My BMW Engine IS Still Like New at 200K miles!

My BMW Engine IS Still Like New at 200K miles! | N54 Leak Down Test

Рет қаралды 15,618

4 жыл бұрын

In this video I preform a leak down test on my E90 BMW. I do this on my 2008 335i.
This car has nearly 200k miles on it and passed a compression test flawlessly a few months back.
Here is a video on that:
• I Can't Believe It. At...
As a follow up to that video I am now doing a leak down test to check the true health of the motor.
This video goes to show that with routine maintenance you can get a lot of life out of any car but a BMW drive train in my opinion can last longer than most even if it is being pushed well beyond is original design limits.
Here is the video I made on converting my car to run on Audi R8 ignition coils:
• I Made My BMW Run On A...
If you're interested in the leak down tester I used you can get it here (affiliate):
ebay.to/3fxT8FP
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Thanks for watching :) When you see the word "affiliate" listed beside any link in my description please know that this is a custom link and I will earn a small commission if you opt to purchase using said link. This is at no extra cost to you so it's a win all around :) Thank you!

Пікірлер: 165

@mjdmay 4 жыл бұрын

This shows how important maintenance is and that wear is only a reflection of poor maintenance or laziness

@atrain132 4 жыл бұрын

Michael May, ... exactly!! 👍

@joebloggs4191 4 жыл бұрын

This is impressive someone should tell Scotty about this 200,000 miler BMW, he might have a heart attack LOL. But in all seriousness it seems the N54 is a strong lump it is just the ancillaries like the injectors HFPF waste gates / turbos etc that can cause problems, am I right?

@VehicularDIY 4 жыл бұрын

Yeah definitely, the motor itself is very stout and I'm impressed with how much power it can make with an open deck block. Its' true that the bolt on items are the only reason this motor gets a bad reputation.

@williamcarnero9595 4 жыл бұрын

This is the best test to gauge the health of the engine. We do this exact same procedure on reciprocating air cooled airplane engines. Only difference is those engines we’re happy with 80 or so haha. Getting 90 is almost unheard of, much less 98👍

@joshuavincent7884 4 жыл бұрын

I'm guessing higher PTW clearance in an air-cooled aircraft engine?

@johnMpower 4 жыл бұрын

N54 are so strong. Impressive BMW! Bravo

@MrNicoe36cabrio 4 жыл бұрын

Amazing results! Good maintenance is key! Dutch regards, Nico.

@fasnaeem6678 3 жыл бұрын

Love the videos and the hard work and inspires me to work on my own N54 Alpina love it!

@gregcowart8229 3 жыл бұрын

That’s amazing I have a e93 335i it has 99000 miles I do do regular maintenance myself , u r the guru of BMW’s man

@benenator3 4 жыл бұрын

Great video. My 2010 335i is at 250k miles and I have been wanting to do a leak down test, but the tester I rented from the store wouldn't fit in the tight spark plug hole. I will definitely give this tester a try.

@BreezeLock 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for this video! I just performed this on my N55. Lowest cylinder was 98 rest were at 99.

@tra_vis9626 4 жыл бұрын

Nice! I have an 08 335xi manual. Been following since I got it. Wish I had the skills you have!

@jamespestell3940 4 жыл бұрын

Mines on 110k runs spot on, love it

@twinturbo8304 3 жыл бұрын

bestn54 channel for dyi guys thanks

@stingray6737 4 жыл бұрын

Engine is great. Its all the plastic parts that break

@gam3rk1d981 3 жыл бұрын

I'd love to see the main bearings. Just to see what it looks like after 187k miles. I'd almost say it's has scoring but not bad. Just with the compression test and leak down test is great but not telling the story on low end but upper is in great shape. Keep up with the good work.

@copperlocks1 4 жыл бұрын

BMW learnt their lessons from the Nikasil issues;Much better metallurgy for cylinder and rings.

@saganworshipper6062 4 жыл бұрын

First, and I must say, pretty amazing.

@carvelera 4 жыл бұрын

all I can say, this channel is my handbook since I owned n54 motor and started DIY..

@garyvanremortel5218 4 жыл бұрын

When I sold my 2001 X5 with the M62 at 235Kmi, it still had great compression and burned no oil.

@kylehanaway1613 4 жыл бұрын

I hope mine can last till 200k. Fingers crossed still have 103k more to get there!

@TheFrenchPug 4 жыл бұрын

That looks great! Mine looks the same and you have helped me do it at 140k miles! Just trying to chase down a Cyl 2 misfire that only pops up with JB4 active now. Thanks for the great DIY videos!!!

@MarioBalotelli_45 4 жыл бұрын

Check your injector

@thewhite335 4 жыл бұрын

it’s the spark plug or coils

@thewhite335 4 жыл бұрын

very cheap fix

@TheFrenchPug 4 жыл бұрын

@@thewhite335 I just put NGK plugs in despite having new Bosch plugs and that finally fixed my issue running on JB4.

@markt9438 3 жыл бұрын

Dude ,lets hear it Run !!! LOL

@harrisj2278 4 жыл бұрын

Great video as always I love your content, I’m wondering if the coil pack conversion would benefit the N52 variant?

@VehicularDIY 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks, you can make them fit but I I'd think the stock ignition system would be plenty for the n52.

@DavidDiaz-qu3vk 4 жыл бұрын

You should do a videos of a rundown of all the things you’ve done to the car!!!

@VehicularDIY 4 жыл бұрын

Yeah thanks for the suggestion!

@stevenmales 4 жыл бұрын

have ever seen fine metal particles in your old oil after an oil change, noticed some in my old oil a few years ago, still runs fine done 100k, thanks

@VehicularDIY 4 жыл бұрын

I haven't but pain attention to your oil filter. If you're seeing any particles in the filter material that would be more detrimental.

@Genesislights 3 жыл бұрын

What method did you figure out the top dead center at compression stage? Obviously they were at TDC compression stage but if it is TDC and exhaust stage than you have false reading.

@Ninja-py1ss 4 жыл бұрын

Mine's got 300k but kilometers, i don't have any issues ,car going strong and feel's healthy. My only major issue from 3 years of ownership and over 180k km was turbo's rattle.

@VehicularDIY 4 жыл бұрын

Nice yeah all the more reason to get a set of upgraded turbos which have come down in price significantly.

@Megurin88 3 жыл бұрын

question, how much psi is your turbo was set before the test? were you running stock tuned? its would be very helpful if you have the time to respond.😁 thank you.

@papa_pt 4 жыл бұрын

Wow that's awesome. Have you owned the car since New? I've been using Euro formula Mobil1 or Castrol off the shelf but I'm going to try Liquimoly next. My oil was a little dirty after 5k miles last change

@VehicularDIY 4 жыл бұрын

I've owned the car since 140k. Luckily the previous owner was on top of maintenance as well.

@donovanmiller8992 4 жыл бұрын

Great vid as always. Can you comment on keeping the oil cool in this heat. I added an oil bypass. You think oil coolers get dirty?

@VehicularDIY 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks, my car has a factory oil cooler and it seems to have done this motor well. I don't think it would get dirty unless the oil change intervals were 10K+. I'd say the factory oil cooler does a good job unless you track the car. For the few 335i cars that left the factory without a cooler I'd say adding an aftermarket cooler is a must.

@donovanmiller8992 4 жыл бұрын

Vehicular DIY Thanks my oil temperature was 240 to almost 250 in 80° weather which seemed warm to me so I added the bypass which seems to reduce it by about 5° - 10°. Maybe those temperatures in the summer are normal I tend to change my oil every 6000 miles

@diyguy6054 3 жыл бұрын

I haven't followed to closely. But did you even replace rod bearings?

@AppleMan561 3 жыл бұрын

I have the same kit and can’t get the m12 adapter to full thread in

@820performancecomptonbro4 5 ай бұрын

Hey what up bro I have a 2015 bmw I have low compression cylinder 1-3-4 90psi and number 2 119 psi any tips

@matthias_372 4 жыл бұрын

I love your video. All these rumours about "don't buy a car with more then 100'000 mls", just rubbish. Btw, have you got any advice in regards to the Audi coils on an B58, since you now drive one as well?

@VehicularDIY 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks. From what I can tell the B58 coils are pretty stout so I don't think need to be upgraded. At least nobody has found the limit on them as far as I can tell.

@matthias_372 3 жыл бұрын

@@VehicularDIY Good to know, thanks for your reply

@TheMstwntdLMSV123 4 жыл бұрын

Do you beat pretty hard on it or is it more of a daily driver? I know people who do wot pulls and hitting redline just seconds after starting the engine and I can't imagine what it does to the engine. They argue maintenance is all that matters. I drive my car pretty hard but I always wait for oil to reach full temp and maintain like it's a cult 😂. I can't believe the condition of this engine! Props to both your care and the engineers of the engine!

@VehicularDIY 4 жыл бұрын

It was a daily driver that I used to beat on at least once a day but like you I always waited for the engine to reach full operating temp.

@TheMstwntdLMSV123 4 жыл бұрын

@@VehicularDIY Nice!

@HaiNguyen-gg6dl 4 жыл бұрын

Hi I have a few questions wanna get some insight. I have a 2008 335i with 110k miles on it I wanna buy a use jb4 and put it on the car and just keep it at stage 1 map1 for daily drive, do I need to replace the spark plug injector charge pipe and stuff or I could do that all later on.

@VehicularDIY 4 жыл бұрын

I'd recommend spark plugs and coils and charge pipe mostly due to how many times it would have been heat cycled. The plastic could be come brittle. Then see how things go, if you do not encounter any issues with misfires at your power goal then use your injectors as long as they last. If you're getting codes and you have rough colds starts that's where you'll be forced to consider newer injectors.

@jacobshell5802 4 жыл бұрын

Love the video! I do have a question. Is it at all possible you think to remove the water pump and successfully replace without lowering the subframe?

@VehicularDIY 4 жыл бұрын

Yes you can get to the water pump and replace it and the thermostat with the subframe in place.

@e85johnson68 4 жыл бұрын

I've done the water pump and thermostat without dropping subframe twice, just move the steering rack to the side, easy. This was on a 07 335i.

@jacobshell5802 4 жыл бұрын

@@VehicularDIY I have the code 2E84 and 2E85 says BSD, message, electric coolant pump: missing.

@VehicularDIY 4 жыл бұрын

I've heard of coolant getting into the connector when the pump fails and causing codes like that.

@jacobshell5802 4 жыл бұрын

@@VehicularDIY wouldn't happen to know where the water pump fuse is located? I've looked online everywhere. Im seeing something about the ecu box, and i dont see that fuse he has. 135i 2008 e82 bmw

@vinnaaay4533 4 жыл бұрын

I got rod knock at 84k miles and I drove it like a baby most of the time 🙂

@VehicularDIY 4 жыл бұрын

ah that sucks, did you replace the motor?

@vinnaaay4533 4 жыл бұрын

Vehicular DIY yes sir!

@joecastro23 4 жыл бұрын

Hey man do you need to put the car in neutral to rotate the crank? MT, by the way thanks 🤙🏽

@VehicularDIY 4 жыл бұрын

Hey, yeah you'd put the car in neutral otherwise it would inch forward.

@pinoysi06 4 жыл бұрын

Did you complete all 6 cylinders compression test while only adjusting once to top dead center?

@VehicularDIY 4 жыл бұрын

No I turned the motor over to TDC for each cylinder and then used the gauge to verify all the valves were closed. The footage only shows each cylinder at TDC on the compression stroke.

@danjohnson4819 4 жыл бұрын

My mom is think of getting a Lexus I let her drive my e90, she doesn't want a Lexus no more. You really appreciate BMW's after driving other cars.

@papa_pt 4 жыл бұрын

yeah but the extra work/knowledge to keep them operating isn't worth it to most people. Unless they were a car person or had money to burn I'd say go Lexus

@iG4MERs 4 жыл бұрын

Did you check your rod bearings with this mileage? Mine has almost 150k miles and now the oil pan gasket is due - and Im thinking of replacing the rod bearings too...

@VehicularDIY 4 жыл бұрын

I haven't but to be honest I probably wouldn't want to disturb them. It's not a high revving motor so they typically last and sometimes changing the rod bearings can cause the mains to go. Or you may start to encounter issues with pressure in the head etc. I'd only do it as a full rebuild or if it was an S85 V10 and avoiding them would lead to certain failure. It's always a gamble in my opinion.

@cmcevill 4 жыл бұрын

What would happen if you had some leaks? What type of corrections would you make?

@VehicularDIY 4 жыл бұрын

You'd want to stay on top of them all. Oil pan gasket, oil filter housing gasket etc. As soon as you see them plan on replacing the gasket.

@garyvanremortel5218 4 жыл бұрын

Musa, what dia is the orifice in that tester? I have one for my aircraft engine that might be usable for cars.

@VehicularDIY 4 жыл бұрын

It looks looks to be about 3mm.

@garyvanremortel5218 4 жыл бұрын

@@VehicularDIY That would be huge. Are you sure? The one for my aircraft engine is .040" dia.

@oscarolander7455 4 жыл бұрын

This is just the problem with engines with many miles is when the cross pattern on your cylinder walls worn out it seals up better. And a leakdown test doesn't tell you anything about your main bearing and big end bearing condition or if the small end for the piston wrist pin is getting oval. Basically this tells you that your piston rings and valves are sealing properly, yes it's a good thing. But is there still enough cross pattern on the cylinder wall to lubricate the piston?

@VehicularDIY 4 жыл бұрын

Maybe a bore scope video is next up on the list haha.

@oscarolander7455 4 жыл бұрын

@@VehicularDIY It would be interesting to see, and compare with an engine with low miles!

@machtschnell7452 4 жыл бұрын

But they break so easily and so often! Are you saying fresh fluids and filters and timely maintenance make a difference? Who could imagine?

@FastEditDemon11 4 жыл бұрын

Yeah you MUST keep up with the maintenance. If you can't do the work youself I hope you have deep pockets.

@thegunshow9112 4 жыл бұрын

Dope, how many miles when u bought it? What oil do u run? How often do u change? Any other longevity tips?

@VehicularDIY 4 жыл бұрын

I bought it at 140K miles. I run Shell Rotella T6 5W40 and I change it on average at 5K miles.

@thegunshow9112 4 жыл бұрын

Vehicular DIY if you don’t mind Me asking what’s the logic behind the heavier weight oil and also rotella vs a traditional gas oil?

@muumuumu 4 жыл бұрын

Oil change how often? I do about 10k km between. Doesn't burn any oil at 230k km.

@VehicularDIY 4 жыл бұрын

I've averaged around 5K miles between changes. I've taken a couple long trips where I pushed it to 7K but mostly 5K.

@ProjectFairmont 3 жыл бұрын

Not surprised. News flash: Toyota uses a BMW chassis and drivetrain for its Supra.

@matthewweisdorfer7757 4 жыл бұрын

What’s your take on rod bearings? Would you consider doing a DIY on that?

@VehicularDIY 4 жыл бұрын

I would rather leave them untouched unless I was doing a full rebuild. Considering they are not a known problem area for the N54 as it is not a high revving motor.

@AshwinLB 3 жыл бұрын

@@VehicularDIY this didn’t age well :(

@nickbarba9809 4 жыл бұрын

someone just wrecked my e90.. I was sad because I knew I would get so much more out of it for years to come

@VehicularDIY 4 жыл бұрын

Very sorry to hear that. Will you get another?

@davidgaulrapp5407 4 жыл бұрын

what kind of oil & how often do you change it! i'm a believer second BMW and third motorcycle!Dave

@VehicularDIY 4 жыл бұрын

I use Shell Rotella T6 5w40 and I change it every 5 to 7k miles.

@Toobs138 4 жыл бұрын

Vehicular DIY does it matter that it says heavy duty diesel motor oil ? I can put that in my 135i. Thanks for all the videos they’re so helpful

@John.doe26840 4 жыл бұрын

Toobs138 I was wondering the same thing

@Riv015 4 жыл бұрын

Hitman Oil weight debates/brands can go on forever. Vehicular DIY has tested compression/and leakage as seen in this video... Why do you think he should change to OW? (Also it depends on climate) Oh and manufacturer also recommends oil changes every 13-15k miles lol. Whatever works for you in your climate is fine, just change it frequently and use 0/5w-30/40

@VehicularDIY 4 жыл бұрын

From what I've read it has the necessary anti wear additives for our cars and it is designed for high heat turbo applications. There are some threads on N54 forums discussing using T6.

@raphaeloffodile3906 4 жыл бұрын

I drive my three times a month 640i How long do you think I should change oil. Is not driving often kills the motor?

@VehicularDIY 4 жыл бұрын

Just make sure they are longer trips to burn out any moisture in the oil. If it sits a lot I'd change the oil at 3 to 5k miles.

@raphaeloffodile3906 4 жыл бұрын

@@VehicularDIY Thanks

@Objectional_Opinion 3 жыл бұрын

This video aged very well. 1 month later and... ouch.

@dalabu8260 4 жыл бұрын

Are those audi ignition coils plag and play what audi and do you hqve have link so i can buy set

@VehicularDIY 4 жыл бұрын

No they're not plug and play but check the description for a link to the video I made.

@TML34 4 жыл бұрын

Vehicular DIY haha. Plug and play...if only it was that easy.

@John.doe26840 4 жыл бұрын

How long would you say stock turbos last on the N54 if taken care of ?

@VehicularDIY 4 жыл бұрын

Id say 150k miles

@John.doe26840 4 жыл бұрын

Vehicular DIY yea I was thinking the same, me and my friend walnut blasted our friends N54 335i and it has 303,000km on stock turbos, he must have the record 😂😂

@Beef_Supreeeme 4 жыл бұрын

I have the same car. How often should I change the oil?

@VehicularDIY 4 жыл бұрын

5K miles if you're running a quality oil and are heavily tuned I'd say.

@jahircruz6069 4 жыл бұрын

Are u still running the autowerk turbos?

@VehicularDIY 4 жыл бұрын

Yeah still running them

@bigmarc977 4 жыл бұрын

What key Maintaince items would you credit for this?

@VehicularDIY 4 жыл бұрын

Oil changes at 5K miles with 5W40.

@finnsgarageLLC 4 жыл бұрын

What did you use to stick into the spark plug hole to know when the cylinder was all the way up?

@finnsgarageLLC 4 жыл бұрын

Mine is solid at 155k miles... I want to perform this test on mine to verify it’s solid!

@VehicularDIY 4 жыл бұрын

Oh I used an old tilt wand from some house blinds lol.

@joshuavincent7884 4 жыл бұрын

@@VehicularDIY and was that a tent anchor to pop the coils out?? haha

@VehicularDIY 4 жыл бұрын

Lol nah its a set of plastic trim removal tools.

@finnsgarageLLC 4 жыл бұрын

Vehicular DIY awesome! Just checking

@argetni119 4 жыл бұрын

what model ratchet are you using?

@VehicularDIY 4 жыл бұрын

It's a Milwaukee 3/8" electric ratchet.

@twinturbo8304 3 жыл бұрын

you said you burn ethanol. would you go into that?

@VehicularDIY 3 жыл бұрын

Yeah I'm running an E60 mix of E85.

@SK-qd5gg 4 жыл бұрын

I have 09 335i fbo same turbos as you . I have been losing 1/2 quart oil every 300 miles . Any thoughts???

@VehicularDIY 4 жыл бұрын

I'd check the pcv valve. What oil are you running?

@SK-qd5gg 4 жыл бұрын

5w40 i have rb pcv valve bms catch can , vader solutions breather oil filler cap

@SK-qd5gg 4 жыл бұрын

Also no smoking out of exaust

@SK-qd5gg 4 жыл бұрын

Sorry , also brand new oil level sensor

@TML34 4 жыл бұрын

steven kimura how many miles on the engine? Has it been burning oil since you changed the turbos?

@joenugent 3 жыл бұрын

My BMW Engine IS Still Like New at 200K miles! An engine is made up of many parts... "Leak-down testing is a static test. Leak-down tests cylinder leakage paths. Leak-down primarily tests pistons and rings, seated valve sealing, and the head gasket. Leak-down will not show valve timing and movement problems, or piston movement related sealing problems." As you know 200K had taken a cataphoric toll on your engine so it is misleading to say your entire engine is like New. The N54 is know for reliability issues that routine maintenance does not address and require taking the engine to pieces, as your recent work testifies to.. PS I love the channel and your style of presentation.. keep it up.

@frontspring1 4 жыл бұрын

that don't mean shit rod bearings and timing guides are still worn out at 200k

@atrain132 4 жыл бұрын

I wonder if BMW coil packs would work better on my Audi 😂🤣

@fabini14 3 жыл бұрын

Know you can say your engine is still like new, compression test is not good way to check if the engine is good, my 535d have leak on one of the intake valves, and compression show across the 6 cylinders 380/395 psi, even 1 of the cylinders does not run good and you can feel engine when cold that is not run good in 1 of the cylinders, turn out to be clylinder 4 with 45% lost on the intake valve because carbon build up on the seat. run like that over 3 years until i remove the head and fix the problem.

@Fosgen 4 жыл бұрын

Nice hot air intake. You're losing good few % power there. But sound it makes, pro.

@machtschnell7452 4 жыл бұрын

Yeah, a lot of tubers and net fan bois do not understand Boyle's Law. On top of that, the leave the OEM CAI inlets open to back-pressurize the engine compartment thus reducing cooling ambient air flow efficiency. Just nuts.

@Fosgen 4 жыл бұрын

@@machtschnell7452 True. Best thing to do with air inlet is to leave it. Somebody with greater knowledge and experience, designed it. I did used sport panel filter in my OEM air box. Conclusions? Nothing but fine dust in all inlet piping. No, thank you. Paper is better.

@Hilth0Modding 3 жыл бұрын

@@Fosgen lmao he has upgraded turbos, flow is more important. E85 and a big intercooler will negate any "hot air" going through a 600* F+ turbo housing then compressed.

@herlegz6969 4 жыл бұрын

The rod bearings tho?

@VehicularDIY 4 жыл бұрын

Ya luckily these aren't high revving engines so they are not problematic. I'd tend to leave them alone unless I was doing a full rebuild.

@MrSkarbek36 4 жыл бұрын

Mines at 90k rn. I just want mine to last till 125k lol

@machtschnell7452 4 жыл бұрын

On original pump? Good luck. You know there us diagnostics available indicating partial failures?

@TEAMCREAM_96 4 жыл бұрын

My motor looks new inside at 160k miles . No varnish at all

@chef423 3 жыл бұрын

Spoke too soon!

@rattedbug5003 4 жыл бұрын

Interesting how some people say the n54 is unreliable. Mine has been awsome.

@spencermaiers8322 4 жыл бұрын

I've worked quite a few and I think it's a bit expensive to run it. Injectors and turbos are the most money for parts only.

@vinnycorleone7446 4 жыл бұрын

easy 300k next! i would start doing oil changes every 2k

@VehicularDIY 4 жыл бұрын

Now that the car sits more often I'll be changing the oil at around 3k miles.

@fuckjewtube69 3 жыл бұрын

Ouch. This didn't age well.

@Streamlined955 3 жыл бұрын

And 3 weeks later...

@VehicularDIY 3 жыл бұрын

Yeah it feels like karma after a title like that lol.

@pabloalfaro2595 3 жыл бұрын

This video did not age well ;(

@VehicularDIY 3 жыл бұрын

Lol yeah I deserve it after a title like that.

@chuckieishere5910 4 жыл бұрын

Is this all this guy does, he makes us look at cars we never see the actual FACE of the person. What kind of channel is this, it makes you wonder is he hiding because he’s a wanted criminal ? Is he hiding because he’s up to no good ? Maybe if you showed your face you would get more subscribers. But maybe it’s because he’s not a true USA citizen he sounds like he’s from another country and that’s why.

@s2syed 4 жыл бұрын

Lol wth is wrong with you bro. Its his personal preference, he is not a politician