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.
| Feature | Specification |
| Material | Nitrided Forged Steel |
| Stroke | 86.0 mm (Distinct from the 3.8L’s 90mm stroke) |
| Weight | ~18.9 kg (41.7 lbs) |
| Counterweights | 12 full counterweights for maximum rotational balance |
| Main Journal Dia. | 60.0 mm |
| Rod Journal Dia. | 48.0 mm |
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.
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The Crankshaft: Coated in a thick layer of Cosmoline (amber-colored protective wax) to prevent corrosion during decades of storage.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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:
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Cosmoline Removal: Do not use abrasive tools. Use a specialized solvent (like mineral spirits) to gently dissolve the storage wax from the oil journals.
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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.
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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.
Henry Scott (verified owner) –
Used in product page mockup.
Ryan King (verified owner) –
Stable performance in interface.
Alexander Lewis (verified owner) –
BMW Transmission
Christopher Baker (verified owner) –
No irregular movement shown.
Lucas Turner (verified owner) –
BMW Brake System
Nathan Scott (verified owner) –
Transmission runs smoothly in demo.
Abigail Clark (verified owner) –
Fender fit appears precise and aligned.
Brooklyn Foster (verified owner) –
Braking system looks responsive.
James Reynolds (verified owner) –
Clean finish in product view.
Benjamin Wright (verified owner) –
Transmission behaves smoothly in layout.
Chloe Martin (verified owner) –
Gearbox operation appears smooth.
Emma Parker (verified owner) –
Suspension appears stable and responsive.
Ella Johnson (verified owner) –
Used for presentation.
Alexander Allen (verified owner) –
Wheels appear strong and premium.
Sophie Young (verified owner) –
Transmission shifts smoothly in demo.
David King (verified owner) –
Placeholder review.
Liam Walker (verified owner) –
UI sample content only.
Isabella Carter (verified owner) –
BMW Brake System
Nathan Scott (verified owner) –
Transmission runs smoothly in demo.
Victoria Hall (verified owner) –
Shock system appears reliable.
Christopher Nelson (verified owner) –
Placeholder for UI testing.
Matthew White (verified owner) –
Engine performance appears stable.
Matthew White (verified owner) –
Engine simulation shows good power.
Daniel Wright (verified owner) –
BMW Headlights
Sophie Young (verified owner) –
Strong product visualization.
Brooklyn Carter (verified owner) –
Solid and premium-looking bumper.
Natalie Moore (verified owner) –
Bumper design looks durable and refined.
Evelyn Clark (verified owner) –
Perfect alignment and clean design.
Scarlett Adams (verified owner) –
Nice balance of style and strength.
Mia Reynolds (verified owner) –
Bumper design looks durable and refined.
Ava Mitchell (verified owner) –
Great presentation.
Ella Roberts (verified owner) –
Stable and smooth operation shown.
Samuel Brown (verified owner) –
Clean and modern styling overall.