Dealer Blows my 4.8is engine!

[motordavid]

One can't make that up...
You deserve a superior patience award.
GL, mD

[BigBlack48is]

Originally Posted by Bnagy4.8

Update 6/10/2013: HERE WE GO AGAIN!!! Today I receive a phone call from the service manager (who is pissed as well I must add) that informs me that the company down in California (Bavarian auto recycling) who WAS going to rebuild my motor with a 5 year warranty, wouldn't have my engine back for 60-90 days. This is after the insurance adjuster was told that their turn-around was 1-2 weeks. So now that option has gone out the window!

So what does BMW have for a plan B? How about a used motor with 46XXX miles on it WITHOUT a warranty. So lets to a fast speed replay on all the events that have taken place since March! I took my car into BMW for an oil change, they Fu** up my engine, they try to total my vehicle, that backfires and they try to get a used motor, the company they were getting the motor from pulled a bait and switch, they send a foreign motor from god knows where to BMW with out markings, vin etc., we deny the motor, they (the insurance company) takes a month to figure out what is going to happen, they come to a decision to rebuild the motor with option A (BMW rebuilds it and I pay $1750) or B (Bavarian auto recycling rebuilds it with a 5 year warranty), we choose option B (obviously), that falls through because it would take 3 months to get my engine back to BMW, Then BMW tries to step backwards and offer us another used motor with 46xxx miles and with out a warranty, we would not accept anything less than a rebuilt motor (total engine overhaul), they all of a sudden find a brand new engine in some where in the country that is brand new with 0 miles and if they cannot get their hands on that, then they are going to order one straight out of Germany (this I their promise) we will see if they deliver.

It *could* be time to have a lawyer send a registered letter to the dealership talking " the mental trauma that you have endured and loss of work inured by this whole mess " and how they are taking advantage of you "

So horrible!!



If it helps any... we are all here with you and hope the best

[Sweep_the_Leg]

I said it earlier, and I'll say it again. I think you need to abandon the white whale of a rebuilt engine in your original X and demand that they just give you a check for a new (used) one. THEY are the ones that have created the headache of an otherwise perfectly good X5 without an engine. You need to be able to move on completely and leave this problem squarely in the laps of those who caused it. I think you've gotten to the point where everyone involved knows that you're an exceedingly patient person, and they are absolutely exploiting that patience.

If I were you, I would give them a specific deadline by which they need to give you a check sufficient to cover the purchase of an equivalent X (plus any associated costs like shipping). If they don't provide the money by that date, then be prepared to actually file suit (small claims or otherwise) the next day. Piddling around with fly-by-night salvage yards/shops that promise one thing then deliver another hasn't gotten you anywhere, and I wouldn't be comfortable with that sort of resolution long-term even if they had come through.

[SlickGT1]

Oh holy crap. This is serious to say the least. A new engine from Germany will be way more expensive than lets say, them just giving you $30k.

[HEISING]

Welcome to the world of BMW customer care.

[srmmmm]

You've been more than accomodating. It's time for an attorney to file suit against the dealership. Leave BMW North America out of it because there will be a point when you might need a little customer goodwill support from another dealership. You're at the point where you should be compensated for the full retail value of the vehicle when you originally brought it in for the service, plus some amount for the lack of use during the time it's been in the dealer's possession, plus your legal expenses. Tell them you will gladly give them all the keys and title to the vehicle and walk away with your cash in hand. I can only see continued poor service from that organization if you accept any of their repair offers, not to mention the likelyhood of future mechanical issues with a transplanted engine.

I went through a similar situation with a Mazda zone representative on a transmission design deficiency. They decided it would be better to replace the transmission than face a lot of negative publicity by somebody who knew what he was talking about.

It sounds like you have your event well documented. I would at least run it past a respected product liability attorney for consideration.

[Bnagy4.8]

Update 6/11/13: BMW was unable to get ahold of the engine located here in the USA so they have placed an order from the Germany for a Brand new 4.8is engine! should be arriving on the 17th!! keeping my fingers crossed!

I may be wrong but I have a feeling that they are trying to save face with this move. As you could all agree I could of and should have taken this to the media, I could have sued for damages, I could be rolling in a brand new x5 over this issue but I wouldn't trade up the "rare" 4.8is that was only produced for 2 years with a beast engine and body style. Cant wait, I have so many plans for my ride when it comes back! -running boards, wheels and tires, (completed new suspension), brand new engine. this one will stay in the fam for some time!

lets just hope there isn't another hiccup!

[JCL]

Sounds like progress. I hope it all works out well in the end.

You say they are putting in a new engine. I looked up realoem to see what BMW sells for replacement engines. They list a remanufactured engine (factory reman, nothing wrong with that) and describe it as a short engine. A short block designation has a common definition meaning block, crank, timing chain, and often some other parts, all below the head gasket. Usually doesn't include oil pan, for example. A long block, by comparison, generally refers to a short block with cylinder heads. A complete drop in engine could add in oil pan, valve cover gaskets, water pump, etc, depending on each manufacturer and their definition of complete.

Realoem calls it a short engine, but shows a picture of a long block (with cylinder heads). It would be interesting to know what the dealer installs. Be aware that it likely won't look new after they are done (all the external covers will be transferred over from your old engine) and that is fine, as long as you know what to expect.

Let us know how it turns out.

[Ricky Bobby]

Originally Posted by Bnagy4.8

Update 6/11/13: BMW was unable to get ahold of the engine located here in the USA so they have placed an order from the Germany for a Brand new 4.8is engine! should be arriving on the 17th!! keeping my fingers crossed!

I may be wrong but I have a feeling that they are trying to save face with this move. As you could all agree I could of and should have taken this to the media, I could have sued for damages, I could be rolling in a brand new x5 over this issue but I wouldn't trade up the "rare" 4.8is that was only produced for 2 years with a beast engine and body style. Cant wait, I have so many plans for my ride when it comes back! -running boards, wheels and tires, (completed new suspension), brand new engine. this one will stay in the fam for some time!

lets just hope there isn't another hiccup!

Great news, I'm also inquired to know what they ordered, but glad to hear they are making it right by getting new from Germany, your car is rare and should be on the road for years to come now! Make sure you do frequent oil changes though so you don't encounter the blue smoke valve seal problem that others have. Still subscribed for future updates and looking forward to pics of your new engine!

[JCL]

Originally Posted by Ricky Bobby

Make sure you do frequent oil changes though so you don't encounter the blue smoke valve seal problem that others have.

I don't understand the connection here. Why will more frequent oil changes avoid future valve stem seal issues?