But if it does have a bent rod, then you'd likely need a new short block to get her going.

You could always count on Weasel for a correct answer and excellent advise...

Rich:thumbup:

I didn't say anything about 70 miles a day being a short trip...:confused:
Were you able to get your engine checked out?

mechanic can't look at it until monday so i'm in limbo waiting for the prognosis.
arranged for flatbed first thing in the am.

I went through this exact thing last year. First of all, I wish you luck. That said, I was not lucky when mine failed. Similar scenario...stopped at a red light, let off the brake to go when the light turned green, and that was the last healthy revolution that engine made. Oil in all cylinders and intake. Locked up. Extracted all oil, and got it running, but there was a tapping sound, sometimes referred to as a death rattle. We didn't bother diagnosing the exact problem. Several $K later, a new engine was installed and it was back on the road, but I no longer own that car.

BMW was of no assistance. They clearly know the history of the problem, have published TSB articles and produced "updated" parts to prevent future problems, but offer no assistance in the case of existing failure.

So I say to you, good luck.

the car went into the shop by 830-I checked around 1pm and he was still trying to get all the oil out.
no idea what exactly is broken

good news. after removing a good bit of the oil from the engine, my mechanic was able to start the car last night. smoked the shop like an SOB! still smoking. going to take a bit to get rid of all the oil. anyone got any ideas?
still going to feel a bit shaky taking this car out from now on. will be bringing it home tomorrow. i'll hold on to it until weather warms up, then i'll detail and sell. then my love affair with beemers is over.

So do you know what caused the problem?

I'd guess a stuck or frozen vent valve caused it... I would run her on the highway, in manual mode to keep her in a lower gear, at about 4500 rpm's for a few minutes to get the engine and cat converters nice and hot to burn off the residual oil in the system. If you get a fault for cat converter efficiency, clear it and don't worry about it, it may come on due to burning off the extra oil, but may not.

Once the extra oil seems to be gone and the X stops smoking, I'd have him do a compression test just for cylinder comparison for piece of mind. If it is all ok, enjoy driving your truck again. I wouldn't worry about taking the X on the road unless it is overly cold and you haven't done an oil change in a while. But more trips on the highway will actually help by keeping the excessive moisture from accumulating in the oil. Short trips don't let the oil get to full operating temperature to evaporate the moisture from it, and it accumulates in the vent valve which is what freezes to cause the problem you had.

don't know the exact cause--haven't gotten the detailed bill, but sounds like oil separator. will post when i have all details.
i changed my mind, i'm going to a dealer tonight!

Well I hope you keep your X, if not just realize you are not going to get much for it I mean I just bought mine for 11k with 99k miles on it and its an 01 4.4 loaded prem and sport w/o navi. I bet the person that traded it in only got 7-8k for it.