This is the complete set of upper and lower main bearing shells for M20, M42, M50, M52, M44, M54, S50, S52, S54 engines that have had the WPC surface treatment. Our treated bearings are not coated; coatings add thickness to the surface and interfere with proper tolerances. These bearings have been treated with a process that not only makes the grain structure in the surface of the bearing smoother, but also aids in oil retention, providing more lubricity in this critical area of the engine.
These bearings match the Yellow code and standard size (60mm) of factory BMW bearings. When replacing main bearings BMW recommends you start with a full set of Yellow coded bearings. Check each journal clearance with Plastigage and then make individual adjustments as needed with other bearing colors (Green or White). BMW does not publish bearing clearance so our advice is to have your BMW dealer look this up for you.
This is a set of bearings from an OEM supplier and have been approved for use in the engines listed above, This set replaces, or is compatible with, BMW part numbers 11211706847, 11211717526, 11211706829, 11212241934, 11211743457, and 11211705815.
Oil note: To further protect your engine and prevent failures, we highly recommend a premium-quality oil, such as Red Line with a higher zinc content. Correct oil operating temperature is 220°F+. Always let your car warm up properly before subjecting the engine to higher throttle angles and RPMs.
We use an OEM bearing set for the WPC treatment. Bearings for the M42, M50, M52, M44, M54, S50, S52, and S54 engines are all the same size but may vary in part number and design differences. We've always used the OEM bearing sets for our WPC treatments. But we do have some notes to pass along:
S54 and M54 note: the Original BMW thrust bearings are completely different between M54 and S54 (but the same size). The OEM bearing sets we sell are based on the S54 thrust bearing design. S54 owners get a straight replacement while M54 engines get a slight upgrade. Also see next note.
S54 track/racing note: the very latest Genuine BMW bearings have larger oil grooves on the end. It appears BMW changed the design at some point because the OEM bearings have them too but the Genuine bearing's grooves are just larger. We assume this is to get more oil onto the bearing surface. If you're tracking the car and regularly run sustained high RPM the Genuine bearings will be better. The OEM is still our recommendation for all other engines and regular driving.
M20 note: this is the later-style bearing for engines produced after 3/1988.
M42/M44 4-cylinder note: this is a set of bearings for a 6-cylinder engine. Our suppliers do not provide 4-cylinder specific sets so you will have extra bearings.
BMW Fitments: 3 SeriesE30 (84-91) > 325e
E30 (84-91) > 325es
E30 (84-91) > 325i
E30 (84-91) > 325is
E30 (84-91) > 325ix
3 SeriesE36 (92-99) > 323ic
E36 (92-99) > 323is
E36 (92-99) > 325i
E36 (92-99) > 325ic
E36 (92-99) > 325is
E36 (92-99) > 328i
E36 (92-99) > 328ic
E36 (92-99) > 328is
E36 (92-99) > M3 (1995)
E36 (92-99) > M3 (1996-1999)
3 SeriesE46 (99-05) > 320i
E46 (99-05) > 323Ci
E46 (99-05) > 323i
E46 (99-05) > 325Ci
E46 (99-05) > 325i
E46 (99-05) > 325xi
E46 (99-05) > 328Ci
E46 (99-05) > 328i
E46 (99-05) > 330Ci
E46 (99-05) > 330i
E46 (99-05) > 330xi
E46 (99-05) > M3
5 SeriesE28 (82-88) > 528e
5 SeriesE34 (89-95) > 525i M20
E34 (89-95) > 525i M50
5 SeriesE39 (97-03) > 525i
E39 (97-03) > 528i
E39 (97-03) > 530i
5 SeriesE60 / E61 (2004-2005) > 525i (M54)
E60 / E61 (2004-2005) > 525xi (M54)
E60 / E61 (2004-2005) > 530i (M54)
E60 / E61 (2004-2005) > 530xi (M54)
X SeriesE53 (00-06) > X5 3.0i M54
X SeriesE83 X3 (2004-2005) > X3 2.5i (M54)
E83 X3 (2004-2005) > X3 3.0i (M54)
Z SeriesE36/7 / E36/8 Z3 (1999-2000) > Z3 2.3
E36/7 / E36/8 Z3 (2001-2002) > Z3 2.5
E36/7 / E36/8 Z3 (1997-2000) > Z3 2.8
E36/7 / E36/8 Z3 (2001-2002) > Z3 3.0
E36/7 / E36/8 Z3 (1997-2000) > Z3 M - S52
E36/7 / E36/8 Z3 (2001-2002) > Z3 M - S54
Z SeriesE85 / E86 Z4 (2003-2005) > Z4 2.5i M54
E85 / E86 Z4 (2003-2005) > Z4 3.0i M54
E85 / E86 Z4 (2005-2008) > Z4 M
