Looking for an S65 builder who’s a fan of the factory design*

[IamFODI]

It’s… not quite engine rebuild time, but the odometer has me wanting to start feeling out options.

If and when, I’d like to go one of two routes, neither of which seems popular among rebuilders:

1. 100% factory, indistinguishable from what BMW would do, or
2. Same as above, but with lighter internals and no other changes.

Obvious choice for #1 would be a factory reman, but it looks like those are NLA. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong on that.

Most aftermarket rebuilds seem to focus on increasing power and/or durability. Makes sense, but I need neither of those.

I also generally distrust “OEM+” upgrades for reasons that probably aren’t worth getting into. The only possible exception – maybe – would be if it's possible to have lighter rods and pistons with no other modifications and no side-effects on how the engine operates. (I'm assuming that's a big "if")

If I can't have a lighter rotating assembly without other changes, then what I'd want is a truly plug-and-play clone of the original. Yes, all the way down to the rod bearings and magnesium valve covers and plastic VANOS caps and all that.

Either way, I'd like to be able to talk with a builder who at least understands the difference between durability and longevity. That's another thing that seems rare.

Am I unicorn hunting here, or can y'all recommend a shop or two that might be worth talking with?

[Slideways]

I would keep it 100% stock and just do main bearings, rod bearings, piston rings, gaskets and seals. If you have done some engine work and have some spare time, you should be able to handle a refresh like this. To limit downtime, I'd get a used, tested engine from part-out and work on that while you drive your car.

The only PA shop I am familiar with that has worked on a similar engine is Matt at Kassel. IIRC, he worked on Obioban's V10 M5 when it needed partial rebuild due to a damaged crank.

[IamFODI]

I would keep it 100% stock and just do main bearings, rod bearings, piston rings, gaskets and seals. If you have done some engine work and have some spare time, you should be able to handle a refresh like this. To limit downtime, I'd get a used, tested engine from part-out and work on that while you drive your car.

The only PA shop I am familiar with that has worked on a similar engine is Matt at Kassel. IIRC, he worked on Obioban's V10 M5 when it needed partial rebuild due to a damaged crank.

Thanks. I do think it'd be cool to DIY something. Sadly, I've never done this before and don't think I'll have the bandwidth to try it in the near future. We'll see.

Part-out engine sounds like a good idea as an option.

Kassel was on the list for sure. Heard mixed reviews on them, though. Might give them another look.

[bmwfnatic]

From his efforts in the E46 section I would be looking at Anri
Very knowledgeable guy that seems to do everything for a reason and not just hit the engine with an aftermarket parts cannon.

[ChapterM3]

Backing up bmwfnatic as well - Anri built my S54 a couple years back now and I’ve been blown away at his knowledge, skill, and how he stands behind his work. I also love the fact that it’s him doing all of the work and the only one I talk to, not some generic customer service line like some of these more corporate engine builders operate. From beginning to end of the build and even until today, I’m thrilled with how Anri has navigated every question, every concern, every comment I had on my car (and I had and still have a ton which I text him about all the time) / and my car f-ing rips, and I absolutely love it after he finished it

He’s a master of really any BMW engine, and is the “shadow” builder for a few shops who sublet their engine builds to him - if you want to take a look at my build thread, take a look here: https://nam3forum.com/forums/forum/m...o-build-thread

Feel free to DM me as well if you have specific questions, happy to talk things through. Side note - I’m so vocal about this guy because really he’s the only one I trust to work on my car and my experience with him thus far has been simply incredible