Technical N54 Crank Hub Options - what to choose in 2024?

[Racetune]

It's 2024 and spun crank hubs are still a problem, perhaps even more so than before with the age of the N54.

Car is 335i 06/2009 build N54 with DCT - RHD M sport. It's essentially the same as a 335is.

I'm tossing up between:
* VTT V2 Splined Hub
* INSANE 4 Pin Hub

Both have their pro's and con's. What would you choose and why?

VTT V2 - easy install, no need to remove sump etc and it's more or less a factory fit with friction washers aiding in the prevention of slipping.

Pinned hub - harder to install - risk of metal shavings due to drilling - pins have been sheared before and there's no friction washer's to take the load - just the pins themselves which are in constant shear.

What I'm looking for is to solve the crank hub problem once and for all as I drive my car hard and track days are on the horizon. I'm not looking to turn it into a full blown race car as I have a JZA80 Supra for that - but I want to have that reassurance that if I do a 2 day mountain run with friends or a track day on street tires or semi slicks, it's not going to be an issue.

Is the VTT V2 crank hub as good is Chris says with no failures etc? If I choose this I will do the complete solution install with CBC, new bolt and the like.

 

[Racetune]

I'm going to pull the trigger and get the VTT Spline lock, one each for for N54 and S55.

The pinned hub version is good, maybe even better, but it must be precision drilled and pins a press fit for it to work right. If the holes are drilled sloppy or elongated, what would happen is the hub will chatter and shear the pin entirely which is what we've seen in the past.

Spline lock with complete solution, easier to install, remove and get back on the road imho with no reported failures in the V2 as a complete solution.

I've got the VTT CBC and seal guard already.

Fun times ahead!

 

[Maroon_e90]

The spline lock hub is just fine and should add the extra peace of mind you desire.

Its important to note most failures of the crankhub are attributed to very rough shifting in manual cars (improper shifting, clutch dumping) or upgraded HPFP assemblies which add more torque load to the crank hub.

 

[Racetune]

Yep I got the VTT Spline lock complete solution and belt guard.

INA timing chain kit has arrived a few other things.

Since I'm changing the chain and crank sprockets with the hub, is it worth changing the cam gears as well so all meshing surfaces with the chain are NEW and can wear evenly.

My car has 105k miles (172k kms) and I'm building it to keep / last not to patch up and spend twice.

Most video tutorials do not change the gears or oil pump chain / cartridge etc. It's going to cost me an extra $1000 in parts to do the extra. Is it worth it or not an issue?

 

[Maroon_e90]

You can check your cam phasers but I would doubt there is signifigant enough wear to warrant a replacement of them. I just rebuilt my motor and didn't see a need to replace any timing components besides the tensioner.

 

[Racetune]

Thank You for the reply. There's no noise or issues at the moment - it was just a matter of being prudent as in all other chain driven systems, chain and sprockets are changed together so they can wear in together.

Like when you do chain and sprockets on a motorbike, - it's all replaced as a complete set.

However, motorcycle chains wear faster than a constantly lubricated timing chain.