Serious problems

X5Andrew · #1 10-01-2012, 03:34 PM

Ok so I have an 01 x5 3.0 went into the shop with the vanos noise issue. Purchased a new vanos and upgraded the seals. The mechanic put it in with all the proper tools but the noise is still there. He said one of the valves might have bent because when he did it the timing didn't line up and the chain might have skipped. He said easier to change the motor then fix... any thoughts, sound right?
Also, he said he is guessing that is what it is, on Friday he said chain guides and now says he isn't sure and prob the motor. I was wondering if it was oil pressure, he said he didn't check that, but said it would trigger a light and or throw a code.

Kinda lost as what to do with this, and if I should even pay him for misdiagnosing the problem.

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epdarks · #2 10-01-2012, 03:37 PM

So he put a VANOS in, didn't time the motor properly, which possible led to motor damage... now he's recommending a motor replacement?

TwinTurboGTR · #3 10-01-2012, 03:48 PM

Hmm I have to say, honest guy. SO he admitted he jumped the timing on the motor. Well, then it is his responsibility to pull the heads and see. But here is the problem. Now you have a worm. This worm led you to replace VANOS. Mech did it, but jumped timing and the noise is still there. So he could say, the valve was already bent before I messed with the timing, but the way this worm works into your brain, you are going to keep thinking that the mech made it worse.

Best way is to sit down with him and lay it all out. Explain to him that you and him aren't sure what the problem is. But if he indeed screwed the timing and bent the valve, what is he prepared to do?

X5Andrew · #4 10-01-2012, 08:23 PM

Good points. It still runs well, just real Noisy. I am wondering if it could be something else. I will have a long chat with him tomorrow. A friend of mine can get me a short block for $800. He said 20 hours to change. At this point I am wondering if it is worth it. An 01 with 325,000 Km ???? The not knowing what it is, is the kick in the pants.

epdarks · #5 10-01-2012, 09:14 PM

Post a video of the truck running. If you have been driving it as-is, my gut says your motor is ok. If it is the chain guides, stop putting miles on that motor.

The cost and time associated with pulling the old and installing the new motor is well over $700. You still don't have any idea what condition that motor is in.

If you can't find the source of the noise then pull the head, assess the damage and go from there.

steelheader · #6 10-01-2012, 09:36 PM

Check to see if there is any metal flakes in the oil filter .Then find a BMW garage that just works on BMW s.He didnt make the chain jump by working on the vanos !

Skyline · #7 10-01-2012, 10:04 PM

Here's two really cheap tests you could try:

1) Get an engine stethoscope. See if you can hear where the noise is coming from. Keep in mind the sometimes a low rumble through the stethoscope can translate to a knocking engine sound. BTW, Craftsman sells these for about $20.

2) Have you ruled out a belt driven accessory? Listen to every pulley with the stethoscope for any clue. Remove the accessory belt, and see if the knocking is still there.

I just recently had what sounded like rod knock on my Jeep V8. Turned out to be a bad tensioner. And in shopping for a X5, one I looked at, the dealer told him he needed a new motor. About $8k later, same knock. Turned out to be a belt tensioner. He's sueing that dealer now, (I didn't buy that car though...too many other issues).

I would want to rule out anything external to the engine.

X5Andrew · #8 10-02-2012, 01:11 PM

Ya took off the belt to make sure, and had the scope on the head, seems like the noise is coming from there. And this guy only works on BMW, Thorold Imports in Thorold Ontario.

Taking it to another BMW mechanic in town to get an idea from him. I will discuss the bill with this guy when I get the truck, which I have decided to tow over as I will not put more miles on it.

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