Engine Failed with broken timing chain

[Pipes69]

I've got a 2009 X5 diesel with 80 000 miles and the chain has broken. Its the first and prob the last BMW I'll be buying, it seems to be a dud as within the first two months of ownership both front brake caliper seized up and now this...any help appreciated ? 

 

[Greydog]

Hi Chris

Welcome to the Forum

Ouch commiserations, been there with my 4.6is but I had a Warranty to take most of the financial pain.

Trying to be practical I would think your car is worth somewhere between £7 and £9k in good running order. Without an engine?? 

I would look at the cost of rebuild against a complete rebuilt engine, then as I did make decision about do I run it into the ground or cut my losses. My decision was 10 years ago and still going strong, plus along the way I have expanded my education I now know an awful lot about the devious minds of BMW engineers/designers and some of the stupid things that the cost cutters have caused that compromise our cars.

Dave

 

[Pipes69]

Thanks Dave,

Nice to know that there's others out there that have experience.

I've since found out that this model is prone to this...I expect BMW will say the opposite but I'm tempted to contact them but that will prob be a waste of energy. I've had quotes for used engine supply from £200 upward and £3500 to remove and fit recon engine with 3 months warranty but I'm aware that some unscrupulous fitters will just wash off an old engine to make it look good. What I really need is a mechanic..not a fitter...who can be trusted to do a good job so any recommendations will greatly received..

[Greydog]

Hi Chris

I used my local BMW Specialist who has an excellent engine man (BMW/Porsche trained) There is a Register of BMW Specialists Google them and find one local to you they are in my experience Knowledgeable and Helpful in getting to the best decision/compromise for you.

A diesel Specialist is another option worth considering.

I am in West Sussex and used Walker Autotec I also use them for service, Andy Walker carried out all negotiations with the Warranty Company plus pressed BMW for contributions (not as successful there) but he tried. My engine was completely rebuilt Block stripped flushed and cleaned, new crank.pistons,rods oil pump and of course all bearings and gaskets (there are a lot of those) The cause of my pain the tensioner BMW use is hydraulic but at cold start uses spring tension before oil pressure is there. The spring anneals with multiple heat cycles allowing momentary chain slap, the guides are plastic and after the same heat cycles become brittle with the slap they can break up. If your lucky you get a horrible rattle and a big bill to replace the guides chains and tensioner, if your unlucky you get a clogged oil pick up and a comprehensive mega bill.

Dave

 

 

[Pipes69]

It's now 4 years down the line and the engine was rebuilt by a local BMW wise kid.

Has been running fine now that the Cats been muted and the ECU told that the cat ran off , runs better with more mpg and now on 109K miles.

[Pipes69]

Is there Any way of making the useless heads lights better apart from fitting high output bulbs ?