What did you do for your ZHP/ BMW / MINI today? #2

[az3579]

The only real solution to the oil pump nut problem as far as I know is welding it.

After speaking with a few racing teams running various M and S variations of the BMW 6 cyl...this is the fix for the oil pump nut loosening and shaft shear

http://store.vacmotorsports.com/vac-...kit-p1077.aspx

This oil pump issue effects 100% stock and modified motors and we get calls and emails with these failures several times a month. An oil pan baffle is not enough, do NOT be the victim this common failure!

The link doesn't work for me...

This problem existed on the e36 models and the e46 models. However on the zhp m54, iirc there is a different lock nut and loctite that was applied from the factory to prevent the nut from backing off at higher rpms.

Where can this hard data be found? I remember looking a long while ago and couldn't find actual evidence that this is the case.

[Lanister]

The link loaded for me just fine.

[az3579]

The link loaded for me just fine.

What the heck. I tried the link twice before I posted it, and both times it wouldn't load but everything else was loading fine. Just checked again after your post and sure enough, it's working. WTH?? lol

I think it's funny how on their site they say their upgraded oil pump is the only solution to this problem. I disagree. The only common issue here is the nut backing off; this can be fixed with a quick tack weld. I don't see a need to spend all that money on that oil pump. Am I wrong on this? I don't hear about the shaft shearing off often enough, though the nut is a commonly discussed item. I would certainly be interested in finding out if this is the case or not, because if there are other factors at play, then I want to make sure I'm fully protected, especially since I track this car often.

[Lanister]

It seems like their main justification for oil pump "upgrade" is the fact that the shaft sheers. Otherwise, the weld is the solution.

[Hermes]

Had to buy a new battery for the E21. Also, after two months of a single seat car I decided to install the passenger seat

[johnrando]

Cool, now you can give me a ride!

[Hornung418]

I've been aware with this problem for a long time, and is part of my apprehension to make the jump to the ZHP because the 3.0 engines are more prone to this failure. The biggest cause is the crank dampener not being able to subdue the vibrations that occur above 6000rpm. There is an upgrade from ATI right in the heart of Baltimore, MD, that covers the frequencies at those engine speeds...it's also something north of $600 last I checked.

Essentially the vibrations will combine with the frequencies experienced above 6000rpm to back the OPN off the sprocket or shear it completely off the Oil Pump assembly.

There was a ridiculously over engineered solution from a member over on e46f.com, can't recall anything other than his name was Gary. He would take the core and add an additional three mounting points. overkill for most street applications, but hard abused engines or tracked cars that see sustained periods of 6000+rpm are ripe for failure.

Three steps to alleviate the issue are:

• Upgrade to an S54 timing chain tensioner
• Replace the Crankshaft Dampener with new OEM or upgraded ATI unit
• Check and replace/repair/upgrade OPN

Let me know if anyone needs links or further information.

[Johal E32]

The E39's system is actually atrocious. The E46's system is "livable", at best.

Agreed. Always found my dad's old 530/5 a bit tricky because of the gas pedal. The M5 isn't as bad, but still pretty bad. Sport button, God no..

The old ZHP my family had wasn't too bad but ultimately I like the good ol' cable. I can't wait to change mine. Soon.

Cough, won't happen until like Thanksgiving LOL..

[330i ZHP]

Bp, there are those in the racing world that have tried the weld and the safety wiring - eventually the design breaks.

You can ask PEI330 (I think his name is Andy) - there are very few people I consider M54 knowledgeable and he is one of them

[330i ZHP]

I went to RRT Racing yesterday to talk tech and this was HIGH on my list

they have tried various ideas and they were the ones that first recommended VAC solution. So then I called my contact at TMS and they concurred. Finally I spoke with the guys in the race division of bimmerworld and they offer "their version" of the VAC solution