Catastrophic Engine Failure Question

[GammaZeta]

I was just wondering, what are some of the causes of a catastrophic engine failure for the S54's?

Obviously, lack of oil, overheating, etc., and all the basics that will cause any engine to blow.

And I mean catastrophic as in "time for a new engine".

But I also have read that some people believe that a VANOS failure can cause a catastrophic engine failure, while others said that it cannot. Thoughts?

What about our oil supply and problems getting enough oil to the engine like an IMS problem like Porsche?

Just curious.Thoughts?

[pokeybritches]

Multiple members on this forum have experienced catastrophic engine failure due to VANOS bolts shearing. More have come very close but caught it in time.

Rod bearings are another failure point. Most members have had theirs replaced before damage occurred, but at least one I know of has not been so lucky.

Oil pump issues experienced by some S54 M3's haven't shown up in the Z4M to my knowledge. VANOS exhaust hubs have cracked, so they are another weak point of this engine.

[Swashplate]

Originally Posted by pokeybritches

Multiple members on this forum have experienced catastrophic engine failure due to VANOS bolts shearing. More have come very close but caught it in time.

Rod bearings are another failure point. Most members have had theirs replaced before damage occurred, but at least one I know of has not been so lucky.

Oil pump issues experienced by some S54 M3's haven't shown up in the Z4M to my knowledge. VANOS exhaust hubs have cracked, so they are another weak point of this engine.

Yea. This. I just replaced all of these things.

[bennzwel]

Do the VANOS and rod bearing fail on all engine types in this series z4? Or there is an engine which is less likely to fail ?

[Kgolf31]

Originally Posted by bennzwel

Do the VANOS and rod bearing fail on all engine types in this series z4? Or there is an engine which is less likely to fail ?

They redesigned the VANOS IIRC when the S54 came to the Z4M.

Rod Bearing is less likely due to the oil weight, but it still very well could happen.

I've done 3 blackstone analysis, all with track days on the oil without any issues or high readings typical of a rod bearing problem. Although, there are multiple members that have gotten opposite of me

[Beedub]

in an ideal world i'd like to upgrade.

oil pump
thermostat
Radiator
Vanos hub bolts
Vanos exhaust tabs

with a few more miles
Rod bearings.

[Shipkiller]

Originally Posted by Beedub

in an ideal world i'd like to upgrade.

oil pump
thermostat
Radiator
Vanos hub bolts
Vanos exhaust tabs

with a few more miles
Rod bearings.

If your list is for FI engines I might argree, but for a NA engine, why would you upgrade your thermostate, radiator and even the oil pump?

[pokeybritches]

The non-M engines are much less likely to fail. The M54 (2003-2005 engine) has an oil pump nut issue that hasn't raised its head on the Z4, but if it does, it will probably be on my car since I have forced induction, raised redline, and a lightweight flywheel.

If non-M's are street-driven and aren't pushed way beyond their design limits, they are pretty tough engines.

[donoman]

How DIY are the Vanos and Rod bearing upgrades? Rod bearings sound like one hell of a job. Any telltale signs of these issues prior to failure?

[StickMon]

Vanos is DIY because everything's up top. Not brain science, but a little bit of rocket surgery.
Rod bearings, on the other hand ...
Dropping the oil pan requires a lift, and dangling the engine by chains. Not DIY unless you have quite the garage setup.

You can hear the Vanos to camshaft bolts when they start shearing off.
The severed heads rattle around like marbles in a soup can.
You won't know about the exhaust tab until the second one breaks.

Oil analysis can predict rod bearing trouble. Watch for high lead levels.