BMW E34 M5 S38 3.6 S38B36 11211315954 NEW Crankshaft

For the BMW E34 M5 equipped with the S38B36 (3.6L) engine, part number 11211315954 is the definitive “New Old Stock” (NOS) or factory-new crankshaft.

As of early 2026, this component has reached “legendary” status in the S38 community. Because it is a forged steel unit specifically balanced for the high-revving nature of the 3.6L V12-derived inline-six, finding one in its original factory crate is an exceptional rarity.

1. Technical Specifications

The S38B36 crankshaft is a masterpiece of BMW M engineering, designed to withstand the harmonic stresses of an 86mm stroke at high RPM.

2. What is included in the “New” Package?

When purchasing 11211315954 in New Original Packaging, the box is typically a reinforced, long-format BMW Group heavy-duty carton.

• The Crankshaft: Coated in a thick layer of Cosmoline (amber-colored protective wax) to prevent corrosion during decades of storage.

• Wood/Foam Bracing: Factory packaging uses internal structural supports to ensure the crankshaft never rests on its journals, which prevents “flat-spotting” or warping over time.

• Note: This part number is for the crankshaft only. It does not include bearing shells (Main or Rod), the woodruff key, or the timing chain sprocket—these must be ordered separately to match your block’s specific color-coded bearing requirements (Red/Blue/White).

3. Rarity and Market Context (2026)

The S38B36 crankshaft is no longer in active production.

• Current Availability: Most “New” units found today are NOS (New Old Stock). BMW dealerships generally show this part as “Ended” or “Limited Supply,” meaning they can no longer be ordered through standard logistics.

• Estimated Value: In original packaging, these units currently command between $4,500 and $6,000 USD on the collector market, as they are essential for high-value “zero-mile” engine restorations.

4. Critical Installation Advice

If you are unboxing a brand-new S38 crankshaft:

1. Cosmoline Removal: Do not use abrasive tools. Use a specialized solvent (like mineral spirits) to gently dissolve the storage wax from the oil journals.

2. Oil Gallery Cleaning: Even a new-in-box unit should have its internal oil passages blown out with compressed air to ensure no packaging dust or wax remains inside the journals.

3. Measurement: Despite being “New,” professional builders always verify the journals with a micrometer to ensure the crankshaft hasn’t suffered from “shelf-wear” or atmospheric corrosion that might require a micro-polish.

Warning: Do not confuse this with the 3.8L crankshaft (11211317540). While they look similar, the 3.8L unit has a longer 90mm stroke and different counterweighting; using the wrong one will result in catastrophic piston-to-head interference or severe balance issues.