[Balkwyll]

I purchased a 2012 E91 Touring Sport Wagon in 2014 with 600 miles on it. Loved it ever since. I have properly maintained it since I became the owner, but it had an oil leak last winter and I had the valve cover gaskets and oil filler assembly replaced. Seemed to be fine and performance was back to normal. I recently heard a metallic rattling sound from engine and got a service engine soon light. I had it inspected by BMW service and was told it was a bad connecting rod. They quoted $23k to replace engine. Granted, the car only has around 85k mileage. I laughed at them since the FMV was around $10k-$11k. It is driveable so I took it home and garaged it forevermore until I make a decision. I understand that an N52 engine rebuild kit costs around $1750 and labor may be another $2500-$3000. However, it's time for a new car. Other than the engine, the car is in near excellent condition. Body and interior is great and performance has always been excellent. Any thoughts on how to maximize value as I move to something new? I can upload pictures later, but on my way to Global Entry appointment.

[whyzee125]

IMO sell it to an enthusiast if it's a desireable spec and someone will do an N54 swap in it OR swap in a used N52 with the same or less miles than the body has and call it a day.

[lowrydr310]

If you maintained it properly, it likely doesn't have rod problems.

You said you took it to BMW service, was it a dealership? A $23K repair bill is enough to scare someone into buying a brand new BMW. I suggest taking it to an independent mechanic for a second opinion before you decide to do anything.

[eljay]

Originally Posted by lowrydr310

If you maintained it properly, it likely doesn't have rod problems.

You said you took it to BMW service, was it a dealership? A $23K repair bill is enough to scare someone into buying a brand new BMW. I suggest taking it to an independent mechanic for a second opinion before you decide to do anything.

+1 get a second opinion.
What were the fault codes and the details of the diagnosis?

[Cpet]

Originally Posted by lowrydr310

If you maintained it properly, it likely doesn't have rod problems.

Agreed, connecting rods are not typical issues with this engine. Especially with only 85K on the clock. I've had good and bad experiences with dealers, so a second opinion is a good idea.

[ppointer]

The N52 is one of the best engines out there, and I highly doubt a connecting rod is the issue. Definitely need a second opinion.

You may have to give the car away if you don't want to get it repaired. Please don't junk it, as what is essentially a one-owner e91 with <100k miles would make someone very happy, even it if needs major repair.

[Balkwyll]

Fault codes were knock sensor signal 1 and various cylinder combustion misfires and misfire at low tank fill level. BMW Service said that do not rebuild or install remanufactured engines. They did not even offer to sell me something new. The car actually performs well but you can hear a continues metallic rattling noise somewhere in the engine between 2000 to 2500 rpm.

[Grease23]

Yeah, get a second opinion. Doesn't sound like a bad rod necessarily to me. When a main bearing goes you get a low, thud-like rumble that sounds like nothing else.

A rod typically is more of a repetitive "bang" not a scrape or rattle.

[tcphoto]

I would have it towed to an Indy like German Motorworks and get a second opinion.