Catastrophic Engine Damage - V8 BMW E92 M3 - Project Frankfurt: P3 

I recently spoke to the engine builders over at Brintech Customs in Sydney while visiting. They see the S65 more than any other engine and shed some fascinating light on why the main bearings go and it's not actually an oil starvation issue. Unlike the S85 to which it is closely related, the later S65 uses large double row timing chains and extremely strong timing chain tensioners which is why you see all the damage on the upper surface and not the lower as per normal main bearing failures. The timing chain is actually twisting the crankshaft upwards so significantly that the upper main bearing gets destroyed with normal use and can go before the rod bearings on high mileage engines. As far as I'm aware there isn't currently a fix but clearly it's something that needs to be addressed as this is a pretty worrying design flaw for high mileage engines.

As an E92 M3 owner, this is fascinating and terrifying at the same time 😂😢

Your manic laughter upon discovery of the fractured crankshaft is truly spectacular. I would say Oscar-worthy, but I know that's genuine.

I feel like everyone who works on their car can relate to the half-crazed laugh when you realize what you thought broke is confirmed and you know it’s gonna end up costing even more than you’d hoped 😂

How you manage to keep track of all the stuff you pull apart and be able to put it back together again, is beyond my understanding :)

When you feel the need to hit the pause button to prevent the video from ending too quickly, you can be sure that you're indulging in top-notch content. Thank you!

Thank you, again, for the superb entertainment! Are you aware how much your videos mean to some of us? Looking forward to the next one. Have a nice vacation, you need it and certainly deserve it.

You know what I would love to see, a quick overview of how you organize and arrange the parts when they are removed, so it isn't a total sh@tshow putting them back together. That is where I struggle.

There is no better automotive channel on RU-vid than this one. I’ve owned an E30 M-3 and fell in love with BMW’s. I thoroughly enjoy your video’s and look forward to every one.

Wow, imagine being behind the wheel of your newly bought M3 driving it home across Europe and the thing blowing up like this. Make for some nice content tho… Can’t wait for the next installment!

Sreten you are my hero. Takes guts to go that far, insane amount of research and labor. Top quality content as always!

The jog at 1:29 really shows Sreten has been looking forward to this as we all have

Watching this video reminded me of why I love working on M cars, particularly in the 2000's- the exhausts are very balanced due to the cars having quads (aside from E46 M3). I remember pulling an M6's exhaust system was easier than pulling an E36 325i exhaust, because it was symmetrical and didn't try to flop around. Anyways, that's stupid stuff that only mechanics care about.

I’m a Mercedes fan myself, and absolutely addicted to your content! You might just convince me to buy a BMW after all 😂 incredible work as always mate

I'm at 24:14, and I realise I have become totally mesmerised by your skill and knowledge of the BMW engine. I once helped a friend take a BMC A Series engine apart, and I thought that was complicated! I love your channel.

18:44 We all have those facepalm moments Sreten, dont feel bad . The bolts were contacting the upright, tried to play it off like a champ :D I was waiting for this video since you've made the first one, honestly addicted to your channel mate... took the m54b30 out of my e46, just by taking the front end off in a parking lot and disassembled the engine in front of the apartment building ( lol ), had really bad knock and the last bearing furthest away from the oilpump was looking worse than the ones in this video. I hope one day I'll have a workshop like yours... you started in the same way so one might still have hope !

I am absolutely impressed how a failed main bearing absolutely destroyed the crankshaft and even managed to crack the block. Man I sure wouldn’t want to be the driver in this situation. But on the other hand we are looking forward on some really awesome content from Sreten getting this car back on the German autobahn! And as always thank you for this magnificent content you are producing! I am really looking forward to the upcoming episode! Have a nice vacation in Italy with your better half and come back soon to the rescue! ;)

Ah, a Bluetooth 5.0 crankshaft. I was wondering what version it would be! Joking aside, I'm glad you went through the trouble of investigating about this engine, whether anything would be salvageable, etc. It makes for interesting content, of course, but it will also help making this project that much more safe, like, main bearings are going to be needed for sure with the donor one, as you said. Enjoy your vacation in Italy!!!

This is the motivation I needed to remove and refresh my worn out engine, thanks Streten. 😂❤

This is really scary as a S65 owner😮 I read that in order to change the main bearings, you need to disassemble the engine or even take it out. So almost nobody will do that preventive maintenance...

Your new video editor is doing magnificent, Sreten. 👍🏼👍🏼

When you said it’s time, I screamed. I’ve been waiting for this project forever!

i found you ... finally was searching for this channel with every word combination you can make with BMW ... took me couple days lol

There goes the rest of my work day afternoon... thx a lot! 😂

Sreten you always do such a detailed job. Taking apart these BMW's and restoring them back to a OEM+ spec is why I watch every video. Keep it up!

Surprised locking the crank at the front helped at the rear of the shaft 😆, another great video. I hope you enjoy your holiday!

The only one content creator that deserves like before i watch his videos ❤️❤️ big love from 🇮🇶🇮🇶🇮🇶

its always good to see Sreten happy doing what he loves.

This will be a great series, like all other series of course. These are great cars, but the upkeep on them is just crazy. Rod and main bearings as part of normal maintenance is just nuts!

Forgot to mention, when you re-assemble the engine/trans, pull the clutch delay valve (CDV) out of the clutch line. Its the plastic piece attached to the clutch slave cylinder...will make a noticeable difference in pedal feel 💪💪👍

18:04 Sreten is so good he even able to lock Bluetooth crank shaft!

My day just got so much better when I saw this video drop

Always when I have nothing to do and think what a boring afternoon would be I see you upload a video and makes my entire week! Lovely content as always and keep the good work!

Great episode! You really make these big jobs look easy by now 🙂. Happy holidays and looking forward to seeing new great things from you once back!

It’s weird that I like a video before it even starts

Haha just realized I have 7 months of M539 videos to catch up on. After watching a couple on minor fixes/maintenance for the M5s, now it really begins with the E92 M3! Let's GO

Looking forward to seeing this all clean and shiny with a good engine. Love the look of these.

Another great and fantastic video!! THANK YOU FOR THE SUPERB QUALITY AND ENTERTAINMENT! When I see a video from m539 restorations I HAVE to watch it right then and there.

You are a certified Serbian legend, Sir! God bless you!

Finally M3. Been waiting for it for a while. Like video first and let's begin to watch.

Wow, what a huge job! And it's exciting! Seems like the 2nd owner didn't take care of the car. So it's like you're rebuilding the whole car. And I'm here for it!! Can't wait!

Thank you Sreten for making such good content. Please keep up the good work!

IM JUMPING IN THE AIR For This series!

Been waiting for this episode! great content like no other on RU-vid, cant wait for the rest of this series.🏁

nice , evening saved by your video. love what you do Sreten!! Keep it up. I aint even a bmw fan and there are cars are not for me but, the way you repair them and make your vidoes, keeps me coming back for more!! Love it Man!!!

You are a legend, Sreten. Keep up the amazing content, it's truly epic! Cheers!

i litterly cant watch any other youtubers videos if they are longer then 20minutes but man stretens videos always teach you so much and are interesting cuz of the casual style where he just goes with the flow

I had a 2008 M3 6 SPD for six years. Still my favorite and surprisingly most reliable car. Oil analysis at 140k miles showed no bearing degradation, so I guess you just have to win the engine lottery to enjoy these cars. 😊

As always,thankbyou for this magnificent content. 36 minutes went like 2 minutes. Can't wait to see the reassembly. Good work.

This is the only channel that I hit like button before I even watch the video.Great job like always 👍

I haven't even watched the video yet but I cannot wait to get off work and watch it from start to finish.

This is the best Channel to learn and always be entertained at the same time. I feel like most people don’t realize how much work it is not only working on cars but filming it and having to edit it. Kudos to you bro love every video

Video espetacular! Parabéns pelo trabalho, ansioso para os próximos episódios. Abraço do Brasil!

Unfortunately none of your videos will ever be long enough. This was just as wonderful as the rest. Can't wait for more!

"It's not really necessary to mark these cables [...], but I'm going to do it anyway." That's the level of meticulousness I appreciate.

Great to see you living your passion! You have an enviable garage 😊

I’m having a rough day, a day where Sreten uploads, is immediately a fantastic day. Thank you Also, go ahead and buy yourself a exhaust hanger removal tool, works great and saves you from booboos

Love getting the Patreon email with early access. Hate that I normally can't watch them till late at night. 😅😢

Thank you Streten for giving us this content time and time again, you never disappoint with your work

I want to buy a car from a guy like Sreten..what a precious man.Thank you for sharing this with us.

Haha project crankfurt

When you see the complexity of these engines I can not think how much simpler EV’s are. I’m not yet convinced with EV technology but I think it’s getting there.

I just wanted to drop you a quick message to let you know how much I'm enjoying your E39 restoration series on RU-vid. It's truly captivating to see the transformation of the car and the level of detail you're putting into the restoration process.

This cemented that I no longer want a S65 motor in my life... crazy failure. Thank you brother, happy vacationing

I've been so excited for updates to this build. It's going to be stellar!

I've been waiting for this episode since you got the car. Can't wait to see it being fixed

Love the positive framework you work out of, despite finding failures, sometimes people let them stop their progress, but you laugh at it and move forward! Good life lessons for people to hear, Sreten.

My day instantly became better after you released a video Sreten, always a great watch and can't wait to see u build this one 🙌

The amount of stuff to remove is mind-blowing!! It just doesn’t stop!Nice work Sreten as always.Love this channel..🇦🇺

Good day to binge watch

You definetly manage to accomplish my curiosity every time you upload a video, Extreme precision and explanations to every process that you do. Thank you !!

The Bahco tools are always a hit or miss. My Bahco jack is the best, while all my Bahco handtools that can break is broken.

So entertaining. Always entertaining watching someone who knows what they are doing, and are meticulous work on a car. 🙌 Thanks for the content.

Another fantastic video! Thank you for all your hard work in creating this content for us. I recently discovered your channel and have been thoroughly enjoying it. It’s unbelievable how quickly a 1+ hour video transpires!

The dyno runs and the car detailing are great and all, but you can't beat a good old Streten video where he's elbow deep in broken BMW mechanics. Good to have it back

Been waiting for this episode for forever and it has arrived!!!

Always a treat watching you work.

I am so excited🥳🥳🥳🥳 I have been waiting for this ever since the first video! Keep them coming, you the best!

i went from a V70 -11 to a f31 320 -14 last monday, still feels like a dream 😍

This is the only channel where you have to like every single video before you watch because every video is a masterpiece of everything. Best regards keep it up can't wait for the next part to come out

This is how complex ICE engines are. Scares the hell out of me personally. Great once they are running and pure entertainment when seeing being taken apart. Great job

NOTHING better than coming home from work and finding a new M539 video. Love your work buddy! Please never stop! I've already learned so much from you and you're an inspiration for countless people. God bless you ;-)

I am so happy. Your looney, maniacal laughs, boops and all round demeanour, plus your educational content are a treasure to behold.

I’ve been waiting for this episode for a million years Thanks for sharing as usual the most interesting repair videos only from you

New M539 Videos always make my day!

He is the only YT personality that makes everything interesting. I just sit and watch with my mouth open in wonder. And the fact that he is a self-taught mechanic is just mind boggling to me. A true talent!

I’ve been eagerly awaiting this project. Much excite!

I dont remember enjoying youtube video this much in a minute. Thank you Sreten!

love the content that you post especially the engine strip down parts

Another great episode of you on the tools Sreten you thoroughly deserved a break seems like you have been wrenching solidly for weeks enjoy Italy can't wait for next episode.

It's still amazes me, how can a such an expensive car blow its engine this way. In my head these cars are the top of engineering, with quality work behind them and yet here we are facing another fancy engine rebuild stuff coming in our way not long after Project Chicago. Great video as always, enjoy your vacation and get back to work on your cars soon 😊

About time, I’ve been waiting for this to drop 🙌🏻🙌🏻

That was a clean engine. Goes to show how important it is to change your oil. That one simple thing can so extend the life of your vehicles. Never have seen a crankshaft damaged like that, but too be fair I have not seen all that many. Very cool watching you tear all this down. I started by watching most of the engine build video and decided to back up and watch the videos that led to that one first. Good stuff and I enjoy the commentary too.

YES! Been waiting for this video eagerly

Sreten! I just finished up M62tu timing chain rebuild on a car. Your videos have given me the confidence to take on some larger projects I would have shied away from in the past. You make all these jobs look so easy :)

VW 1.9 bxe engine has similar problem with bearings like one you stripped now. The solution to the problem is to swap lower main bearing, to be as same as upper main, with groove, to increase oil flow to rod bearing and thus lower the bearing temperature.

How exciting to see this project finally moving along after SUCH a long, patient wait Sreten! I’m delighted for you, and invite you to come to Australia and check out the BMWs we have out here!

Tolles Video wie immer!!! Keep them coming please!!! Thank you!

You’re channel is undoubtedly one of THE best on RU-vid ! Thank you for your knowledge and slick presentation. Keep it up ! Hope Italy tops of those battery’s

I was waiting for this video for a long time, I love your videos. Keep making these videos!