[SomeRandomer123]

Hi all,

Haven't really posted for a while but been keeping an eye on things!
I'd better give a quick update: 2012 F30 328i Luxury, Sport Auto, 60,150mls, 2 years, 4 months old.

However, it sounds as though I have a fairly major issue with my 328i. Some of you may have seen me post these videos a few months ago:

As you can hear, there is a very pronounced whine which sounds much like the turbo is letting go, so I gave BMW Assist a ring and a technician came out on a Sunday to diagnose. He said he didn't believe it was the turbo, but couldn't diagnose what it was and nor did he find any fault codes.

With no drop in performance, smooth running or economy, I carried on for another 5000mls but the whine got gradually louder and worse sounding, so after being extremely busy for those 5000mls, I finally found time to drop my car into the workshop and let them diagnose.

However, my dealership couldn't diagnose the noise either, so they got the technicians from Munich involved to assist. After a week of head scratching, they believe it may be the crankshaft thrust bearings so they gave me a call on Monday to say it's going to be a major job but they're going to dive in and see what the condition is. I imagine this is going to be an engine out job! Either way, they're going to be absolutely stripping my engine down to the bottom of the block so the technicians have got a huge task. If it is indeed the thrust bearings, they reckon it'll be back on the road in a week. I can't understand how they would cause that noise though. Or the crankshaft being out of position would make that noise?

It's alright though, I'm being looked after and I'm sure they'll do a good job. I had a 320d M Sport for the first few days of diagnosis and now I'm in a 520d Touring Luxury which I'll have until I get mine back, so it's quite nice to have an extended test drive!

Will keep you updated.

Update 1: The car will be with them for 20-25 days as a tool is being made to remove the bearing which is on a 20 day lead time.

As a result, I'm giving back the 520d Touring tomorrow and they're sourcing me a BMW from Enterprise.


Update 2: I've just given the 520d Touring Luxury back. Liked that very much, though it is enormous! It does feel very premium and executive though and it's fantastically refined at speed. It was nice to get used to diesel again (the 328i being my first petrol in about 19 years), though I forget how intrusive the 4-pot diesel is at low speed/low load. A pleasant experience anyway.

Anyway, what have I just picked up?

A 330d Touring M Sport!!
Been dying for a go in one of these after giving back my E90 330d. I loved my 330d so much and this F31 has big shoes to fill. First impressions are mega. It's a fairly low spec car but the torque of that engine is ridiculous!

I suppose one benefit of my 328i being off the road is having extended test drives of the cars I'm considering. I change next June so will be placing the order Q1 of 2015.


Update 3 (27/10/2014):

The tool is due in on Wednesday and if repaired, they say I may have my car back by Friday. Which sounds a bit optimistic for an engine rebuild to me, so I don't expect to have it back in all honesty.

However, I'm on a business trip next week so I've had to let them know that if it isn't back to me by Friday, they'll have to keep it until 10th November.

No fuss though, I've still got the F31 330d which is doing me quite nicely. Missing the gadgetry that my 328i is adorned in and the colours/trim aren't to my taste, but the 30d is fab! Just got to be careful not to put petrol in it

Update 4 (25/11/2014):

Sorry for no updates, been super busy!

Anyway, after 2 months of being in the workshop and some faffing about getting this special tool to the dealership, I'm finally reunited with my car, problem solved. It's so great to have it back, forgot how awesome it was.

Anyway, what did they do to solve the issue? Complete engine replacement. They said it would cost about £15k! Happy days on the warranty.

They said the bearings on both ends of the crankshaft were shot and a repair would've been uneconomical. Not sure what they'll do with that motor now, seems a shame doesn't it. Still works. Just sounds funny.

Funny thing is, I'll only have my 328i for another 6-7 months as I'm due for a change. So if anyone sees a Glacier Silver 328i Luxury getting on for 80,000mls, it'll be the best purchase you make.

[SomeRandomer123]

Update: The car will be with them for 20-25 days as a tool is being made to remove the bearing which is on a 20 day lead time.

As a result, I'm giving back the 520d Touring tomorrow and they're sourcing me a BMW from Enterprise.

[NISFAN]

Wow that sounds serious, I'm actually surprised they don't just replace the engine.

[....,,,,..,,..]

Originally Posted by NISFAN

Wow that sounds serious, I'm actually surprised they don't just replace the engine.

Ditto, would be far simpler.

I would also be concerned about that level of strip (on a new car) outside an engine repair centre.

[IndotagSwizz]

They will not replace the engine at 60k miles...

[KM79]

I've seen this a few times with N20.Crank thrust washer wears away to nothing and the engine whines.Metal swarf will go through out the engine internals.In every case it's been a new engine and turbocharger.

[JD6]

Originally Posted by KrisM79

I've seen this a few times with N20.Crank thrust washer wears away to nothing and the engine whines.Metal swarf will go through out the engine internals.In every case it's been a new engine and turbocharger.

Sounds like a win for the OP to get a new engine at 60k miles. This car should be a keeper...

[KM79]

If it's the same issues ive seen I will almost guarantee it.Its not repairable.

[Lorcan]

Originally Posted by KrisM79

I've seen this a few times with N20.Crank thrust washer wears away to nothing and the engine whines.Metal swarf will go through out the engine internals.In every case it's been a new engine and turbocharger.

So is this something every N20 owner can look forward to or is it just the odd one here and there?

[KM79]

No it's not a common failure.Considering the amount of n20 out there ive only seen perhaps 3 failures in the past year.

[NISFAN]

Originally Posted by KrisM79

No it's not a common failure.Considering the amount of n20 out there ive only seen perhaps 3 failures in the past year.

Yes, but 50k miles is quite a lot for a two year old N20, No? I doubt many N20's are used for this type of work.

If it is a thrust bearing wear issue, there is usually an underlying cause. For example it was common on Porsche's with transaxle gear boxes. This arrangement allowed the propshaft to push on the crank when there wasn't enough clearance in the system. There must be a similar issue on this engine if it turns out to be a failed thrust bearing?!?!?

[KM79]

Originally Posted by NISFAN

Yes, but 50k miles is quite a lot for a two year old N20, No? I doubt many N20's are used for this type of work.

If it is a thrust bearing wear issue, there is usually an underlying cause. For example it was common on Porsche's with transaxle gear boxes. This arrangement allowed the propshaft to push on the crank when there wasn't enough clearance in the system. There must be a similar issue on this engine if it turns out to be a failed thrust bearing?!?!?

Can't really comment on engine design as I'm no engineer,but I would say that's a lot of miles in a fairly short space of time.Dont recall what mileage the other ones I've seen whining where at,or what transmissions where fitted.But I do remember seeing the engine stripped and the thrust washer was almost completely worn away.

[NISFAN]

Originally Posted by KrisM79

Can't really comment on engine design as I'm no engineer,but I would say that's a lot of miles in a fairly short space of time.Dont recall what mileage the other ones I've seen whining where at,or what transmissions where fitted.But I do remember seeing the engine stripped and the thrust washer was almost completely worn away.

Makes it even more of a concern if BMW know of a problem and insist on 'fixing' rather than replacing. At the very least I would expect them to replace the short block outright to get this car back on the road ASAP. Appreciate they might not be certain of the fault at this stage, but a quick borescope might show the issue.

[KM79]

I highly doubt this members engine will be repaired from the examples ive seen.As stated before metal swarf goes through out the engine and turbo.also BMW do not supply short blocks,only complete engines.

[NISFAN]

Originally Posted by KrisM79

I highly doubt this members engine will be repaired from the examples ive seen.As stated before metal swarf goes through out the engine and turbo.also BMW do not supply short blocks,only complete engines.

OK, maybe a complete engine is on a 20 day lead time???

I can't imagine a special tool needs making, it isn't an F1 car.

[KM79]

That's probably the case.

[SomeRandomer123]

Interesting thoughts - thanks for the discussion guys And do keep discussing!

My car is leased through my own company on a 3 year scheme so if it does receive a new engine, it would be a great buy for someone else! We'll just wait and see what happens.

Yes, at >60,000mls in ~ 2 years, my car is high mileage and as you rightly say, it's rare an N20 is used for this kind of work, particularly a 28i. To be completely honest, I expected some kind of engine or transmission issue somewhere down the line as I got an early F30 that has a new engine and new transmission, so it's been fairly good going!

Will keep you updated on what happens next...

[NISFAN]

Originally Posted by SomeRandomer123

Interesting thoughts - thanks for the discussion guys And do keep discussing!

My car is leased through my own company on a 3 year scheme so if it does receive a new engine, it would be a great buy for someone else! We'll just wait and see what happens.

Yes, at >60,000mls in ~ 2 years, my car is high mileage and as you rightly say, it's rare an N20 is used for this kind of work, particularly a 28i. To be completely honest, I expected some kind of engine or transmission issue somewhere down the line as I got an early F30 that has a new engine and new transmission, so it's been fairly good going!

Will keep you updated on what happens next...

Hope it gets resolved painlessly for you....and you get a comparable hire car in the meantime.

[EvilDrPorkChop]

Just out of interest, Is it in with Lloyds or Bowkers?

[SomeRandomer123]

Originally Posted by DrEvilPorkchop

Just out of interest, Is it in with Lloyds or Bowkers?

Bowkers. They're great!

[SomeRandomer123]

Originally Posted by NISFAN

Hope it gets resolved painlessly for you....and you get a comparable hire car in the meantime.

Cheers! Yeah let's hope so...

[SomeRandomer123]

Update: I've just given the 520d Touring Luxury back. Liked that very much, though it is enormous! It does feel very premium and executive though and it's fantastically refined at speed. It was nice to get used to diesel again (the 328i being my first petrol in about 19 years), though I forget how intrusive the 4-pot diesel is at low speed/low load. A pleasant experience anyway.

Anyway, what have I just picked up?

A 330d Touring M Sport!!
Been dying for a go in one of these after giving back my E90 330d. I loved my 330d so much and this F31 has big shoes to fill. First impressions are mega. It's a fairly low spec car but the torque of that engine is ridiculous!

I suppose one benefit of my 328i being off the road is having extended test drives of the cars I'm considering. I change next June so will be placing the order Q1 of 2015.