hopefully saved a 4.6 from destruction

[x5Alpine]

So the x5 4.6 that I bought from Canada had the timing guides done about 20k miles ago. I have heard horror stories of the oil pump pickup not being cleaned out after the job so I pulled the pan down today after a brief "stop engine oil pressure" message that appeared last week but never came back, and to my shock the pickup was full of old guide material. I cleaned it out obviously and there was no metal in the oil or filter. I hope there isn't serious damage done by this as the engine doesn't make any bad noises apart from the usual Vanos knock at idle.

[guntherrex]

hope she stays healthy! Rather unbelievable a mechanic wouldn't track down debris after replacing obviously chewed up chain guides

[AV8R4AA]

I have a 4.6 in my 2003 X5. Only 65K total miles. I change oil frequently and closely inspect the oil filter. Nothing really there, do I need to drop the pan to find stuff? BTW, oil is free of chunks.

[x5Alpine]

yes, you should drop the pan to find pieces in the pickup. My filter and housing were both free of any debris but the pickup was loaded with crap.