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Replacing Connecting rods, pistons removed.

Only install connecting rods of the same weight class in any engine.
The weight class is stamped in the machined connecting rod cap surface or indicated by a color code.
According to BMW, original BMW connecting rods cannot be machined. This could be because they are already at minimum weight and removing any more material will cause strength problems but no accurate information is available from BMW on the actual reason.
Ensure the piston pin slides through the connecting rod bushing under light pressure. If  not, replace piston pin.
Install new bearing  shells.
Install rods so that machined surface with matching stamps are all on the same side of the engine. 11gen0010.jpg (14631 bytes)
 

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E30 M3 Repair Manual V2.7.  Copyright ©1999-2001 Koala Motorsport & Brett Anderson