Shattered Guide rails
 

Hi all
Currently replacing valve cover,upper timing and lower timing cover gaskets as well as guide rails.
Have cleaned out lower sump and found alot of smashed guide rail!
Can I ask you guys the obvious question of how would I know if shattered guide rails have completely ruined the motor.
The engine fail lights were engaged when it happen and now Im half way thru taking off all the covers. Im using pelican parts tech resources and German Auto solutions timing tools/ instructions
Just dont know if to proceed further

Could someone direct me to appropriate thread. Got the time and willing to do myself.

Cheers
Aussie

Hi,
I feel your pain about this.

How did it run when it happened?Did it get stalled?

IMO if you already started tearing stuff apart,then continue.
You could try the compression test cylinder by cylinder if the chain is still on.That way you will know if all the valves are closing and not bent.
Our X survived failed guides and started fine,just loud,it had a bit of aluminum shavings from the lower timing cover and a lot of plastic bits.
But it ran 5000 kms since the repair with no apparent problem but the check engine light with over advanced timing on both banks,which I am gonna get rid of in some near future.

Don't get discouraged;it's not likely to be the end of your engine.

Hi
Thanks for the reply Will do the compression test, thanks Missus driving at 30km and fail safe activated. No oil and I can see why now after taking lower sump off and seeing bits of rail blocking the oil pump from drawing.
Did you do the timing yourself, was it knocked out of synch when rails shattered or just general mis-timing

looking forward to getting to the lower timing cover part of my project to see the rest of the mangled railings!!
Thanks for the encouragement
Aussie

I did it alone and used the generic chinese clone of BMW tools.Rumor has it they fail to position properly the camshaft position sensor wheel.It takes just a few mm for it to be off to set a code and shut down the VANOS operation.
There's a lot of threads describing the process to get it all properly set.
X runs fine,I just have the check engine light.One day I will get to correct it.One of the VANOS solenoid gasket is leaking( a new unit) on mine,so I suggest you to use silicone there once you start assembling everything back.