Advise me: Replacing/Rebuilding 3.0l Engine

[TheGodfather]

YouTube - 2004 BMW X5 Engine Rattle

Based on my limited knowledge and watching youtube videos, I am thinking I have spun a rod bearing. The X is going to BMW tomorrow to get more details although I imagine they will only be giving a best guess without pulling the engine apart.

Obviously the damage has been done, and so I am probably looking to replace or rebuild the engine.

Anyone here have experiences with this?
What are the do's and dont's of purchasing a used engine.

I have found a used 2002 330ci 3liter engine for $2000 with 84000 miles. Is this too steep for an engine with high miles? My engine has about 100 000 miles on it.

I have also heard its better to replace than to rebuild as far as cost effectiveness.

Also is this something that needs to be done by BMW? Or is this something that can be carried out by a good independent?

[TheGodfather]

Any ideas would be nice.

What are some issues regarding paying a person (not a business) to fix your car? If they mess something up am I shit out of luck?

The guy that is selling the $2000 330ci engine offered to install for $1200 more. He claims to be very experienced with BMW's, working on them as a hobby, buying wrecked ones etc. To my knowledge $3200 for an installed M54 engine is pretty cheap.

But what if he F*&^$ up or something else gets messed up? Should I steer clear despite the deal?

[diyanich]

I had to swap the engine,cause of metal shavings caused by timing chain tensioner and no oil pressure.
I wouldn't mess with the rebuild,you could easily find yourself spending way more than just a used engine price.
Shop around and get the better deal,I am not sure if the 3rd or 5th series engine will be the direct swap,you may experience some difficulties if there's even a slight difference,I mean holes for the transmission bell coupling etc.
Keep posting...

Originally Posted by TheGodfather

YouTube - 2004 BMW X5 Engine Rattle

Based on my limited knowledge and watching youtube videos, I am thinking I have spun a rod bearing. The X is going to BMW tomorrow to get more details although I imagine they will only be giving a best guess without pulling the engine apart.

Obviously the damage has been done, and so I am probably looking to replace or rebuild the engine.

Anyone here have experiences with this?
What are the do's and dont's of purchasing a used engine.

I have found a used 2002 330ci 3liter engine for $2000 with 84000 miles. Is this too steep for an engine with high miles? My engine has about 100 000 miles on it.

I have also heard its better to replace than to rebuild as far as cost effectiveness.

Also is this something that needs to be done by BMW? Or is this something that can be carried out by a good independent?

[diyanich]

It's laborious but it doesn't mean it can't be done by just a guy with knowledge.I've seen a thread in here,guy got a v8 swapped by himself in his own garage.
$1200 seems to be a not a bad deal,if I am not wrong it takes 25 hours by the book,and keeping in mind that you're in Calgary the labor around shouldn't be cheap. so 48 bucks an hour should be quiet a deal.IMO

Originally Posted by TheGodfather

Any ideas would be nice.

What are some issues regarding paying a person (not a business) to fix your car? If they mess something up am I shit out of luck?

The guy that is selling the $2000 330ci engine offered to install for $1200 more. He claims to be very experienced with BMW's, working on them as a hobby, buying wrecked ones etc. To my knowledge $3200 for an installed M54 engine is pretty cheap.

But what if he F*&^$ up or something else gets messed up? Should I steer clear despite the deal?

[TheGodfather]

Thanks for the thoughts. I figured 1200 was cheap too.

But whats the trade off if any? Can anyone answer to the liability aspect?

Also as far as I know the 2002 330ci engine should be exactly the same as the X5's...at least im hoping so! I guess this is THE question. It would be great for me to have an engine right here in Calgary ready to go. Can some techies confirm the direct swap notion?

[killcrap]

i would only get another engine from a wrecked x5. direct swap except for the wiring harness, would be better to just get one from the same Model Year. also if you are up to date on services, and had service performed at the Dealer. the dealer may be willing to good will the repair, parts only, you pay the labor, for a new engine.

[TheGodfather]

Originally Posted by killcrap

i would only get another engine from a wrecked x5. direct swap except for the wiring harness, would be better to just get one from the same Model Year.

Darn, not the answer I was hoping for.

So are you saying a direct X5 to X5 swap is ideal, but a 330ci to X5 can be done with a little more difficulty?

I believe I read you were a BMW tech, so could I ask what problems one could encounter swapping a non x5 M54 to an x5?

Originally Posted by killcrap

also if you are up to date on services, and had service performed at the Dealer. the dealer may be willing to good will the repair, parts only, you pay the labor, for a new engine.

No way!

We have purchased all of our vehicles from BMW, and serviced them all at BMW.

This scenario would probably be too good to be true at Calgary BMW.

Would the reason for the engine failure be a factor?

[killcrap]

Originally Posted by TheGodfather

Darn, not the answer I was hoping for.

So are you saying a direct X5 to X5 swap is ideal, but a 330ci to X5 can be done with a little more difficulty?

I believe I read you were a BMW tech, so could I ask what problems one could encounter swapping a non x5 M54 to an x5?



No way!

We have purchased all of our vehicles from BMW, and serviced them all at BMW.

This scenario would probably be too good to be true at Calgary BMW.

Would the reason for the engine failure be a factor?

doesn't hurt to try. Bring the vehicle to BMW. Have them investigate the noise. If your relationship with them is good. They should cover all the repairs. 100k is a lot of miles but the engine should not be failing. If oil services are up to date. You should be getting a new engine.

[TheGodfather]

I paid 150 dollars for BMW to tell me what I already know: spun rod bearings--> replace engine. How much did they quote for the new engine and install? $16000!

I knew before I spoke to any professionals that I was probably going to need to replace the engine, but hearing it from BMW feels like the nail in the coffin.

As you probably guessed, I say to he'll with the dealer and their $12000 engine and 29.6 hours of labour costing $4000.

I called Bavarian Auto and got a quote for an engine specifically for my X for 2400+ shipping. That's more like it.

[FSETH]

Did you try the good will approach?