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3.0L 24v - S50B30
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3.0L 24v - S50B30
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Set of 6 forged 4340 steel connecting rods for BMW M3 E36 3.0L 24V S50B30.
The BMW S50B30 launched the M lineage of the M3 E36 in 1992. This 3.0-litre inline-six (2,990 cc, 86 mm bore, 85.8 mm stroke) with a 24-valve head and intake VANOS produces 286 hp at 7,000 rpm and 320 Nm. The first production BMW engine to break the symbolic 95 hp-per-litre mark, it left its stamp on the brand's history.
Built until 1995 before giving way to the S50B32, this naturally aspirated unit loves high revs. But its factory rods remain sized for stock output: a build, a higher rev limit or regular track use call for a reinforced rotating assembly. These forged connecting rods answer that need.
Forged from 4340 steel then machined, these rods replace the factory parts whose strength fades once the engine is built up. Forging orients the metal fibres along the stress lines, multiplying fatigue resistance compared with a sintered part.
Each one is shot-peened, inspected and weight-matched to ±1 g across the whole kit — the key to flawless balance at the top of the rev range. The supplied ARP hardware secures the assembly and opens the door to power gains, forced induction or long track sessions.
| Reference | Brand | Profile | Bolts | Pin diameter OEM 21 mm | Small-end width | Big-end diameter OEM 53 mm | Big-end width | Center-to-center OEM 142 mm | Weight per rod |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R-BMW-005-I | ZRP | I | ARP 2000-3/8"-38mm | 21 | 53 | 21.9 | 142 | 522 | |
| R-BMW-005-I-L19 | ZRP | I | ARP L19-3/8"-38mm | 21 | 53 | 21.9 | 142 | 522 |
| Rod | Bolts | Torque | Recommended stretch |
|---|---|---|---|
| ZRP (R-BMW-005-I) | ARP 2000 | 61 N·m | 0.140 – 0.152 mm |
| ZRP (R-BMW-005-I-L19) | ARP L19 | 67,8 N·m | 0.152 – 0.165 mm |
Manufacturers recommend the stretch-gauge method as the reference: the instructions supplied with the kit always take precedence. The torque figures correspond to assembly with ARP lubricant.
| 4340 is a nickel-chromium-molybdenum steel that combines high mechanical strength with good ductility — a rare pairing. Against the factory sintered metal, it improves by about +19% in yield strength, +8% in tensile strength and +19 to +37% in fatigue endurance. In short: less deformation, better resistance to pressure peaks and a markedly longer service life in competition. |
 | I-Beam profile. Its slimmer central section cuts weight and reciprocating mass, helping the engine rev. For a lively naturally aspirated unit like the S50B30, it is the ideal compromise between rigidity and lightness. |
The rod bolt concentrates most of the assembly's loads: it keeps the cap closed on every cycle. ARP offers two grades for this kit, depending on target power and rpm.
 | ARP 2000: the high-performance standard, with no storage constraints. Handles up to 200 hp per cylinder in 3/8" and 8,500 rpm. Just right for circuit, trackday, drift, rally, drag and hillclimb — strength, reliability and versatility. |
 | ARP L19: built for engines pushed to the extreme — high boost pressure, sustained high rpm, elevated cylinder pressure. Up to 250 hp per cylinder in 3/8" and 10,000 rpm. More sensitive to corrosion and hydrogen: store and fit it oiled. |
| Beyond torque tightening, measuring bolt stretch with a dial indicator remains the most reliable way to reach correct preload. The instructions supplied with the kit always take precedence. |
 | ZRP, a Greek specialist in high-performance forged connecting rods, machines its parts from 4340 steel and weight-matches them. For the S50B30, the range comes in I-Beam profile with ARP 2000 or ARP L19 hardware, depending on target power and rpm. |
 | 1) Small end 2) Small-end diameter 3) Rod beam 4) Rod bolt 5) Big end 6) Rod nut / bolt 7) Rod cap 8) Big-end diameter 9) Center-to-center |
These forged connecting rods are compatible with the factory BMW S50B30 engine and its builds. Vehicles concerned:
| Brand | Model (chassis) | Engine code | Power | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW | M3 (E36) | S50B30 | 286 hp | 1992–1995 |
OEM reference: 11 24 1 402 389 (rod set).
When an M3 E36 3.0 breaks its bottom end — a bent rod, a breakage on over-rev — the bill soars: now-rare parts, expert labour, a car stuck in the pits.
For a sum comparable to second-hand rods with an uncertain history, you fit a brand-new forged set, sorted and made reliable for good. Nothing to redo at the next stage of the build.
For the same budget: more margin, more reliability and the peace of mind of a rotating assembly built to last. It is the most sensible investment to preserve a founding engine of the M3 lineage.
