[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.

[jsunma]

Uh, yeah, none of this makes a lot of sense. Even if it did require a new engine (and it seems like there's good opinions here that that's not likely to be the case), you could get 2 or 3 rebuilt engines installed for $23,000. Not from the dealer, but they clearly don't want to do it. Fine, plenty of other places will.

I personally would avoid driving a car that's making a metallic rattling sound from within the engine. I'm just sayin'. As others have said, have it towed to an indy.

And my first question actually was... You bought a 2 year old car with only 600 miles on it?? There's got to be a story there! Fascinating.

Please post specs (for your car) and pics.

[StradaRedlands]

Does it fall in the VANOS bolt recall range? Seems like that is more like what you're hearing than connecting rod.

[M-technik-3]

it's a 2012 so it should fall in the range. I was thinking the same thing.

[Balkwyll]

I asked about the VANOS recall re: possible bolt shearing and they had no idea what I was talking about. I even cited the BMW recall. They never addressed it after their diagnosis. I’m beginning to think a rod knock would be continuous and louder as rpm’s increased and not like the sound I’m hearing only in certain rpm range. Wondering if it could be a loose belt tensioner bolt. I think your advice in getting a second opinion is a good idea.

[Balkwyll]

One thing I think I'm going to try first is evaluate a possible belt tensioner or idler pulley noise since there was a previous oil leak that was fixed. Likely that oil got into the pulley system and caused some wear. It still has originals so it was due for replacement anyway.

[jsunma]

Originally Posted by Balkwyll

It still has originals so it was due for replacement anyway.

Well, that's true, although even though you can do the belt/tensioner/pulley for $90, why spend that on an engine (car) that you may not keep? I think that if it's the tensioner or any of the spinning components making noise you can simply pull off the belt and spin them by hand and listen.

[Balkwyll]

I am first going to replace the VANOS solenoids and add new bolts. BMW keeps telling me the VANOS recall does not apply to my car based on VIN. The recall does not seem to indicate whether only some 2010-2013 E91s are included. I will look further.

[3PedalJake]

You can check recalls yourself on BMWs website. https://my.bmwusa.com/safety-and-emission-recalls