Oil pump problem...Signs of a bigger problem?
 

Dropped my 2004 4.4 off for Inspection II yesterday. During the oil change the tech found some small metal shavings and they determined were caused by a degrading oil pump that is about to fail and needs to be replaced. The repair job is $2500, but my great service advisor got BMWNA to pay for it. My question: is an oil pump failure at 60k miles[which seems very early for this type of problem] cause for greater concern regarding my X?

Where were the shavings found? Were they magnetic or non-magnetic. If they were in the sump its unlikely they were from the oil pump. Oil that has passed through the pump goes through the oil filter which should collect any debris. I would have the filter cut apart to check for debris. There are special filter cutting tools available.

Metal shavings can come from a number of components. Somewhere in your engine two components are rubbing and wearing, or if you are lucky it could be a casting dag that has come loose.

If there is debris in the oil the pump could be scored internally if the debris gets throught he strainer on the pump pickup which could mean the pump needs replacing anyway, even though its not the root cause. Therefore having this replaced by BMW is good. Get them to take the pump apart to check what damage, if any there is to the pump.

I would suggest when the sump is removed having the rod and main bearings inspected. Also remove the rocker cover and have the cam journals inspected and a close look at the camshaft/lifter area. If possible inspect the camshaft drive chain/tensioner assemblies. Also have the filter cut open in 1000 miles and checked internally.

If everything looks OK and oil pressure is strong I would leave it alone and monitor the filters. If the engine is still making metal you have another problem.

Good luck.

Highly recommend getting oil analysis done...

metal debris?

they probably meant the oil pump nut. this is a classic BMW problem.