ACL Race Series Connecting Rod Bearing Set BMW M40 M42 M43 M44
119.99€
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The ACL Race Series Connecting Rod Bearing Set for BMW M40, M42, M43, and M44 engines is made for builders who expect more from their engines—more strength, more reliability, and more peace of mind when the revs climb high. Factory bearings do their job fine for stock setups, but once you push past that comfort zone, you need something built for the real stress of heat and load. That’s where ACL’s Race Series comes in.
Each bearing is built using tri-metal construction—a hardened steel backing for rigidity, a copper-lead layer for strength, and a precision overlay that keeps the oil film stable under extreme conditions. This design keeps friction in check and allows consistent lubrication across the rod journals, helping your engine maintain pressure and temperature balance even under sustained load.
The Race Series material is known for its high fatigue resistance and superior embeddability, which means tighter clearances, better oil control, and long-term stability. It’s the kind of technology proven in motorsport and endurance applications, where failure isn’t an option and every thousandth of a millimeter matters.
Made as a direct-fit upgrade for BMW’s M40, M42, M43, and M44 engines, installation is straightforward—no machining, no adjustments, just precise fitment with OEM geometry. Once installed, you’ll feel the confidence of a rotating assembly built to handle more—whether it’s extended high RPM pulls, aggressive timing, or track-day heat cycles.
For enthusiasts who demand reliability under pressure, the ACL Race Series bearings deliver exactly that. They’re the quiet upgrade that strengthens the heart of your engine, keeping everything smooth, balanced, and ready for the next push.
FEATURES
- Engineered for performance builds: ACL Race Series bearings provide a durable upgrade over BMW’s factory components, built to handle the stress of high-revving and tuned M40–M44 engines.
- Designed for BMW precision: Addresses common rod bearing wear seen in older BMW four-cylinder engines, ensuring reliable oil control and consistent performance under load.
- Maintains OEM tolerances: Manufactured to exact BMW specifications, preserving precise clearances while improving strength and long-term bearing life.
- Proven tri-metal design: Constructed with a hardened steel backing, copper-lead intermediate layer, and precision overlay for exceptional strength and fatigue resistance.
- Enhanced bearing contact: The absence of a tin flash improves bearing-to-housing fit, maintaining stability and preventing deformation during high heat or extended use.
- Reliable under high load: Built for engines that see daily driving, spirited use, or competition, providing dependable performance and protection against oil film breakdown.
APPLICATIONS
- 1988–1994 BMW M40B16 E30 316i
- 1990–1994 BMW M40B16 E36 316i
- 1987–1994 BMW M40B18 E30 318i
- 1989–1991 BMW M42B18 E30 318is
- 1992–1995 BMW M42B18 E36 318i 318is 318ti
- 1994–1998 BMW M43B16 E36 316i
- 1992–1998 BMW M43B18 E36 318i
- 1995–2001 BMW M43B18 E36/7 Z3 1.8
- 1998–2001 BMW M43B19 E46 318i 318Ci
- 1999–2002 BMW M43B19 E36/8 Z3 1.9
- 1996–1998 BMW M44B19 E36 318is 318ti
- 1996–1999 BMW M44B19 E36/7 Z3 1.9
NOTES
Specifications for STD size only.
Includes upper and lower bearing shells for a complete rod bearing replacement.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Brand | |
---|---|
Half Type | Identical halves |
Material | F781 |
Min. Std Shaft Size | 44,975 mm / 1.7707 in |
Max. Std Shaft Size | 44,991 mm / 1.7713 in |
Min. Std Tunnel Size | 48 mm / 1.8898 in |
Max. Std Tunnel Size | 48,016 mm / 1.8904 in |
Max Wall at Crown | 1,49 mm / 0.0587 in |
Max Overall Length | 18 mm / 0.7087 in |
PREPREG is a common term for a reinforcing fabric such carbon which has been pre-impregnated with a resin system. This resin system (typically epoxy) already includes the proper curing agent. As a result, the prepreg is ready to be laid into the mold without the addition of any more resin. In order for the laminate to cure, an autoclave production process is used, a combination of high pressure and heat.
- Maximum strength and performance characterictics. In a hand layup production process, it is difficult to achieve 50% fabric and 50% resin content. Typical hand laminates, even when vacuum bagged, end up with a significant amount of excess resin. Excess resin increases brittleness and reduces overall strength properties. On the other hand, most prepregs contain around 35% resin. This is ideal for maximum cured properties and generally impossible to achieve in normal hand lamination.
- Uniformity and repeatability. The prepreg is of uniform thickness and each part coming out of the mold may theoretically be the same. Vacuum bagging technology may have some errors in processing, but prepreg ensures production consistency.
- Reduce curing time. After the thermal curing cycle, no need to wait for the standard 48 hours can be fully cured.
- Aesthetics. Although prepreg processing still requires mold preparation and demoulding, prepreg processing eliminates air bubbles, makes it easier to obtain a smooth, glossy surface as well as eliminates any seaming lines.
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We offer free tracked shipping on all orders within mainland EU. Orders to remote areas such as Malta, Cyprus, and Iceland may incur a surcharge. Worldwide shipping is also available—please contact us for a quote.
Most orders dispatch within one business day (Monday to Friday). EU delivery takes 3–5 working days from dispatch, and tracking details will be provided via email once your order has shipped.
Please note that import taxes may apply outside the EU, and these are the responsibility of the buyer. Some items may ship directly from our suppliers and may have varying delivery times. If an item is out of stock, we will contact you to discuss the available options.
RETURNS
Changed your mind? You can return unused, uninstalled items in original packaging within 30 days of delivery. Return shipping is the customer’s responsibility unless the item is faulty.
Custom, used, or built-to-order items are non-returnable.
Once we receive and inspect your return, refunds are typically processed within 10 business days.
If your item is damaged or incorrect, contact us within 48 hours with photos and order details.
WARRANTY
All VA and VA Motorsports products come with a 1-year limited warranty covering manufacturing defects and fitment issues. For third-party items, warranty terms vary by brand—please check the product listing or contact us for details.
This warranty does not cover wear and tear, incorrect installation, cosmetic damage, labor, or third-party costs.
To start a claim, email us with your order number, issue description, and photos. If the claim is approved, we’ll offer a replacement, store credit, or a refund.