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Another Rod Bearing/Oil Analysis Thread - Need Advice

2K views 3 replies 4 participants last post by  335xi 
#1 ·
Hello to everyone! Feels good to finally be a part of this community. I just picked up a 2006 SMG M5 with 80k on the clock. The car is 100% factory stock and was cared for incredibly well from what it looks like. It was a one owner most of its life (older gentleman owned it who was a doctor) up until 75k miles and then traded to a dealership where one of the sales guys drove it personally for 5k miles with unknown service besides and oil change. The service intervals were spot on from the first owner: regular oil changes with OEM oil, spark plugs done at 40k miles and again at 73k. I know for a fact the rod bearings have not been replaced and I purchased the car knowing that and expecting to have the service performed. The last oil change was performed at 78,215 under the "second" owner. I was nervous for the condition of the rod bearings so I immediately did an oil change and sent the sample to blackstone. When doing the oil change, I cut open the oil filter and found a few specs of metal shavings. I've attached a few pictures to show what I found. There was maybe 8-10 total throughout the whole filter. The Blackstone results came back perfect to my surprise. Now it was a very short oil change interval with only 1,785 miles since the last change. Now I'm stumped. I know I said I was ready and expecting to do the rod bearings but if I could I would rather get a bit more life out of them before doing the service. So, how safe is it to drive the car in your opinion and how urgent should I be to get on with this service? Is it safe to drive another 5k miles to do a proper oil change and see whats in the filter then and what blackstone says or am I dancing with the devil? I always let the car warm up for 2-3 minutes and shift at 2.5k until the car is fully warm or about 15 minutes if that matters any. All input is greatly appreciated and looking forward to enjoying this beast.
 

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#2 ·
Man! That filter looks pretty clean. Also based upon that report your lead & copper is well within acceptable limits. I think you can get another reading at your next oil change. But seems like your engine is looking pretty healthy!. But then again if you are going to have sleepless nights over it, just get them changed simply as preventive maintenance. Good luck and welcome aboard.
 
#4 ·
Well. my car had 2 separate occasions where Lead was high and it was fine in between those two occurrences. When the bearings were changed at 62K miles, they were in really bad shape. So, I think the damage happens episodically. Maybe all it takes is one cold day start or one high rev before temps are up, I don't know, just speculating.
 
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