Valve stem seals & valve stem seonsor

BMWVEX

New member
I'm a newbie and woman that knows nothing about engines and need some advice. I took my BMW 320i (E90) in because the engine lost power and the car “shakes” on idle as if it's going to stall. The shop advised it's the coils that need to be replaced, so I paid for that to be done. Took the car and drove 50km and engine light comes on (yellow)... drove it back to the shop and now they say it's the valve stem seals and valve stem sensor that needs to be replaced. The car was making light smoke on idle and using more oil than I think is normal before but I didn't take it in for that. Am I on the right path, is it the valve stem seals that need to be replaced and also the shops says its about R8000 for the seals and another R8000 for the sensor?
 

Donovan2412

///Member
BMWVEX said:
I'm a newbie and woman that knows nothing about engines and need some advice. I took my BMW 320i (E90) in because the engine lost power and the car “shakes” on idle as if it's going to stall. The shop advised it's the coils that need to be replaced, so I paid for that to be done. Took the car and drove 50km and engine light comes on (yellow)... drove it back to the shop and now they say it's the valve stem seals and valve stem sensor that needs to be replaced. The car was making light smoke on idle and using more oil than I think is normal before but I didn't take it in for that. Am I on the right path, is it the valve stem seals that need to be replaced and also the shops says its about R8000 for the seals and another R8000 for the sensor?

http://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=74058
 

momo1

Well-known member
With regard to smoke from your exhaust it could very well be Valve stem seals.
Contact John at Leo Haese BMW as they have a special.
With regard to the valve stem sensor im almost certain there isn’t such a thing.
I could be wrong or they must have explained it to you incorrectly.
Valve stem seals don’t normally throw out an error , so with regard to the engine light coming on are you sure its not the valve tronic motor?
 

BMWVEX

New member
They quoted on a valve tronic motor R10200 and valve tronic sensor R9300 (Inc VAT). And, I have to replace both?


momo1 said:
With regard to smoke from your exhaust it could very well be Valve stem seals.
Contact John at Leo Haese BMW as they have a special.
With regard to the valve stem sensor im almost certain there isn’t such a thing.
I could be wrong or they must have explained it to you incorrectly.
Valve stem seals don’t normally throw out an error , so with regard to the engine light coming on are you sure its not the valve tronic motor?

you're right, it's not valve stem seals its valve tronic motor. does this fall under an engine, fuel or the electronic ignition section of the vehicle. I have a mechanical warrantee policy from Centriq Insurance.
 

Chucky

Active member
If any fanatic can help this lady out please do so;

BMWVEX those prices seem a little on the steep side; for piece of mind; if possible take your car to another autoshop (Bosh, E-car, etc.) or a private mechanic(pref BMW Specialist) for a second opinion.

Sounds like you have a cam or crank sensor thats failing and the smoke and oil use could very well be valve stems seals that are end of life.

Also to my knowledge there is no valve stem sensor on your car.
 

JohnLod

///Member
Hi BMWVEX,

You are welcome to come through and let me take a look. If you could mail me the quote so I can see what they are talking about that would also help, [email protected] .

I think they may be referring to the VVT sensor and valve-tronic motor, would be able to check one connected to the diagnostics.

Some of the members drive through early to us from Johannesburg and then use the Gautrain back and when done you catch it back to Pretoria and we collect you at the station.
Just a suggestion.

Let me know if i can assist you further.

Regards
 

BMWVEX

New member
I have had a terrible experience since posting the original message. I eventually came across a company by the name of Hunter's Fitment Centre who replaced the vvt motor and sensor for approx R14000. I needed the workshop to be an RMI approved dealer as I have a warranty policy that pays a portion. After the owner confirmed they were an RMI dealer, and the car was already repaired, I learnt that they were not. After much debate and struggle I ended up paying R8000 and the parts (which were second hand) they gave for free. I took the car and 5 days later it's doing exactly the same as when I took it to them. Now I want to take the car back and they are saying because they gave me the parts for free I will have to take it someplace else, they can't help me anymore. What about the R8000 I paid? What do I do now. Can anyone advise me please? :blueCry:
 

Blue Shirt

Well-known member
You really should have taken up Leo Haese Pretoria BMW on their offer to look at your car (post #10) before spending money at a non-franchised workshop.
 

Iceman007

Active member
I agree take up the offer with John. Not to insult you or anything. :tiptoe: Why do you ask for advice and just go ahead and do the exact opposite? :smashScreen: This forum has alot of good members and useful advice and help. :praise:
 

zippy320

Well-known member
I have a feeling that shop possible cleaned up your old motor and refitted it back in , did they return your old part?

You should take it to John before you do anything else with the car that would cost you even more money. These backyard shops with inexperienced mechanics can and most of the time cause more damage to ones car .
 

momo1

Well-known member
BMWVEX said:
I have had a terrible experience since posting the original message. I eventually came across a company by the name of Hunter's Fitment Centre who replaced the vvt motor and sensor for approx R14000. I needed the workshop to be an RMI approved dealer as I have a warranty policy that pays a portion. After the owner confirmed they were an RMI dealer, and the car was already repaired, I learnt that they were not. After much debate and struggle I ended up paying R8000 and the parts (which were second hand) they gave for free. I took the car and 5 days later it's doing exactly the same as when I took it to them. Now I want to take the car back and they are saying because they gave me the parts for free I will have to take it someplace else, they can't help me anymore. What about the R8000 I paid? What do I do now. Can anyone advise me please? :blueCry:

OUCH!!
really sorry to hear.
nothing worst that being taken for a ride.
surely you should take it further, may be speak to the workshop owner and see if he can assist.
really really not on, thanks for letting us know not to trust this place!
I suggest you take the car to John , being a dealership I am sure your warranty should cover..?
 
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