ACL Race Series Connecting Rod Bearing Set BMW S54
309.99€
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The ACL Race Series Connecting Rod Bearing Set for BMW’s S54 engine is made for enthusiasts who expect their M car to perform at its absolute best—lap after lap, pull after pull. The 3.2-liter straight-six found in the E46 M3 and Z4 M Coupe is famous for its precision and rev-happy nature, but when power increases, oil temps rise, and RPMs stay high, the factory bearings start to show their limits. ACL’s Race Series bearings were designed exactly for this environment—where heat, load, and reliability all collide.
Each bearing is built with ACL’s proven tri-metal design: a hardened steel backing for structural integrity, a copper-lead intermediate layer for superior load capacity, and a precision overlay that maintains an even oil film when things get hot. This multi-layer construction keeps friction low and lubrication stable, protecting your crankshaft and connecting rods during hard acceleration, high-speed runs, and long track sessions.
These bearings are crafted from the same materials trusted in professional motorsport engines worldwide. They offer excellent fatigue resistance, stable clearances, and consistent oil pressure under extreme conditions. Whether it’s extended high-RPM operation or the daily abuse of a tuned street build, the Race Series bearings provide long-term stability and smooth performance you can rely on.
Installation is straightforward. ACL designed these bearings as a direct-fit replacement for BMW’s S54 engine—no machining or modifications required. The result is perfect OEM fitment with the added strength and resilience of competition-grade materials.
For those who drive their E46 M3 or Z4M the way BMW intended—hard, fast, and with precision—ACL Race Series bearings are the essential upgrade. They reinforce the heart of the legendary S54, delivering peace of mind every time the tach climbs past 8,000 RPM.
FEATURES
- High-performance upgrade: ACL Race Series bearings deliver a stronger, more durable solution than BMW’s factory components—engineered to withstand the heat, load, and high RPM demands of the S54 engine found in the E46 M3 and Z4 M models.
- Precision-engineered for BMW performance: Designed to address rod bearing wear and oil pressure fluctuations often experienced in high-revving BMW engines, ensuring smooth, consistent lubrication across the full rev range.
- Factory-grade precision: Manufactured to BMW’s exact tolerances, maintaining correct clearances, stable oil pressure, and long-term bearing integrity under heavy stress or extended high-speed driving.
- Race-proven tri-metal design: Built with a hardened steel backing, copper-lead core, and precision overlay to provide superior fatigue resistance, oil film stability, and reliable thermal control in demanding performance conditions.
- Optimized bearing-to-housing fitment: The non-tin flash finish improves contact stability, minimizing distortion and enhancing alignment during prolonged high-load operation and elevated temperatures.
- Built for endurance and confidence: Proven in motorsport and performance builds worldwide, these bearings give the S54 the durability and reliability it needs for aggressive street driving, dyno runs, or extended track sessions.
APPLICATIONS
- 2000–2006 BMW S54B32 E46 M3 3.2L
- 2001–2002 BMW S54B32 Z3 M Coupe 3.2L
- 2001–2002 BMW S54B32 Z3 M Roadster 3.2L
- 2006–2008 BMW S54B32 Z4 M Coupe 3.2L
- 2006–2008 BMW S54B32 Z4 M Roadster 3.2L
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 | 48,975 mm / 1.9281 in |
Max. Std Shaft Size | 48,991 mm / 1.9288 in |
Min. Std Tunnel Size | 53 mm / 2.0866 in |
Max. Std Tunnel Size | 53,015 mm / 2.0872 in |
Max Wall at Crown | 1,993 mm / 0.0785 in |
Max Overall Length | 16 mm / 0.6299 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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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.