My N20 died at 72k miles

grdlaw · 04-28-2018, 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kronk

My F30 328i had been problem free since I took delivery of it in April 2012. Never had a problem and was always properly serviced and well-maintained.

Suddenly, I get a low oil pressure warning and the car went into limp mode. I pulled over and had it towed to the local BMW service center. They weren't able to get the engine started and I was told that I was lucky the car went into limp mode because that would prevent further engine damage.

The next day I was told they were able to get the engine turned over but that it was making strange noises indicating a timing issue and that they would need to inspect the valves. Later that day I get a call saying the camshaft was snapped and there was metal and plastic all over the engine and that it would need to be replaced. They're not sure what caused this. But I was quoted a price of over $20,000 for parts and labor to repair it.

Has anyone had something similar happen? Needless to say I am shocked that my well-maintained car essentially exploded on me without warning.

My 2015 328i xDrive had a little over 70,000 miles when I got a warning "Drivetrain Malfunction" and the car went into limp mode. I had it towed to the BMW dealer nearby and after inspection it was determined that the turbo charger had failed resulting in a total engine failure due to excessive oil leak and metal debris in the engine oil. The warranty had expired, but BMW agreed to pay for 40% of the parts. The turbo charger and engine were replaced for a total out of pocket cost of $12,500. The repairs and replacement took about 6 weeks and luckily I was provided loaner BMWs during that time. So with the new turbo charger and engine, the car is brand new.

arvi604 · 04-29-2018, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grdlaw

My 2015 328i xDrive had a little over 70,000 miles when I got a warning "Drivetrain Malfunction" and the car went into limp mode. I had it towed to the BMW dealer nearby and after inspection it was determined that the turbo charger had failed resulting in a total engine failure due to excessive oil leak and metal debris in the engine oil. The warranty had expired, but BMW agreed to pay for 40% of the parts. The turbo charger and engine were replaced for a total out of pocket cost of $12,500. The repairs and replacement took about 6 weeks and luckily I was provided loaner BMWs during that time. So with the new turbo charger and engine, the car is brand new.

Ouch... Out of curiosity how frequently were you taking your car in for oil changes?

sspade · 04-30-2018, 07:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grdlaw

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kronk

My F30 328i had been problem free since I took delivery of it in April 2012. Never had a problem and was always properly serviced and well-maintained.

Suddenly, I get a low oil pressure warning and the car went into limp mode. I pulled over and had it towed to the local BMW service center. They weren't able to get the engine started and I was told that I was lucky the car went into limp mode because that would prevent further engine damage.

The next day I was told they were able to get the engine turned over but that it was making strange noises indicating a timing issue and that they would need to inspect the valves. Later that day I get a call saying the camshaft was snapped and there was metal and plastic all over the engine and that it would need to be replaced. They're not sure what caused this. But I was quoted a price of over $20,000 for parts and labor to repair it.

Has anyone had something similar happen? Needless to say I am shocked that my well-maintained car essentially exploded on me without warning.

My 2015 328i xDrive had a little over 70,000 miles when I got a warning "Drivetrain Malfunction" and the car went into limp mode. I had it towed to the BMW dealer nearby and after inspection it was determined that the turbo charger had failed resulting in a total engine failure due to excessive oil leak and metal debris in the engine oil. The warranty had expired, but BMW agreed to pay for 40% of the parts. The turbo charger and engine were replaced for a total out of pocket cost of $12,500. The repairs and replacement took about 6 weeks and luckily I was provided loaner BMWs during that time. So with the new turbo charger and engine, the car is brand new.

Read many of cases where the turbo failed but did not destroy the engine. Wondering what makes this instance different?

BunkerJ · 04-30-2018, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sspade

Read many of cases where the turbo failed but did not destroy the engine. Wondering what makes this instance different?

Bad luck probably. If the impeller broke at all, it could've gone through the IC and got into the engine.

BlueCrabMafia · 04-30-2018, 09:53 AM

I just took my N26 in today for the horn not working. I told them the timing chains were starting to make more noise recently than before. We'll see what they say. My CPO is up in October so gotta get it checked now before I'm on my own dime.

BunkerJ · 04-30-2018, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlueCrabMafia

I just took my N26 in today for the horn not working. I told them the timing chains were starting to make more noise recently than before. We'll see what they say. My CPO is up in October so gotta get it checked now before I'm on my own dime.

Mine will be done by the end of the year or beginning of next year, more of a reason to get rid of it lol. I take a video every 1k, on top of checking the chain itself, to my SA in hopes they'll give me the okay. Lol.

BeeHemDoubleU IksWane · 05-02-2018, 08:34 PM

http://e84.xbimmers.com/forums/showt...2#post23140352

Take a look guys.

2012 X1 N20 engine Blown at 88K KMs.

madmortar · 05-02-2018, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BeeHemDoubleU IksWane

http://e84.xbimmers.com/forums/showt...2#post23140352

Take a look guys.

2012 X1 N20 engine Blown at 88K KMs.

Bummer.
Though looks like some odd bad luck issue and not timing chain?

BunkerJ · 05-02-2018, 11:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BeeHemDoubleU IksWane

http://e84.xbimmers.com/forums/showt...2#post23140352

Take a look guys.

2012 X1 N20 engine Blown at 88K KMs.

Yeah, that's a pretty unique case. Just sounds like bad luck. Any mods on the car?

BeeHemDoubleU IksWane · 05-03-2018, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BunkerJ

Yeah, that's a pretty unique case. Just sounds like bad luck. Any mods on the car?

No mods at all. They changed the timing chain in 2017 but no idea wich version they put in. You guys have any idea why would the engine seize at the crank and fuel would mix with the oil?

BeeHemDoubleU IksWane · 05-03-2018, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by madmortar

Bummer.
Though looks like some odd bad luck issue and not timing chain?

They did work on my timing chain in 2017. No idea if it would be related. I'm lost in all this, no car engine should seize at not even 90K KM....

BunkerJ · 05-03-2018, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BeeHemDoubleU IksWane

They did work on my timing chain in 2017. No idea if it would be related. I'm lost in all this, no car engine should seize at not even 90K KM....

They would have put the new model in then. New one came out in 2015+ cars.

I think I remember someone having an issue about the bearing getting so hot it welded to the cam? Something crazy like that, but couldn't remember if it was timing related. Might be in this thread actually.

What has the shop said? if it were timing related, it'd be obvious.

grdlaw · 05-29-2018, 05:54 PM

Oil was changed every 10k miles

Sirhc1115 · 06-26-2018, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grdlaw

Oil was changed every 10k miles

I know it’s what bmw suggests but I’m a big believer in not going that long. Every 5k for me with a full synthetic. I feel oil is the most important part of of an engines longevity and performance.

BunkerJ · 06-26-2018, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sirhc1115

I know it’s what bmw suggests but I’m a big believer in not going that long. Every 5k for me with a full synthetic. I feel oil is the most important part of of an engines longevity and performance.

5k here as well.

MacklinUSOB · 06-27-2018, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BunkerJ

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sirhc1115

I know it's what bmw suggests but I'm a big believer in not going that long. Every 5k for me with a full synthetic. I feel oil is the most important part of of an engines longevity and performance.

5k here as well.

Ditto. Also planning on upgrading to updated TC components before 85000.

bim3 · 08-14-2018, 12:36 AM

Hello,

After reading this thread, decided to also share my ongoing story.

I am from Europe. Around 3-4 months ago my 328i F30 N20 engine started to develop that famous whining noise at ~50K miles. I brought my car to the dealer immediately, they changed Timing Chain, Oil Pump Drive Chain and all related components.

I got 60% reduction for parts as a goodwill from BMW. Unfortunately, in Europe BMW didn't issue extended warranty letter. I still don't understand why customers with same cars across the world are treated differently, but this is another question.

The problem is that I have still metal shavings in the oil. First it was changed during the Timing Chain repair work and second time after around 1200 miles. Metal shavings are still there.

I am still trying to convince BMW that the work is not complete yet and my engine either needs to be properly fixed or replaced completely.

bob.dreger@gmail.com · 09-18-2018, 04:03 PM

I own a 2013 BMW 328i that has been diagnosed with engine failed due to timing chain issue and needs to be replaced. The car only has 70 000 miles . I bought it from a private seller 2 years ago . What are my legal options and BMW,s response to rectify this situation? I cannot afford to pay over $ 8,000 to replace the engine . The book value of the car is 10 to 12 K .
Thanks Bob

BunkerJ · 09-18-2018, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bob.dreger@gmail.com

I own a 2013 BMW 328i that has been diagnosed with engine failed due to timing chain issue and needs to be replaced. The car only has 70 000 miles . I bought it from a private seller 2 years ago . What are my legal options and BMW,s response to rectify this situation? I cannot afford to pay over $ 8,000 to replace the engine . The book value of the car is 10 to 12 K .
Thanks Bob

So are you past the 70k mark?

U2BassAce · 10-24-2018, 06:08 PM

My wife was driving her 2013 328I Sedan to work the other morning. Going about 40MPH the drive train and engine light came on and engine died immediately. Not sure if it locked up or not. She was stuck in the middle of a lane for 2 hours with police blocking traffic while the tow truck tried to get it on the bed because it could not even be shifted into neutral.

Car has 110,000 lightly driven miles on it. We are only owner and it had the extended factory warranty and service plans added to it when we purchased it. So she has had it in for every service on time if not early as it was all free.

They come back, $16,000 for a new engine and tried to claim she was 6,000 miles overdue on service. We had the records from another BMW dealership who did all the service. They also said cylinders lost pressure and there was metal in the oil filter among other things.

Once we proved it had been serviced properly and I found the information here and other places online about the failures they have offered a glimmer of hope.

We had to agree to pay over $1,000 to diagnose what happened and that will be rebated if BMW steps up. We are currently waiting word on it and I will keep you all informed.

Very stressful! This is our third 3 Series so I hope that counts for something with them. No warning at all just BAMM!!!!

meltbox · 10-25-2018, 12:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by U2BassAce

My wife was driving her 2013 328I Sedan to work the other morning. Going about 40MPH the drive train and engine light came on and engine died immediately. Not sure if it locked up or not. She was stuck in the middle of a lane for 2 hours with police blocking traffic while the tow truck tried to get it on the bed because it could not even be shifted into neutral.

Car has 110,000 lightly driven miles on it. We are only owner and it had the extended factory warranty and service plans added to it when we purchased it. So she has had it in for every service on time if not early as it was all free.

They come back, $16,000 for a new engine and tried to claim she was 6,000 miles overdue on service. We had the records from another BMW dealership who did all the service. They also said cylinders lost pressure and there was metal in the oil filter among other things.

Once we proved it had been serviced properly and I found the information here and other places online about the failures they have offered a glimmer of hope.

We had to agree to pay over $1,000 to diagnose what happened and that will be rebated if BMW steps up. We are currently waiting word on it and I will keep you all informed.

Very stressful! This is our third 3 Series so I hope that counts for something with them. No warning at all just BAMM!!!!

This is the scary thing. The fact that it seems like not all failures have warning signs first... Good luck!

BunkerJ · 10-25-2018, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by U2BassAce

My wife was driving her 2013 328I Sedan to work the other morning. Going about 40MPH the drive train and engine light came on and engine died immediately. Not sure if it locked up or not. She was stuck in the middle of a lane for 2 hours with police blocking traffic while the tow truck tried to get it on the bed because it could not even be shifted into neutral.

Car has 110,000 lightly driven miles on it. We are only owner and it had the extended factory warranty and service plans added to it when we purchased it. So she has had it in for every service on time if not early as it was all free.

They come back, $16,000 for a new engine and tried to claim she was 6,000 miles overdue on service. We had the records from another BMW dealership who did all the service. They also said cylinders lost pressure and there was metal in the oil filter among other things.

Once we proved it had been serviced properly and I found the information here and other places online about the failures they have offered a glimmer of hope.

We had to agree to pay over $1,000 to diagnose what happened and that will be rebated if BMW steps up. We are currently waiting word on it and I will keep you all informed.

Very stressful! This is our third 3 Series so I hope that counts for something with them. No warning at all just BAMM!!!!

Did she use the auto stop/start functionality?

04-30-2018, 09:53 AM	#511
BlueCrabMafia First Lieutenant 178 Rep 396 Posts Drives: 2012 328i Sport Line Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Cleveland iTrader: (4)	I just took my N26 in today for the horn not working. I told them the timing chains were starting to make more noise recently than before. We'll see what they say. My CPO is up in October so gotta get it checked now before I'm on my own dime.
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05-02-2018, 08:34 PM	#513
BeeHemDoubleU IksWane Private First Class 16 Rep 108 Posts Drives: BMW X1 Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Québec sti' iTrader: (0)	http://e84.xbimmers.com/forums/showt...2#post23140352 Take a look guys. 2012 X1 N20 engine Blown at 88K KMs. __________________ You talk about German technocracy and you get automobiles.
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05-29-2018, 05:54 PM	#519
grdlaw Registered 0 Rep 3 Posts Drives: 2015 BMW 328i xDrive Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Geneva, IL iTrader: (0)	Oil was changed every 10k miles
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08-14-2018, 12:36 AM	#523
bim3 New Member 0 Rep 5 Posts Drives: BMW 328i F30 Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Europe iTrader: (0)	328i F30 Timing Chain ~50k miles Hello, After reading this thread, decided to also share my ongoing story. I am from Europe. Around 3-4 months ago my 328i F30 N20 engine started to develop that famous whining noise at ~50K miles. I brought my car to the dealer immediately, they changed Timing Chain, Oil Pump Drive Chain and all related components. I got 60% reduction for parts as a goodwill from BMW. Unfortunately, in Europe BMW didn't issue extended warranty letter. I still don't understand why customers with same cars across the world are treated differently, but this is another question. The problem is that I have still metal shavings in the oil. First it was changed during the Timing Chain repair work and second time after around 1200 miles. Metal shavings are still there. I am still trying to convince BMW that the work is not complete yet and my engine either needs to be properly fixed or replaced completely. Last edited by bim3; 08-14-2018 at 01:58 AM..
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09-18-2018, 04:03 PM	#524
bob.dreger@gmail.com Registered 0 Rep 1 Posts Drives: 2013 BMW 328 i Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: new jersey iTrader: (0)	2013 BMW 328i that has been diagnosed with engine failed due to timing chain issue I own a 2013 BMW 328i that has been diagnosed with engine failed due to timing chain issue and needs to be replaced. The car only has 70 000 miles . I bought it from a private seller 2 years ago . What are my legal options and BMW,s response to rectify this situation? I cannot afford to pay over $ 8,000 to replace the engine . The book value of the car is 10 to 12 K . Thanks Bob
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10-24-2018, 06:08 PM	#526
U2BassAce Registered 2 Rep 4 Posts Drives: 2013 328I Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	My wife was driving her 2013 328I Sedan to work the other morning. Going about 40MPH the drive train and engine light came on and engine died immediately. Not sure if it locked up or not. She was stuck in the middle of a lane for 2 hours with police blocking traffic while the tow truck tried to get it on the bed because it could not even be shifted into neutral. Car has 110,000 lightly driven miles on it. We are only owner and it had the extended factory warranty and service plans added to it when we purchased it. So she has had it in for every service on time if not early as it was all free. They come back, $16,000 for a new engine and tried to claim she was 6,000 miles overdue on service. We had the records from another BMW dealership who did all the service. They also said cylinders lost pressure and there was metal in the oil filter among other things. Once we proved it had been serviced properly and I found the information here and other places online about the failures they have offered a glimmer of hope. We had to agree to pay over $1,000 to diagnose what happened and that will be rebated if BMW steps up. We are currently waiting word on it and I will keep you all informed. Very stressful! This is our third 3 Series so I hope that counts for something with them. No warning at all just BAMM!!!!
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