2011 135i BLOWN HEADGASKET?!

[fries]

Man, exact same problem. My work order says the "LR head bolt near cyl 6 was only hand tight, and pulled threads when removed." Looks like the block and head are still in good shape on yours.

[Broken135i]

Can you say proof?

[zx10guy]

Is there any recourse you have with going back to the dealership or BMW NA? I would think at least they would refund all the money you spent having them do diagnostics and stuff that didn't even address the problem.

[Dackelone]

Great pics. Sorry for your pain. I think you should also replace the timing chain, rail and tensioner while your in there. Check the front pulley belt for tightness too(they can loosen). You might also want to replace the HPFP while your in there as well.

Look on the bright side of things... at least you won't need a carbon cleaning when your done.

Good Luck,
Dackel

[zx10guy]

Has anyone established whether the N55s require walnut blasting and if so at what intervals? So far I haven't seen anything definitive on this.

[Broken135i]

Originally Posted by zx10guy

Is there any recourse you have with going back to the dealership or BMW NA? I would think at least they would refund all the money you spent having them do diagnostics and stuff that didn't even address the problem.

I stopped by the dealer today, manager not in but will be tomorrow. Had a very negative conversation with the shop foreman (who is a piece of S$&@) basically said its not possible. Another mechanic chimed in and said "if it was over heated the head could have warped and stretched the bolt out on that corner thus leaving you with a loose bolt. I responded with "well if i check it for straightness and it passes i guess your theory would be wrong wouldn't it?". He had no response. I hope to have better luck with the manager.

Is there anyone that works for bmw on this forum? Can they give any advice or offer any assistance???

[Mr Gasser]

Here's a little thing from Vanguard performance. It seems to indicate that N54s can be tuned beyond their limits, but the N55s are not really a 'tuner' engine. Of course anyone can tune whatever they want, but the stresses it can place on the engine, especially if its a non forged piston engine like the N55 (N54 has forged pistons) then the integrity of the power plant could be compromised.

http://www.vanguard-performance.com/...mw-n54-vs-n55/


Was this N55 modified via tuning module, flashing, etc?

Maybe a lesson here....

[Broken135i]

Originally Posted by Mr Gasser

Here's a little thing from Vanguard performance. It seems to indicate that N54s can be tuned beyond their limits, but the N55s are not really a 'tuner' engine. Of course anyone can tune whatever they want, but the stresses it can place on the engine, especially if its a non forged piston engine like the N55 (N54 has forged pistons) then the integrity of the power plant could be compromised.

http://www.vanguard-performance.com/...mw-n54-vs-n55/


Was this N55 modified via tuning module, flashing, etc?

Maybe a lesson here....

The head bolt was loose, not pulled out or over stretched :/ i believe it has nothing to do with trying to make too much horsepower

[doublevanosrc]

Originally Posted by Broken135i

Hey! Fries had my issue to a T!

No kidding.

[Kevinl]

How bad was pulling the head I have a 2011 X5 with the N55 and have oil in coolant dealer said it was ofhg replaced and still getting oil in coolant replaced oil cooler today but have doubts its going to fix it

[Mr Gasser]

loose head bolt is the strangest thing. I'm worried about my car now...

[Broken135i]

Update time... turbo is currently on its way to PURE for a stage 1... going to pick up the head gasket parts in 3 weeks, then assembly once bmw brings it all in for me (at cost, for a pinch of good-will)

Also going for a VRSF catless DP and JB4

I suppose at this point my charge pipe will explode so i guess i'll be buying an upgrade, with meth bung...

Do i have options for a FSB meth kit?

[Broken135i]

Ordered the parts from BMW to put it back together. They gave me 15% off.. which is nice... still waiting for PURE to respond to me... they have had my turbo for more than 2 weeks and they wont reply... really pissed off as its infinitely easier to place the turbo beside where the head will go before the head is on....

[captain slowly]

wow, this sure is taking a while

[Broken135i]

Originally Posted by captain slowly

wow, this sure is taking a while

I know right, mostly because im broke and also thought PURE turbos would respond to me after my turbo showed up at their place...

[minirips2]

Broken135i-
Have you checked the stretch on all of your head bolts? If the loose one is shorter than the rest, you know that it was never torqued. Just a thought. Probably moot at this point, but it might give you some sway with BMW when it comes to getting some compensation. Also be sure to clean up all the threads in your block before you torque your head back on.

[Broken135i]

Originally Posted by minirips2

Broken135i-
Have you checked the stretch on all of your head bolts? If the loose one is shorter than the rest, you know that it was never torqued. Just a thought. Probably moot at this point, but it might give you some sway with BMW when it comes to getting some compensation. Also be sure to clean up all the threads in your block before you torque your head back on.

I haven't pulled out calipers yet, but visually, it looks to be slightly shorter to the naked eye

[Rallim]

Have you talked to BMW CA about the loose head bolt and seen if they'll do anything after all the BS?

[Broken135i]

From left to right

Tight one, brand new one, loose "installed one", tight one

[minirips2]

That's interesting, and exactly what I'd expect to see if the bolt were never final torqued. I'd be all over BMW on that one. It's worth a shot, although they may balk since you did the work. Please keep us updated.
MR2

[jturboawd]

I am going through the same thing right now. Posted up on another n5X forum. Mine is light leak, definitely head gasket, definitely #6. I purchased a low mileage f30 N55 and speedtech turbo kit. Will change the easy gaskets and go back in. My car was loosing a half gallon every week or so, mystery leak. Water system tested good. WHen under boost it would pressurize the system and leak into atleast one cylinder. Cylinder pressure into coolant then at same time leak off during downstroke. Mysterious little Pita. Car was PS2 for long enough and I am ready for a proper stage 3 set up.

I will check the head stud torque on the engine I am pulling. I am very curious if I can go back in and retorque, or if by doing so would I cause more trouble than help.

Any chance you can share the head stud torque and pattern from your manual?

Thank You

[moorer11]

So...my car had similar symptoms:

• Loss of coolant through cap with medium/high load (cap and tank are new)
• No excessive steam in exhaust
• No mixing of fluids
• Good (perfect) compression test
• Good cooling system pressure test

But...in addition, the engine made very odd "burp" under high load.

The best clue I got was that coolant tank smelled like combustion; there was really no need to test it further. It was obvious.



Findings:
Two completely loose head bolts at #6 (the M9 ones). At least one of these has threads completely stripped. I haven't determined whether the other is stripped yet or not.

Car:
2011 135i, 59,xxx miles, unmodified, build date 4/2010.

As far as I know it's never overheated. It's been problem-free (until now) for the 23,000 miles/6 years I've owned it.

I am contemplating the best remedy.