above and remove the subframe. Then oil pan (drained) and then the rod end caps. This is extremely brief but just what I'm thinking I would have to do if I did do this my self. Any input would be great.
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10-10-2016, 06:25 AM	#2
VictorH Major 433 Rep 1,286 Posts Drives: '09 M3 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: SC iTrader: (4)	I'd say the biggest factor is time. If you have time, reasonable skills (not advanced by any means) and the tools then you should do it yourself. It's not difficult and if you're careful the chances of damaging the engine are minimal. By far the biggest part of the job is just getting to the rod bearings. There are numerous threads on this topic (is what I used). My post below. http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1206759
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10-10-2016, 08:45 PM	#3
BzsBimmer Major General 3274 Rep 6,723 Posts Drives: '23 G80 FO M3, M3 & MY Tezzy's Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Nor. Cal iTrader: (32)	Pm user @nlholmes He's done it a couple of times from what I've read.
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