X5 possible engine failure

[Blackbmw]

My problem started whilst driving towing a caravan. There was a rattling noise from the engine, while I was pulling off the road a few loud noises then the engine cut out. While trying to restart there is a loud scraping noise from the egine and the motor does not start.

I have removed the valve ( tappet) cover to check the timing chains they seem ok. I turned the engine over with a spanner both the crankshaft pulley and the camshaft turns. However when I turn the key the starter turns and there is a scraping sound but the engine does not turn only with the spanner. I know it sounds like a starter problem but that does not explain why the egine made that noise while towing. Any ideas? Btw its a x5 3.0d 2006 E53 automatic.

 

[MikeR]

double check the starter - the bendix could have got mangled up and hence the noise and lack of turning the engine.
the next thing could have been the flywheel could have detached itself - unusual but could be possible - I remeber the old 1600 beetle motors had that problem at times where it broke the pins holding it in place.

Im just taking a guess at these - you need to get a mechanic out to chek it over proper.

Keep us informed when you find the problem, good luck.

 

[husaindindar]

Any oil pressure/temperature warnings before the noises?

IMO, I don't think it's engine failure. Rods usually knock and if piston's are busy locking up, it triggers oil pressure/temperature or water temperature warnings.


+1 on keeping us posted.
Best of luck. I really hope it's a mild expense. January is not a month for big bills.

 

[ChefDJ]

What type of scraping noise is coming from the engine if the engine is not turning? Can you describe it or post a video clip?

 

[Blackbmw]

It has me stumped. Would the bendix detach itself while the car is driving? Strange you mention the flywheel. Rhe car broke down near a township. One of the chaps that helped me push the car onto the shoulder claimed to be a mechanic, he said it was the flywheel.

 

[ChefDJ]

These 3.0d engines are very strong so I doubt the engine has failed, especially if you can still turn it by hand.

Have the swirl flaps been removed?

 

[Blackbmw]

Any oil pressure/temperature warnings before the noises?

IMO, I don't think it's engine failure. Rods usually knock and if piston's are busy locking up, it triggers oil pressure/temperature or water temperature warnings.


+1 on keeping us posted.
Best of luck. I really hope it's a mild expense. January is not a month for big bills.

The 1st thing I checked when the noise started was the temp and any other warning lights, temp was normal and no other lights was on. when i stopped i checked the oil level and also the water if it was boiling, all was normal.
I must say that from the start of the noise to when the engine died was no more than a few seconds. When we stopped earlier for a bathroom break when I then started the car I heard a vibration sounded to come from the rear almost like a lose number plate. the sound went away when I increased the revs. After that i did around 150 km's when the final noises came.

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These 3.0d engines are very strong so I doubt the engine has failed, especially if you can still turn it by hand.

Have the swirl flaps been removed?

well that is good to hear, I have been reading other forums and have asked a few people I know they al thought the timing chain or tensioners failed, some prices i have been able to get to overhaul/replace the motor is R35k +. I do not know these motors but have had some experience with snapped cambelt /bend valves and even a broken piston. All these was easy to see/hear/feel. However on the BM motor it turns by hand there is compression

I do not know about the swirl flaps, never heard of it but will google it. Perhaps there is an easy way to check?

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What type of scraping noise is coming from the engine if the engine is not turning? Can you describe it or post a video clip?

I will take a video tomorrow and post it. thanks

 

[ChefDJ]

This doesn't sound like a swirl flap failure but I don't want to be the one to rule it out and then look like an idiot later.

A swirl flap is basically a small metal valve that controls the fuel/air mix and they have been known to break off into the intake manifold and then into the engine, and cause engine failure. But, like I say, if the engine still turns, I doubt its a swirl flap problem. Was just a thought.

It's never nice having car problems when travelling over the holidays. I hope you come right soon. And welcome to the forum. Be sure to post an update once you do know what's up with the car.

 

[yuvir]

hi there

I would check the flex plate (basically the flywheel) on these vehicles.
My dads x5 broke the flex plate into pieces, 2 years after the gearbox was overhauled, I suspect they didn't use locktite or torque it to the right spec
it started making a rattling noise then eventually broke down.
we ended up replacing the crank sensor( damaged from pieces hitting it) and flywheel/flexplate, it is a e53 m57 engine.

 

[Blackbmw]

This doesn't sound like a swirl flap failure but I don't want to be the one to rule it out and then look like an idiot later.

A swirl flap is basically a small metal valve that controls the fuel/air mix and they have been known to break off into the intake manifold and then into the engine, and cause engine failure. But, like I say, if the engine still turns, I doubt its a swirl flap problem. Was just a thought.

It's never nice having car problems when travelling over the holidays. I hope you come right soon. And welcome to the forum. Be sure to post an update once you do know what's up with the car.

Hi I have checked my car does not have swirl flaps. I can not post the photo as the site does not allow Jpeg or gif files.

 

[Blackbmw]

Found the problem! It is the torque converter, saw this once I removed the engine cover underneath the car. Its full of bits of metal. I assume next is to pull out the gearbox, any idea what a torque converter cost?

 

[Blackbmw]

Found the problem! It is the torque converter, saw this once I removed the engine cover underneath the car. Its full of bits of metal. I assume next is to pull out the gearbox, any idea what a torque converter cost?

ok final update: it was the flexplate on the flywheel that broke, it also damaged the starter

 

[zaleonardz]

while this sucks donkey bits, its could have been way worse

 

[Blackbmw]

while this sucks donkey bits, its could have been way worse

i am not so sure, check out my new post "loud engine noise".
BMW seems to stand for Bring My Wallet

 

[SidSTi]

If the engine fails it fails quickly.

My X5 M50d motor failed with 70km on the clock , BMW was so shocked gave me new one with upgrade spec no questions ask.

It’s very uncommon for engine failures

And I’ll be BMW owner for life


2016 BMW X5M50d - daily
2013 BMW M135i - wife’s
2009 Subaru STI - toy