This M3 came in for some routine maintenance with a little over 100k on the clock. The BMW S54 – a race grade engine, considered by some as an engineering marvel (& symphony to the ears) which debuted as the top production motor with with the most power per liter of any naturally aspirated engine in the market (333 hp)

We started with the top end, a routine valve adjustment and valve cover gasket. Additionally it was due for spark plugs so we knocked that out at the same time.

The timing chain guide had signs of wear and is a known weak point on this motor so we recommended a full VANOS bulletproof rebuild using parts from Besian Systems.

We found signs of a previous botch repair! RTV does not belong on o-rings!

New improved Timing chain guide vs the old damaged one

Everything going back together now!

Next it was on to the rod bearings, with the motor suspended from the upper body, we were able to drop the subframe and pull the oil pan off the car

Clear wear on the rod bearing surface

Bearing caps, still in good shape!

Signs of improper silicone used to seal the oil pan previously

Oil Pickup Tube with traces of failed sealant material in the strainer.