Originally Posted by Sweep_the_Leg (Post 932812)

A quick cars.com search shows a few 4.8is around the country with close to 50K on the clock. They run as high as $29K (seems too high). There are quite a few in the 70-80K range, which are closer to the $23K offered.

I would counter their $23K offer with $29K, plus they cover any shipping costs for an equivalent replacement 4.8is, plus they continue to let you use a loaner until you finalize the deal for the new one. If you can't find one you like in the 50K mileage range, then buy one with higher mileage and make another stipulation of the settlement that the dealer covers a year or two of extended warranty coverage (to make up for the mileage difference).

It seems clear that the cost and logistical challenges of replacing the engine mean that you should wave goodbye to your car (which is sad and frustrating, I know). But realistically, an engine swap would make me more nervous than just biting the bullet and buying a new 4.8is.

Incidentally, I'm an attorney. Although I don't practice in WA, I'm happy to provide you with a "second opinion" of sorts, and I can give you an idea of what you may be in for if you choose to go the litigation route (hint: a long wait, added frustration and delay, and ultimately probably less satisfaction than you were hoping for).

Originally Posted by Bnagy4.8 (Post 932810)

The insurance company would only give me 19k which is as much as good trade in, not retail. Why they don't do retail is beyond me. They offered a compensation amount of 3k for a new vehicle. The only problem is that you can't find x5 4.8is SUVs in great condition anywhere with 50k miles. So I would have to settle with something else or pay significantly more on payments and out if pocket costs for a down payment which isn't fair to get back into something comparable.

Originally Posted by upallnight (Post 932803)

If they over filled the engine with oil like they said they did, they would have hydro locked the engine. Remember back in high school physics (are kids still require to take H.S. Physics?) that liquid can not be compressed, so if enough oil got into the cylinders and the valves are closed the oil has no where to go and you can't compress a liquid so something has to give.

They could have removed the spark plugs and drain the oil from the cylinders and sump. And if they were lucky they might had dodge a bullet and the engine will still run.

Originally Posted by Sweep_the_Leg (Post 932812)

I would counter their $23K offer with $29K, plus they cover any shipping costs for an equivalent replacement 4.8is, plus they continue to let you use a loaner until you finalize the deal for the new one. If you can't find one you like in the 50K mileage range, then buy one with higher mileage and make another stipulation of the settlement that the dealer covers a year or two of extended warranty coverage (to make up for the mileage difference).

It seems clear that the cost and logistical challenges of replacing the engine mean that you should wave goodbye to your car (which is sad and frustrating, I know). But realistically, an engine swap would make me more nervous than just biting the bullet and buying a new 4.8is.

Originally Posted by JCL (Post 932820)

An engine is hydro locked when oil is ingested through the intake into the combustion chamber, not when too much oil is in the sump.

Overfilling causes the crankshaft to whip up the oil and incorporate air bubbles. Air doesn't lubricate. Engine seizes.

Originally Posted by upallnight (Post 932858)

Air doesn't lubricate, but the pickup for the oil pump is normally at the bottom of the sump and if I recall from my H.S. physics air is lighter then oil so it will be at the top of the sump. I kinda doubt if they had the engine running for that great of a time period that the engine would have seize due to air in the oil.

Originally Posted by Gregory891 (Post 933022)

A little late BUT BMW does offer exchange engines (they are new, you need to return the old core engine) and has done so since the 1950's (this existed even for the vintage 501, 502, 503, etc.).

Go to realoem and put in your VIN (last 7 digits). Look in group 11 (engine), you'll see the short engine. List is $19 K but a BMW dealer buys this at SIGNIFICANTLY less (about 50 to 60%). You'd need some new gaskets, etc. but this would net you the same car you have with a NEW, zero hour engine. Probably 10 to 15 hours of labor (which the dealer would have to absorb anyway as it's their error).