Rough idle, stall, misfire problems.

[ahair121]

Originally Posted by Overboost

I would guess your compression gauge is not giving you correct readings. That engine would not start with those low numbers.

Ok good to know. I'll get a better tester and try again.

[ahair121]

So I finally tested with a good kit.
1. 30
2. 0
3. 0
4. 100, but it can't hold
5. 149
6. 110
7. 120
8. 150 but it slowly leaks out

The engine wasn't hot which I know isn't ideal. I decided to hook up some air to cylinder 3 and 4 (quick makeshift leak down until I get a real kit). I got both TDC first. It sounds like 3 is loosing compression from 2 (head gasket right?) and 4 is sounded like it was leaking from the oil cap (piston o ring?). Anyway doesn't look good. Are these engines worth saving for head gasket issues or do they tend to warp too much?

[upallnight]

Originally Posted by ahair121

So I finally tested with a good kit.
1. 30
2. 0
3. 0
4. 100, but it can't hold
5. 149
6. 110
7. 120
8. 150 but it slowly leaks out

The engine wasn't hot which I know isn't ideal. I decided to hook up some air to cylinder 3 and 4 (quick makeshift leak down until I get a real kit). I got both TDC first. It sounds like 3 is loosing compression from 2 (head gasket right?) and 4 is sounded like it was leaking from the oil cap (piston o ring?). Anyway doesn't look good. Are these engines worth saving for head gasket issues or do they tend to warp too much?

They only warp when you keep driving when the engine is overheating. Unless you are a DIYer, you can buy another X5 for a little more than what most shop will charge to do a head gasket.

[ahair121]

I was planning to do it myself. The X5 only costed me $500 so if I can get it running that would be a steal. We’ll see. Bummer though.

[Overboost]

Yeah, she looks damaged... You could easily make 4X your investment parting her out. The work needed is huge and you will need a lot of specialized BMW tools and knowledge to get it all properly back together. That $500 will quickly turn into the thousands and a significant amount of time and energy.

[upallnight]

No such thing as a Cheap BMW.

[ahair121]

One more question. If the timing skipped a tooth would that throw a check engine light? I don’t think I did the leak down test right, so I need to do that again and make sure it’s at TDC. But I do know that 2-4 has 0 compression. If the timing chain guides have never been done then maybe on startup it skipped a tooth and now my valves aren’t closing properly?


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[Crowz]

That's actually a possibility. BUT its an interference engine so normally when they jump time they will eat the valves. So your back to the worst case scenario.

Also if you have never done a timing chain on a v8 bmw your into more than you think even if you have been doing timing chains for 30 years on other motors. They are NOT fun to do.

Not impossible of course but its a bunch harder and more tedious than anything else I have ever seen.

That's why I wont buy a v8 bmw. I just bought my 3rd X5 and I made sure I bought a 6 cylinder again. I didn't pay but $1000 for a perfect running 2001.

I could of picked up a bunch of $300 to $500 V8 X5's but I want nothing to do with them because of the timing guides among other issues. I want something that's easy to work on and reliable.

[crystalworks]

^Truth. I love BMW v8's. But it's a chore (and expensive at times) keeping them driving right.

Only ever suggest BMW v8's to people who are good DIYers with an extra car, or buy it under warranty. Actually, only ever recommend a BMW at all in those circumstances.

Or have more money than god and just pay someone to maintain it.

[ahair121]

Originally Posted by Crowz

That's actually a possibility. BUT its an interference engine so normally when they jump time they will eat the valves. So your back to the worst case scenario.

Also if you have never done a timing chain on a v8 bmw your into more than you think even if you have been doing timing chains for 30 years on other motors. They are NOT fun to do.

Not impossible of course but its a bunch harder and more tedious than anything else I have ever seen.

That's why I wont buy a v8 bmw. I just bought my 3rd X5 and I made sure I bought a 6 cylinder again. I didn't pay but $1000 for a perfect running 2001.

I could of picked up a bunch of $300 to $500 V8 X5's but I want nothing to do with them because of the timing guides among other issues. I want something that's easy to work on and reliable.

Thank you Crowz. I have the Bentley manual and I'm aware of how complicated and tedious the timing is on this engine. Originally I was looking for a 3.0L because I already have that engine in my E46 which I also bought cheap and brought back to life, so I'm already familiar with it. I guess I moved to fast on this V8 because it was in such good condition for it's age and it was so cheap. It's good to finally know what I might be up against. Might part it out and continue my search for a good V6 again.