[eppson977]

Hi, I’ve got a question for you all. I’m buying a car that within the last 4 months had a serpentine belt failure. It was taken to the dealership for it. They removed the carnage, did a “Crankcase smoke test” to make sure strands didnt get pulled through the front main. It says “OK” in the service right up. My question is, is that enough of a test and did the car get away with murder here? Would there be quick indications had they actually made it into the engine or is this more of a slow killer? The car has been driven since. I had the car PPId and they came back with the usual oil leaks and typical waist gate rattle but nothing majorly concerning.

I have to road trip the car a decent distance to get it home. I’ve already ordered spark plugs and coils. I’m just trying to get it back to do the remaining maintenance. What are your thoughts?

Thanks!

[mapleleaf1773]

No way to be sure unless you pull the oil pan and look at oil pickup screen. That clogs, your screwed.. Purchase at your own risk id say.

[Cloverdale]

If you haven't yet purchased it you should RUN! If you have you can safe guard from a future belt failure with the simple installation of a crank seal protection plate.

[eppson977]

Originally Posted by mapleleaf1773

No way to be sure unless you pull the oil pan and look at oil pickup screen. That clogs, your screwed.. Purchase at your own risk id say.

I’m in a bit of a pinch. I’ve placed a deposit. Wouldn’t there front main have been damaged if this was the case - resulting in an awful oil leak?

[whyzee125]

If it already has oil leaks, just make sure you’re getting a decent price so you can address those and I would have the oil pan done immediately. Then you or the mechanic who does the work can check for fragments of belt inside. For what it’s worth, my car shredded a belt years ago and none got inside. Oil pan was clean as a whistle.

[mapleleaf1773]

Originally Posted by eppson977

I’m in a bit of a pinch. I’ve placed a deposit. Wouldn’t there front main have been damaged if this was the case - resulting in an awful oil leak?

Not always, rubber seals against itself pretty well and its hard to tell. Id keep looking if I were you, just my 2 cents. Id say most forum members would agree. The belt situation is a bad one, or potentially so really not worth the chance if you don't own it as of yet.

I hope you can get the deposit back or I hope its not to large of one.

If you have a shop do the oil pan gasket, its a minimum of $800, most won't touch it for les than $1500 US. I speak of the XDrive version, the RWD drive e90's oil pan's are not as bad to replace.

[eppson977]

Originally Posted by mapleleaf1773

Not always, rubber seals against itself pretty well and its hard to tell. Id keep looking if I were you, just my 2 cents. Id say most forum members would agree. The belt situation is a bad one, or potentially so really not worth the chance if you don't own it as of yet.

I hope you can get the deposit back or I hope its not to large of one.

If you have a shop do the oil pan gasket, its a minimum of $800, most won't touch it for les than $1500 US. I speak of the XDrive version, the RWD drive e90's oil pan's are not as bad to replace.

It’s $750 as of now.

The cause of the break was a loose PS pump according to the service write up. First break happened on startup. He stopped immediately and had it towed. Second break happen about a month later and he cleared out as much belt as possible and checked around the crank pulley. He drove a half mile home and had it towed back to BMW. He says no leaks on the front main seal and nothing obvious in a recent oil change. BMW didn’t report any issues. I was planning on talking to the service writer on Monday. It’s been driven 800mi without issues since final remedy. I guess really it comes down to BMW doing a good job?

[eppson977]

Originally Posted by whyzee125

If it already has oil leaks, just make sure you’re getting a decent price so you can address those and I would have the oil pan done immediately. Then you or the mechanic who does the work can check for fragments of belt inside. For what it’s worth, my car shredded a belt years ago and none got inside. Oil pan was clean as a whistle.

That’s awesome to hear, seems like everyone says if it happens - the engine eats it always. It’s been driven 800 miles since it was finally resolved by BMW. I have to drive it another 1200 miles home after purchase. Not exactly an ideal situation…

[mapleleaf1773]

Originally Posted by eppson977

It’s $750 as of now.

The cause of the break was a loose PS pump according to the service write up. First break happened on startup. He stopped immediately and had it towed. Second break happen about a month later and he cleared out as much belt as possible and checked around the crank pulley. He drove a half mile home and had it towed back to BMW. He says no leaks on the front main seal and nothing obvious in a recent oil change. BMW didn’t report any issues. I was planning on talking to the service writer on Monday. It’s been driven 800mi without issues since final remedy. I guess really it comes down to BMW doing a good job?

I guess its all about trust from your end now. Just make a wise choice my friend. I hope it works out for you whatever you decide to do...

[eppson977]

Originally Posted by mapleleaf1773

I guess its all about trust from your end now. Just make a wise choice my friend. I hope it works out for you whatever you decide to do...

Thank you, considering everything and the genuine nature of the seller we’ve decided to proceed. I’ll post back if I’m a bag holder🤞🏼

[eppson977]

I’ve put 5000 miles on it since purchase, just completed Oil pan gasket job and I’m happy to report 0 belt shards in the pan or in the oil pick up. All good!

[Cloverdale]

Originally Posted by eppson977

I’ve put 5000 miles on it since purchase, just completed Oil pan gasket job and I’m happy to report 0 belt shards in the pan or in the oil pick up. All good!

You could have installed a crank seal guard while you were at it for future peace of mind.

[Slade_]

Originally Posted by eppson977

I’ve put 5000 miles on it since purchase, just completed Oil pan gasket job and I’m happy to report 0 belt shards in the pan or in the oil pick up. All good!

Nice