Why did I change the rod bearings? Two reason:
1. I had an exhaust manifold leak due to stud on
#1 runner missing. If you know about M3's
this is a common problem and people usually
diagnoise it as a rod knock (it does sound
like something from the bottom end).
2. I decided to supercharged my car so I
decided I might as well have a new bottom
end so I put in new rod bearings for my
boosted M3.

When I took out the bearings, they was very
minimal wear (no copper showing). It was when
I was working on the car I noticed the missing
#1 exhaust stud. All was well anyways, because
the piece of mind I had changing the bearings
before adding the supercharger made it worthwhile,
even though the cost of the bearing set was more
for this car than even my "high" priced toyota
bearing ($30/bearing (M3) vs $6/bearing (Supra).
That is five times as much for the M part. It
does not cost more to make, but you are buying
a BMW M part so you *must* pay more for the
status of owning such a car.

MarkPike:

You have welded your frame how many times? this is from abuse or poor workmanship of the welder, your choice in either case. out side of "normal wear items" ignition, brakes, fluids, you replaced the shocks @ 130,000 miles and you have had to replace the following in the last 5 years:
Power window switch, Seat belt latch, Side marker light, Starter, minor door trim, replaces the thremastat, replaced your fan clutch and a few gaskets. In five years on a 180,000 mile car. WTF do you want? Stuff wears out man!

GaryH:
Why new rod bearing? Someone forget the oil? or did they track a un-prepped car?