Thrust Bearings - Newbie Question

[jolle21]

I took apart my M42 today to start a slight rebuild. I want to upgrade the thrust bearings based on the forum articles I've read here and others.

From looking at my bottom end, it looks this upgrade may have been completed, can you tell by looking at the pics below to see if it was indeed done?

Thanks in advance!!!


Front of block


I took off one half of the bearing in this pic and saw another have under the crankshaft, so that's where my confusion arises.

[keflaman]

Refer to the picture here: http://bmwfans.info/parts/catalog/E30/2-doors/USA/318is-M42/LHD/M/1990/july/browse/engine/crankshaft_with_bearing_shells/

Notice that item #3 (bearing) is flanged, but the other half isn't? If your motor has been updated, the upper and lower thrust bearing halves will have flanges on both sides.

In other words, look at the bearing cap you took off and if the bearing half has flanges your motor was "updated".

[jolle21]

Refer to the picture here: http://bmwfans.info/parts/catalog/E30/2-doors/USA/318is-M42/LHD/M/1990/july/browse/engine/crankshaft_with_bearing_shells/

Notice that item #3 (bearing) is flanged, but the other half isn't? If your motor has been updated, the upper and lower thrust bearing halves will have flanges on both sides.

In other words, look at the bearing cap you took off and if the bearing half has flanges your motor was "updated".

Thank you for clarifying that!!

[keflaman]

Sure! Happy to help. Feel free to post a couple more pictures of what you found for others to see.

[jolle21]

Sure! Happy to help. Feel free to post a couple more pictures of what you found for others to see.

Good news, I took pics. Bad news, the PO didn't upgrade the thrust bearings...


A little wear, not a lot compared to other's I've seen;





m50 thrust bearings have been added to the never ending parts list...