Kolbenschmidt vs Original BMW bearings?

RichardGoller · 07-07-2021, 10:59 AM

I'm replacing my conrod bearings and the original BMW bearings are 4x the price of the Kolbenschmidt ones, I tried to get Mahle ones but couldn't. Will it blow up my engine? Thanks.

Biginboca · 07-07-2021, 12:08 PM

I can’t answer that but I can tell you what would be on my mind…

It was a lot of work to get the bearings out. I would not want to have to do that whole job again because I cut corners and used a cheap part that failed. I would need to see glowing reviews of the off brand before I would go that way. Bearing failures on N52 are nonexistent outside of eating a serpentine belt or doing something really stupid. The OEM are definitely good to go.

RichardGoller · 07-07-2021, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biginboca

I can't answer that but I can tell you what would be on my mind…

It was a lot of work to get the bearings out. I would not want to have to do that whole job again because I cut corners and used a cheap part that failed. I would need to see glowing reviews of the off brand before I would go that way. Bearing failures on N52 are nonexistent outside of eating a serpentine belt or doing something really stupid. The OEM are definitely good to go.

Hmm, I see what you're saying. The reason I want to replace them is because a piston ring needs replacing, so I need to replace all rings. I thought if I'm removing the pistons I might as well change the bearings. Would it be a better decision to reuse all bearings, in correct order of course.

E92_William · 07-08-2021, 01:23 AM

If the original bearings are in good shape with no noticeable wear I think it would be wise to reuse them. Not going to be the first guy that has replaced bearings for the hell of it and had an issue down the line, not saying it will happen to you but I probably wouldn't do it unless necessary. You can have a new set at hand and return it if you don't end up needing them

Celestio · 07-08-2021, 01:27 AM

Def don’t do it if it’s not necessary. But if you were to, OEM for sure

07-07-2021, 10:59 AM	#1
RichardGoller Private First Class 15 Rep 130 Posts Drives: BMW E92 Join Date: Sep 2020 Location: London iTrader: (0)	Kolbenschmidt vs Original BMW bearings? I'm replacing my conrod bearings and the original BMW bearings are 4x the price of the Kolbenschmidt ones, I tried to get Mahle ones but couldn't. Will it blow up my engine? Thanks.
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07-07-2021, 12:08 PM	#2
Biginboca Colonel 3800 Rep 2,738 Posts Drives: 2009 E92 328i 6MT Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Boynton Beach, FL... USA iTrader: (3)	I can’t answer that but I can tell you what would be on my mind… It was a lot of work to get the bearings out. I would not want to have to do that whole job again because I cut corners and used a cheap part that failed. I would need to see glowing reviews of the off brand before I would go that way. Bearing failures on N52 are nonexistent outside of eating a serpentine belt or doing something really stupid. The OEM are definitely good to go. __________________ My E92 328csl Build Thread My 328csl Instagram Page
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07-08-2021, 01:23 AM	#4
E92_William Captain 1470 Rep 900 Posts Drives: 2008 BMW 328xi Join Date: Apr 2021 Location: South Florida iTrader: (0)	If the original bearings are in good shape with no noticeable wear I think it would be wise to reuse them. Not going to be the first guy that has replaced bearings for the hell of it and had an issue down the line, not saying it will happen to you but I probably wouldn't do it unless necessary. You can have a new set at hand and return it if you don't end up needing them __________________ Airplane Mechanic BMW Masochist
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07-08-2021, 01:27 AM	#5
Celestio Registered 2 Rep 4 Posts Drives: BMW 2011 328i Sedan Join Date: Jul 2021 Location: New York, NY iTrader: (0)	Def don’t do it if it’s not necessary. But if you were to, OEM for sure
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