In need of serious advice. Please help

[Niko4]

Hi guys, been having sleepless nights lately filled with stress, please advise me on my options, I'll really appreciate it.

I recently bought a 2007 116i and it's been working PERFECTLY for the past few months.

About 3 weeks ago my oil service indicator revealed that the service was due. I stopped at a dealership and had them read my key, everything was fine (Engine temp, oil level, etc) and only an oil service was due.

I got to my place and booked the car in for service at another dealership as I don't primarily live in the Pretoria (dealership where the key was read). The booking was confirmed.

A few days later I realised that there was a small oil leak that was noticeable after having parked the car somewhere for the night (the area of the leak on the ground was like tennis ball size).

Five days passed and the leak seemed slightly larger but still not something "major", looked like 50ml of oil stains, then finally the oil light came on and when I checked the level via the dashboard screen, the level was halfway between empty and normal (and said +1(1 litre)), which didn't look too bad, nonetheless I opened a 500ml oil container and filled about 250ml of oil, didn't wanna fill a lot as the car was going in for an oil service in one week.

I then drove the car for 2 days in town (didn't do more than 30km and don't think I drove faster than 70km/h at any point), when parking the car at night, I checked the oil again and it still said +1, so the next morning I poured another 50ml of oil from the container and switched on the car to drive about 1.5km away (my destination), after about 2 minutes of driving and a distance of about half a kilometre, I heard a subtle windy type of sound coming from the engine when driving, I wasn't sure if it was coming from my car but then listened carefully and it seems like it was, since I was so close to my destination, I drove for the remaining 750m and switched off the car.

The car was then parked for about four hours, when I returned, the oil leak looked much worse, about 200ml of oil seemed to be on the ground. I then poured the remaining 200ml of oil from the container and decided I'm gonna take the car to the nearest dealership, which was quite close, also about 1.5km away, while driving the car to the dealership, I heard no noise, but just before I reached the dealership, about 20 metres away, I stopped at a red traffic light and as I waited for it to turn green, the car started to shake a little, (while idling and from side to side, it wasn't a vigorous shake and there wasn't any noise but it certainly was shaking from side to side).

When I pulled off, the shaking stopped completely, I then parked the car at the dealership, explained my story, asked to them to investigate the oil leak and booked it in for a service, the after sales consultant decided to start it for 10 seconds to hear how the engine sounded but there was still no sound, then one of the guys working there drove it into the workshop and I was told I'll receive a call when the oil leak was sorted out and the oil service was complete.

The next morning I received a call telling me that metal filings was found in the oil and they suggest an engine replacement, the quote is R100k.

What should I do? Advice please

 

[Ralf*]

I presume that there is no motorplan left over...?

In that case, based on the supposed evidence of metal filings, that something inside the bowls of the engine something is wearing out at a rapid rate.

The oil leak you mention, unless you allowed the oil to get dangerously low, ie off the dipstick completely, probably isn't directly related to the engine internal failure., and is probably a sump plug, but it could also be a crack on the engine block, crank case or cylinder head.

I would consider taking the car away from the dealership, as they are only interested in the minumum amount of labour for the maximum amount of profit...which is why a total engine replacement is quicker to accomplish, and brings in greater profit, than an engine strip down and recondition.

make contact with the engine guru's here on the forum about further advice
ie
Alexander/Gizmo/Racing Snake

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sorry just re-read your thread, and from the things you are saying, that the oil went to 1/2 and even allowed the oil light to come on, then it is very likely that you allowed the oil to get so low that insufficient lubrication was taking place and insufficient oil pressure being produced to force oil into all the various passages and main bearings etc.

but still, unless the engine block is cracked, most internals can be replaced/reconditioned by an engineering workshop, and it really has to be disasterous to require a complete engine change.

 

[Niko4]

I really doubt there was so little oil in the engine, given the fact that a week before when the key was read, the oil level showed as "OK" on the dashboard screen. Can so much oil be lost in one week and in less than 50km, and to make it even more unlikely, I ended up feeling half a litre of oil in total (plus the leak wasn't bad to start with).

The oil leak was identified as a leak from the "close to the timing belt" or something along those lines. The mechanical warranty assessor now couldn't find the metal filings in the oil when he went to the dealership (this makes me suspicious as I doubt the oil level was REALLY low and I definitely didn't hear any bad/knocking noises from the engine), and the same assessor is now requesting that the oil sump be removed so that he can come and inspect...

This situation is really stressing me out... There's three things revolving around my head at the moment:

1. Wait for the assessor to finish his inspection and to hear from the mechanical warranty on how much of the R100k replacement they will cover.

2. Remanufacture of the engine by Steve's Auto Clinic, a rough estimation of a of the remanufacture is between R30k and R60k (this was given to me telephonically by someone working there that hasn't seen the engine).

3. Getting a "recycled engine" from Bavarian Auto Recycling for an estimated R26k.

What is ur perspective on the abovementioned?

Thanks

 

[sash]

Depending on the type of leak.., it could be leaking when the car is running, thus losing the majority of oil when being driven and the amount you see when parked is the amount that just drips off the block or sump or whichever path the oil has to take to reach the floor.

If you have a mechanical warranty let that run its course. If they decline to repair or fix then i would consider getting an expert you trust to open the motor to evaluate what the damage is then weigh out options regards repair or replace.

 

[Andy1GP]

Whatever you decide do not let bmw or steves auto clinic work on your car. Bmw will bankrupt you and SAC will break it or both. Rather have someone independent on the forum look at it. Like Ralf mentioned. Gizmo or A1xander or racing snake.

Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk

 

[Blue Shirt]

I would not trust Steve's Auto Clinic to service my lawnmower. They sell snake-oil go-fast upgrades and are not engine re-builders.

Let your mechanical warranty sort this out for you. The most expensive solution would be for the BMW dealers to fix your car as long as the costs are covered by your warranty and you would have a proper warrantee for the new engine.

If your warranty does not come to the party, let an independent workshop fix you up. Those mentioned in previous posts come highly recommended.

 

[Nick]

2jz :fencelook:

 

[Jiggy]

FML - this is scary.

Sorry man - really feel for you. Hope the warranty covers all/ most of the costs.

Best of luck and keep us updated withe progress please.

BTW - which warranty did you get?

 

[Teezy_F30]

if u dont mind me asking .. which dealer u took the car to? ..
hectic story .. understand ur fear .. 100k doesnt grow on a tree .. had a similar situation when the cambelt snapped after replacing it on our audi ..
atleast u have a warranty in place .. like the guys said, see what comes off it through them .. if its not looking good, get the car from the dealers and to one of the mech's reffered to by the guys ...
all the best man .. keep us posted with whats happening

 

[Niko4]

Thanks for all the info guys, sorry but I'd rather not mention the bmw dealership and mechanical warranty company yet.

The total price of the engine replacement is sitting at around R110 000 and the rough estimate that the warranty will pay is R35 000. What do you guys suggest if the warranty pays that amount? The rest of the car is in great condition, would it be wise to squeeze out the remaining R75 000 from somewhere and just get the engine replaced? :-(

Thanks for advising me to stay away from Steve's Auto Clinic, I'll definitely look into those mechanics recommended.

What do you guys think about Internet articles that suggest sometimes metal filings might just been you've taken a 100 000km off the engine but it's still possible for the car to give you another 3 years or so? Nowadays I don't travel more than 10 000km in a year...

Would trying to drive the car another 2-3 years without having the metal filings addressed be a bad idea? (given that there is no weird or knocking sounds coming from the engine).

Please answer all the abovementioned questions if you can. Thank you

 

[DieselFan]

Are you talking about a brand new engine for 110k ? Why would you buy a brand new engine for a 116i. Worst comes to worst you get a second hand engine.

 

[Ric_M]

I would seriously, seriously consider getting a second opinion from an independent repairer.

I've noticed that some dealerships will condemn a car to trade it in and sell you a new one, I wouldn't be surprised if you receive a call from their New Vehicle sales dept over the next few days.

 

[Keeran]

The bmw service advisors are the worst people to listen to. They once told me that a can of tyre weld lasts forever!! :roflol:

 

[VernonD]

Hi guys, been having sleepless nights lately filled with stress, please advise me on my options, I'll really appreciate it.

I recently bought a 2007 116i and it's been working PERFECTLY for the past few months.

About 3 weeks ago my oil service indicator revealed that the service was due. I stopped at a dealership and had them read my key, everything was fine (Engine temp, oil level, etc) and only an oil service was due.

I got to my place and booked the car in for service at another dealership as I don't primarily live in the Pretoria (dealership where the key was read). The booking was confirmed.

A few days later I realised that there was a small oil leak that was noticeable after having parked the car somewhere for the night (the area of the leak on the ground was like tennis ball size).

Five days passed and the leak seemed slightly larger but still not something "major", looked like 50ml of oil stains, then finally the oil light came on and when I checked the level via the dashboard screen, the level was halfway between empty and normal (and said +1(1 litre)), which didn't look too bad, nonetheless I opened a 500ml oil container and filled about 250ml of oil, didn't wanna fill a lot as the car was going in for an oil service in one week.

I then drove the car for 2 days in town (didn't do more than 30km and don't think I drove faster than 70km/h at any point), when parking the car at night, I checked the oil again and it still said +1, so the next morning I poured another 50ml of oil from the container and switched on the car to drive about 1.5km away (my destination), after about 2 minutes of driving and a distance of about half a kilometre, I heard a subtle windy type of sound coming from the engine when driving, I wasn't sure if it was coming from my car but then listened carefully and it seems like it was, since I was so close to my destination, I drove for the remaining 750m and switched off the car.

The car was then parked for about four hours, when I returned, the oil leak looked much worse, about 200ml of oil seemed to be on the ground. I then poured the remaining 200ml of oil from the container and decided I'm gonna take the car to the nearest dealership, which was quite close, also about 1.5km away, while driving the car to the dealership, I heard no noise, but just before I reached the dealership, about 20 metres away, I stopped at a red traffic light and as I waited for it to turn green, the car started to shake a little, (while idling and from side to side, it wasn't a vigorous shake and there wasn't any noise but it certainly was shaking from side to side).

When I pulled off, the shaking stopped completely, I then parked the car at the dealership, explained my story, asked to them to investigate the oil leak and booked it in for a service, the after sales consultant decided to start it for 10 seconds to hear how the engine sounded but there was still no sound, then one of the guys working there drove it into the workshop and I was told I'll receive a call when the oil leak was sorted out and the oil service was complete.

The next morning I received a call telling me that metal filings was found in the oil and they suggest an engine replacement, the quote is R100k.

What should I do? Advice please

It sounds like the problem started after the oil change. For me, BMW Century City CT cracked my sump and broke my sump plug after they did the oil change but they admitted to the problem and fixed it so just be sure that its not their own fault. Also get a 2nd opinion because it really sounds as if the place that did the oil change didnt do the job right or got metal in your engine. The ombudsman will be the other alternative as any service carries some sort of warrantee. Goodluck

 

[Niko4]

I think there was a misunderstanding somewhere when you read my post, no oil service was done on the car, I took it to the dealership just before an oil service was due, probably 5km before the service was due. Took it just to get an estimation on the price of an oil service on the car, then called another dealership and made an appointment, but the problems started before the appointment date.

The engine is now being stripped (oil sump) so that the assessor can come see the physical damage. I wish there was a way to know if the engine can give me another 50 000 - 100 000km.

Thanks for all the responses though. Just got a few more questions, I doubt I can have the car looked at or repaired by the independent mechanics mentioned in this thread coz my mechanical warranty stipulates that the car must only be handled by dealerships or RMI workshops.

Wouldn't purchasing a second hand engine void my mechanical warranty?

Would BMW agree to install the second hand engine?

If a second hand engine won't void my warranty, is Bavarian Auto Recycling a good place to get a second hand engine? Is there better places to purchase one in Gauteng (preferably in or close to Pretoria)?

 

[Mrcloc]

Sorry to hear about all this. I can't really answer your questions, but I can say that if you took your car to Menlyn Auto, then don't trust what they say. They're utterly useless. I won't go into detail, but seriously, take your car to one of the guys mentioned here.

An oil leak can develop any time, and usually comes from the sump or otherwise there are a number of gaskets which wear and can leak. Car moving side to side could simply have been the fan turning on and the whining noise would likely come from a belt. Perhaps your oil pump failed? If the car sounds fine, surely the damage caused would be minor enough to not affect the engines short-term life too badly? I'm no expert, so just a few thoughts. I hope you get it sorted easily!

 

[Niko4]

Thanks guys, I'll just wait and see how things play out, please do share where I can buy a second hand engine if a place comes to mind.

 

[DieselFan]

IPC which is bavarian auto recycling which you mentioned. Take the car to an independent RMI workshop. Don't take it to bmw.

 

[marksw]

Hi guys, been having sleepless nights lately filled with stress, please advise me on my options, I'll really appreciate it.

I recently bought a 2007 116i and it's been working PERFECTLY for the past few months.

About 3 weeks ago my oil service indicator revealed that the service was due. I stopped at a dealership and had them read my key, everything was fine (Engine temp, oil level, etc) and only an oil service was due.

I got to my place and booked the car in for service at another dealership as I don't primarily live in the Pretoria (dealership where the key was read). The booking was confirmed.

A few days later I realised that there was a small oil leak that was noticeable after having parked the car somewhere for the night (the area of the leak on the ground was like tennis ball size).

Five days passed and the leak seemed slightly larger but still not something "major", looked like 50ml of oil stains, then finally the oil light came on and when I checked the level via the dashboard screen, the level was halfway between empty and normal (and said +1(1 litre)), which didn't look too bad, nonetheless I opened a 500ml oil container and filled about 250ml of oil, didn't wanna fill a lot as the car was going in for an oil service in one week.

I then drove the car for 2 days in town (didn't do more than 30km and don't think I drove faster than 70km/h at any point), when parking the car at night, I checked the oil again and it still said +1, so the next morning I poured another 50ml of oil from the container and switched on the car to drive about 1.5km away (my destination), after about 2 minutes of driving and a distance of about half a kilometre, I heard a subtle windy type of sound coming from the engine when driving, I wasn't sure if it was coming from my car but then listened carefully and it seems like it was, since I was so close to my destination, I drove for the remaining 750m and switched off the car.

The car was then parked for about four hours, when I returned, the oil leak looked much worse, about 200ml of oil seemed to be on the ground. I then poured the remaining 200ml of oil from the container and decided I'm gonna take the car to the nearest dealership, which was quite close, also about 1.5km away, while driving the car to the dealership, I heard no noise, but just before I reached the dealership, about 20 metres away, I stopped at a red traffic light and as I waited for it to turn green, the car started to shake a little, (while idling and from side to side, it wasn't a vigorous shake and there wasn't any noise but it certainly was shaking from side to side).

When I pulled off, the shaking stopped completely, I then parked the car at the dealership, explained my story, asked to them to investigate the oil leak and booked it in for a service, the after sales consultant decided to start it for 10 seconds to hear how the engine sounded but there was still no sound, then one of the guys working there drove it into the workshop and I was told I'll receive a call when the oil leak was sorted out and the oil service was complete.

The next morning I received a call telling me that metal filings was found in the oil and they suggest an engine replacement, the quote is R100k.

What should I do? Advice please

+1...I would take it to a RMI approved dealer...it would more than likely cost half the price.

 

[Gizmo]

You asked if I can help, unfortunately not as Im not RMI approved, nor would I want to work on a 116i either, sorry. Just do your homework on what RMI workshop you take it to because that certification ain't worth the paper its printed on. Hello Peter every workshop you want to check out before you take your car to them...Thats all the advice I can give you unfortunately.