The holes are for intake. I don't remember but I think it was Hammon (sp?) that offered those.

Also it does not use a dry sump, it's semi dry sump and that is not why it uses 8qts. My M coupe uses 7.2qts and it doesn't even have a semi dry sump. Even a stock 3series will use 7qts of oil.

Lastly engine rebuild are common at 100K miles? :ROFL: no it's not. 200K is easily attainable with regular maintenance like coolant flush, oil change, timing belt tensioner replaced at the recommended intervals.

S62 is about the most solid M engine to come out of BMW since the S52. Its nearly indestructible. My friend has a 2001 with a S/Cer putting down nearly 500hp and it is his daily driver.