james, thanx for the thots - $3.5k produced nothing, $2.5k produced nothing.
presently installing a new engine with warranty for duh, more than he could ever be worth. Coulda' bought someone else's probs (540 touring, I'll be interested to hear how that turned out as we planned to go to a 2001 540i 92K mi), but couldn't do it AGAIN, after the thousands we put into Dancer to make sure he was Always fully and carefully maintained.

So we still got him, be a couple weeks before he is outa' ICU with his new heart and the price is just.plain.ICU.scary. Busts hell outa' the down payment for the Tesla X we were saving for - long-short, last BMW or any ICE in this lifetime.. wholly do not recommend a 3.0i E53, and just like all the others with scary stories.. I didn't believe them, I don't expect anyone to believe me.. but if you really like the E53, bring a Ferrari budget.

b well all, and thanks for the help over the years.

I am just curious, what was the cause of "blown engine"?

From post #10......."you can expect around 1/3 book value".

Considering the M54B30 is arguably the most reliable engine in the E53 platform I'm surprised to hear this.

What was the cause again?

IIRC, it was a relatively high mileage used vehicle purchase.

If an engine fails at low miles, we look to design and manufacturing issues.

If an engine fails at higher mileage, we look to maintenance issues.

So, one of the first things would be to review all maintenance records and determine what oil was used, what filter was used, what change interval was used, and who did the maintenance.

Yes,
I am curious about the shavings too.
It could be just a failed guide as in an M62 engine,when the timing chain slams the lower timing cover.
OP is sick of it,but a good diagnosis would be a better start than giving it away for no money.