Need To Replace Engine!!!

[ilikebmxbikes]

Originally Posted by e92ben

@ilikebmxbikes chime in ?

just depends what your goals and budget are. People always debate cost and value as the same thing. We all have different financial situations and goals.

A v8 in an e8x chassis is a glorious thing for countless reasons but it wont be cheap horsepower our platform is known for.

[mistrkris135]

Originally Posted by Mr Rooty Von Tooty

I listened to the video. Don't start the engine again!

It sounds like a bunch of ball bearing being shaken around in a tin can. I've heard it many times over the years, and I'd say it's a rod knock. However, I don't have any experience with what a failed turbo sound like. In either case, you are going to have to pull the engine and take it apart just to clean it and remove foreign material. Don't get cheap and do a half ass job. I've seen people try to save money by doing a partial rebuild and the engine fails a second time.

The material in the oil is a sure sign of a bearing failure. To be sure, you can get an oil analysis, or you have one on the way?

Yes, oil analysis was supposed to show up last week. I called German Dreams today and they said that they should get the results this week hopefully. Once it does come in i guess itll be onto talking to the mechanic about replacing or rebuilding. It also seems to be that they are wanting to do a replacement more than a rebuild. I guess they;re sick of seeing my car in the shop for a long time.

[mistrkris135]

Originally Posted by Dackelone

Normally when a turbo fails you see LOTS of blue(oil) or white(coolant) smoke. I have heard of few stories where the turbo bearing fails and disintegrates and ends up back in the engine's oiling system, only to cause oil starvation and a spun main bearing.

Basically you just will not know what was the cause - until you pull the engine and start tearing it down.

What I was getting too in my first post is there have been a few guys on the forums who have been running more than 18 psi in boost.... that have experienced engine failures. Its rare for them to post pics and all. But there has been two or three guys who have. When something like this happens... it takes a brave man to post pics of his tuning mistakes. So that's why you don't read about it that much. BUT it does happen.

When i picked up the car it was running up to 18psi in boost. The map it was set on was auto, which shouldve taken car of everything is what they explained? Once we get the oil analysis in i will update you guys on everything and hopefully it will help anyone else in the future.

Dackelone Do you think rebuilding the engine is a better solution than replacing it with a warrantied engine?

[mistrkris135]

Originally Posted by ilikebmxbikes

just depends what your goals and budget are. People always debate cost and value as the same thing. We all have different financial situations and goals.

A v8 in an e8x chassis is a glorious thing for countless reasons but it wont be cheap horsepower our platform is known for.

I agree and ive seen your car on youtube plenty of times and i can say i jizz everytime i hear it. Just wondering what you spent on the engine and install? Not including all your other miscellaneous items to make it look like a 1m, but just the basics to get it up and running.

[mistrkris135]

I know a bit about cars, just not enough so i need your guys' knowledge. Anyone recommend any branded upgraded internal engine parts? link?

[Dackelone]

Originally Posted by mistrkris135

When i picked up the car it was running up to 18psi in boost. The map it was set on was auto, which shouldve taken car of everything is what they explained? Once we get the oil analysis in i will update you guys on everything and hopefully it will help anyone else in the future.

Dackelone Do you think rebuilding the engine is a better solution than replacing it with a warrantied engine?

I would get a rebuilt engine(warrantied engine) - that you know someone has gone thru and checked everything. Especially IF they give you a warranty!!

The problem when you run more than 1Bar of boost(14.5 psi) is the DME maps do not provide more fuel over 14.5 psi. So... the engine goes learn and sooner or later will self destruct. All the engine melt downs I have seen or heard about were from 18 to 22 psi "tunes".

Dackel

[champignon]

Originally Posted by mistrkris135

I know a bit about cars, just not enough so i need your guys' knowledge. Anyone recommend any branded upgraded internal engine parts? link?

I am hoping that your experience will be a cautionary tale to those who are inclined to mod but are not personally very knowledgeable about this topic. Unless one is made of money, this kind of experience can obviously be very expensive and beyond frustrating.

Not meaning to rub this in as I am sure you are already rather upset by these events.

It is just that people fling around all these names of mods and technical terms, and probably the great majority of those doing so don't really understand what they are talking about, they are just parroting things they read on the online forums.

To those thinking about modding a car, it is important to realize that this can be an expensive and potentially dangerous experience. It will also markedly reduce the universe of potential buyers when it comes time to resell, as most buyers probably will not even consider a car that has been significantly modified.

[Mr Rooty Von Tooty]

The One is a three liter engine with 300 HP! That's a hundred HP/liter. You might also consider too that it's a passenger vehicle and not a race car. If it were a race car, the engine would be rebuilt after each race!

The OP doesn't sound very knowledgeable about fuel, timing, and boost maps and how precisely these parameters need to be controlled by the ECU. To add mods that play games with these critical elements require a really deep understanding of the interaction of them. Another scary thing is the shop the OP is using doesn't seem qualified to be tuning engines. They should stick to oil changes.

I would suggest the OP restore the engine to its stock condition and leave it alone. I would also recommend he find a different mechanic. In my town, there are two highly qualified independents originally trained by both Porsche and BMW. Start looking around and asking questions who would they recommend as an engine re-builder.

I'm firmly in the camp of rebuilding the engine. Remember with a short block, you'll be re-using the head, and it will likely need reconditioning too. Rebuilding the original engine minus the head isn't that big a deal of course, depending upon the damage.

Here is another tip. You don't have to have the work done in your local area. I ship engines and transmission to qualified people. You just have to do your homework and ask a lot of questions. The Internet is a great source of information.

Cost? Well my number is a $1,000 a hole, but that might have changed. When you hookup with someone, you need an estimate of the repair and precisely what they intend to do. Don't do business with anyone who isn't willing to get in the weeds over the details.

There are a zillion small shops and DIY guys who all think they know how to work on engines. They don't. They are mostly a bunch of jerks who'll take your money and mess up your ride. So if you aren't prepared to dig into your wallet for qualified people, junk the car. It'll be cheaper. You might start here:

http://www.bavengine.com/about.html

[ilikebmxbikes]

Originally Posted by mistrkris135

I agree and ive seen your car on youtube plenty of times and i can say i jizz everytime i hear it. Just wondering what you spent on the engine and install? Not including all your other miscellaneous items to make it look like a 1m, but just the basics to get it up and running.

To make it look and operate like OEM, expect to spend $25-30k all in. Its not simply dropping an engine in. You need ALL of the e9x cooling, subframes, lsd, diff, brakes, dsc module, cas, ecu, keys, cluster, hoses, intake, cowl, custom fuel lines, modified propshaft, custom exhaust, steering, specialized coding, and a shit ton of wiring. While the engine fits fairly easily, its the wiring and everything else that is the killer.

[ErvGotti]

Originally Posted by mistrkris135

When i picked up the car it was running up to 18psi in boost. The map it was set on was auto, which shouldve taken car of everything is what they explained?

Originally Posted by Mr Rooty Von Tooty

The One is a three liter engine with 300 HP! That's a hundred HP/liter. You might also consider too that it's a passenger vehicle and not a race car. If it were a race car, the engine would be rebuilt after each race!

The OP doesn't sound very knowledgeable about fuel, timing, and boost maps and how precisely these parameters need to be controlled by the ECU. To add mods that play games with these critical elements require a really deep understanding of the interaction of them. Another scary thing is the shop the OP is using doesn't seem qualified to be tuning engines. They should stick to oil changes.

The N54/55 community is lucky that the DME is so good at protecting the engine, that you can get away with shoddy tuning up to a certain extent. There's a reason most other platforms don't run piggyback tunes. If you we're to try and throw meth and an "auto" tune on another turbo car say a 4g63 on the Evo, you would grenade it in a heart beat. You have to monitor/log many parameters when you run meth.

I agree with Mr. Tooty. It doesn't sound like your "trusted" shop knows what they're doing. They had you spend $3k to replace lifters, without looking at anything else. You probably could have bought a rebuilt engine for around $5k, so now your out $3k and still have a broken engine.

I wouldn't do business with them anymore

[mistrkris135]

Originally Posted by ErvGotti

The N54/55 community is lucky that the DME is so good at protecting the engine, that you can get away with shoddy tuning up to a certain extent. There's a reason most other platforms don't run piggyback tunes. If you we're to try and throw meth and an "auto" tune on another turbo car say a 4g63 on the Evo, you would grenade it in a heart beat. You have to monitor/log many parameters when you run meth.

I agree with Mr. Tooty. It doesn't sound like your "trusted" shop knows what they're doing. They had you spend $3k to replace lifters, without looking at anything else. You probably could have bought a rebuilt engine for around $5k, so now your out $3k and still have a broken engine.

I wouldn't do business with them anymore

I think you're right, I've been waiting a call for about a week now and still nothing. Im thinking of bringing it to a shop in LA. Does anyone have any good experience in the LA county? Any tips would be appreciated

[mistrkris135]

Originally Posted by ilikebmxbikes

just depends what your goals and budget are. People always debate cost and value as the same thing. We all have different financial situations and goals.

A v8 in an e8x chassis is a glorious thing for countless reasons but it wont be cheap horsepower our platform is known for.

ilikebmxbikes
I see you're located in the SF area, I'm in Cali. Mind hooking it up with who did your V8 Swap? I would like to get mine done. Thanks

[mistrkris135]

Originally Posted by Mr Rooty Von Tooty

The One is a three liter engine with 300 HP! That's a hundred HP/liter. You might also consider too that it's a passenger vehicle and not a race car. If it were a race car, the engine would be rebuilt after each race!

The OP doesn't sound very knowledgeable about fuel, timing, and boost maps and how precisely these parameters need to be controlled by the ECU. To add mods that play games with these critical elements require a really deep understanding of the interaction of them. Another scary thing is the shop the OP is using doesn't seem qualified to be tuning engines. They should stick to oil changes.

I would suggest the OP restore the engine to its stock condition and leave it alone. I would also recommend he find a different mechanic. In my town, there are two highly qualified independents originally trained by both Porsche and BMW. Start looking around and asking questions who would they recommend as an engine re-builder.

I'm firmly in the camp of rebuilding the engine. Remember with a short block, you'll be re-using the head, and it will likely need reconditioning too. Rebuilding the original engine minus the head isn't that big a deal of course, depending upon the damage.

Here is another tip. You don't have to have the work done in your local area. I ship engines and transmission to qualified people. You just have to do your homework and ask a lot of questions. The Internet is a great source of information.

Cost? Well my number is a $1,000 a hole, but that might have changed. When you hookup with someone, you need an estimate of the repair and precisely what they intend to do. Don't do business with anyone who isn't willing to get in the weeds over the details.

There are a zillion small shops and DIY guys who all think they know how to work on engines. They don't. They are mostly a bunch of jerks who'll take your money and mess up your ride. So if you aren't prepared to dig into your wallet for qualified people, junk the car. It'll be cheaper. You might start here:

http://www.bavengine.com/about.html

Thanks for your input, I've put it into consideration and you're right I'm not stuck in just local shops. I just didn't want to deal with the hassle of distance, but now seeing the situation I'm in i should've done that in the first place. appreciate your response

[ilikebmxbikes]

Originally Posted by mistrkris135

ilikebmxbikes
I see you're located in the SF area, I'm in Cali. Mind hooking it up with who did your V8 Swap? I would like to get mine done. Thanks

Performance technic did the swap. I am sitting on an entire V8 swap of parts, 2013 motor w/ 20k miles, pulled out of a non-collision car. All electronics, cooling, suspension, etc.

[Mr Rooty Von Tooty]

The OP is in the mecca of car culture, and he should be able to find anyone to do anything.

Here's an example of one outfit you'll find no place else but California:

http://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/enthusiast/classic_center

I'd love to be so close to so many automotive specialist. It'd sure save me a lot of time sourcing parts and getting specialized work done.

[ErvGotti]

Originally Posted by Mr Rooty Von Tooty

The OP is in the mecca of car culture, and he should be able to find anyone to do anything.

Here's an example of one outfit you'll find no place else but California:

http://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/enthusiast/classic_center

I'd love to be so close to so many automotive specialist. It'd sure save me a lot of time sourcing parts and getting specialized work done.

Turn in Concepts in Cincinnati. They started as a Subie specialist shop, with their STI winning numerous racing events. But have expanded to other platforms and are well versed in BMW's. They built a reputation for solid suspension and engine tuning. Probably the best shop in that area.

[PA135i]

Part it out or sell what's left of it. I would not invest another penny in it.
If it's $6,000 for the motor... (you already spent $3,000 recently).. but associated parts might need to be replaced also. The price could rise. Too big a risk for me.

Cut your losses. and buy another one in a year or 2. There will still be plenty to choose in 2012/13 models.

[Solo_M_Tech]

Originally Posted by ilikebmxbikes

To make it look and operate like OEM, expect to spend $25-30k all in. Its not simply dropping an engine in. You need ALL of the e9x cooling, subframes, lsd, diff, brakes, dsc module, cas, ecu, keys, cluster, hoses, intake, cowl, custom fuel lines, modified propshaft, custom exhaust, steering, specialized coding, and a shit ton of wiring. While the engine fits fairly easily, its the wiring and everything else that is the killer.

It's posts like these that remind me that a 30K dollar engine swap into my 135i isn't a wise investment unless I hit that Powerball soon! haha! Thanks bro.

[Mr Rooty Von Tooty]

Originally Posted by PA135i

Part it out or sell what's left of it. I would not invest another penny in it.
If it's $6,000 for the motor... (you already spent $3,000 recently).. but associated parts might need to be replaced also. The price could rise. Too big a risk for me.

Cut your losses. and buy another one in a year or 2. There will still be plenty to choose in 2012/13 models.

A 2008 135i probably is worth less than $15K. But you need to understand that cars are never worth much anyway. I can buy very expensive and exotic cars for a small percentage of what they initially cost.

The reason you put money into a car is because you like it and want to make it distinctive to reflect your tastes. If the body and the running gear are in good shape, dropping $10K into a engine isn't a bad deal. Also consider the hassle of parting it out and the cost of getting a new ride.

My favorite car of all time is a 280 SL MB. The car cost $7,500 new in 1971. Currently, I'm having one restored in Germany. The cost will approach $100,000. It will actually be worth quite a bit more, since the car is very rare. In any case, I'm doing it, because I love the car, not for financial reasons.

[mistrkris135]

Originally Posted by Mr Rooty Von Tooty

A 2008 135i probably is worth less than $15K. But you need to understand that cars are never worth much anyway. I can buy very expensive and exotic cars for a small percentage of what they initially cost.

The reason you put money into a car is because you like it and want to make it distinctive to reflect your tastes. If the body and the running gear are in good shape, dropping $10K into a engine isn't a bad deal. Also consider the hassle of parting it out and the cost of getting a new ride.

My favorite car of all time is a 280 SL MB. The car cost $7,500 new in 1971. Currently, I'm having one restored in Germany. The cost will approach $100,000. It will actually be worth quite a bit more, since the car is very rare. In any case, I'm doing it, because I love the car, not for financial reasons.

Agreed, when i first purchased the car i already knew it was going to be a money pit. Maintenance, gas, insurance, and the depreciation would kill my pocket. So you sir have the same mindset as me, i love the car because it makes me happy to look at, to drive, and just to know i have one.

That being said, the car is currently at Performance Technic. Their wait time is about 2 months but I'm okay with that. I want it done properly. Im currently speaking to the owner. He's wanting to do a full dinan engine build, here is what they said

"I’ve been waiting to hear back from Dinan on the rebuild price. But their rebuild on the N55 is $15k, that includes new internals and complete long block build. So I would guess they would charge about the same or slightly less on the N54."

I don't want to spend that much, so I'm waiting on them to give me a price on another source. Im willing to spend $10k tops. What are your guy's thoughts?

[Mr Rooty Von Tooty]

Originally Posted by mistrkris135

Agreed, when i first purchased the car i already knew it was going to be a money pit. Maintenance, gas, insurance, and the depreciation would kill my pocket. So you sir have the same mindset as me, i love the car because it makes me happy to look at, to drive, and just to know i have one.

That being said, the car is currently at Performance Technic. Their wait time is about 2 months but I'm okay with that. I want it done properly. Im currently speaking to the owner. He's wanting to do a full dinan engine build, here is what they said

"I’ve been waiting to hear back from Dinan on the rebuild price. But their rebuild on the N55 is $15k, that includes new internals and complete long block build. So I would guess they would charge about the same or slightly less on the N54."

I don't want to spend that much, so I'm waiting on them to give me a price on another source. Im willing to spend $10k tops. What are your guy's thoughts?

As I said, I'd restore or rebuild the engine to its stock condition. Again you are getting suckered into a Dinan update, That'll be expensive, and on a cost Vs performance benefit, I believe you'll be disappointed. Also once it's done, you might be forced into expensive maintenance due to the various Dinan bits & pieces.

Find a qualified shop that'll first examine the OEM engine to see if a rebuild is possible. If not, there are plenty of engines available from a foreign parts salvage yards. Some of these places are quite sophisticated and will evaluate the used engine and offer a warranty.

Another option is is a new short block using the head off your engine. Check with BMW on the cost. I've been quoted around $6K not bad.

In any case, make sure you get a written warranty on the work and a detailed estimate. An honest shop won't have any problems with this.

[Cavpilot2k]

S55!
Fitment should be very close. The only problem would be getting one, but I'm sure there are a few totaled M3/M4s around.