And people on this board criticize me, when I tell a NOOB that if they aren't a DIYer and the car doesn't have a warranty a used X is probably not the right car for them.

Given the owner current situation it would probably be best to drive a few hrs and get the job done by the BMW tech, while he is there get other common engine problems taken care of. This seems the most inexpensive option


06 4.8is Imola Red Euro Xenon, Eisenmann Sport
99 M3 Dinan CAI & Exhaust
03 330 XI, 89 325ic, 89 325ix
87 Benz SDL

4.8isX5 – Good point on knowing the engine history, at least we now know all the gremlins, and have had all the work done by the same guy.

cn90 – Thanks for the links, the DIY certainly was illuminating, but outside my scope. I will definitely look into the home mechanic!

upallnight – Interesting insight on the lease practice. I will have to double check but it looked like oil changes were done at 3,000 mile intervals, or very close to that.

trader4 – I saw one rebuilt engine on Ebay that comes with water pump, all gaskets, and a thermostat. What else would be routinely replaced/needed when swapping an engine?

Motorsport1207 - I am starting to lean towards that option of the $2,500 home mechanic, but am wary of no business insurance or warranty on work (making assumptions here).

Before I purchased I actually took the car to two different mechanics for a PPO, both indy’s, and one of them was a BMW specialist/former service center guy. Nobody saw the smoke! When we took it to emissions testing it plumed smoke, very inopportune timing, but didn’t happen again for a while. Honestly we don’t get much smoke at all, maybe every other month or so.

Right now the problem is that after a spark plug gets fouled she starts running very rough when idling or at low speed, otherwise I wouldn’t worry about. From my research before purchase it just seems like this vehicle is prone to leaking oil, which I can live with. We also went in knowing this car is expensive to maintain and figured that into the budget, just didn’t know how much valve stem seals cost at the time!

Question:
If we keep the car and do the valve stems, what else should be replaced at that time for longevity/ease of access since the engine is torn apart?

Thanks again for all the help and insights, I know I will make a better informed decision because of all of you!

Here's an excerpt from the current BMW Free Maintenance Program to all new owners.

Exclusions from coverage include the following:
Items reimbursable under your New Vehicle Limited Warranty
Gasoline and diesel fuel
Gasoline and diesel fuel additive
Diesel glow plugs
Diesel particulate filter
Windshield washer additive (except when in conjunction with scheduled maintenance)
Tires, wheel alignment, tire balance and rotation
Parking brake shoes/linings
Reset Tire Pressure Monitor
Wear and tear of soft trim items, such as: seats, carpets, moldings, headliner, door panels and all chrome trim
Damage, including consequential, which results from negligence, improper operation of the vehicle, wear and tear or deterioration due to driving habits or conditions, improper repair, environmental influences, flood, accident or fire damage, road salt corrosion, alteration, installation of non-genuine BMW accessories, or use of improper, poor quality or contaminated fuel
Altered or unreadable Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or odometer irregularities or vehicles where the true mileage cannot be determined
Maintenance or repair after the vehicle is deemed a total loss
Maintenance or repairs performed by other than an authorized BMW center within the United States or Puerto Rico
'Topping off' low fluids (e.g., engine oil, antifreeze, washer fluid, etc.) except when done in conjunction with a scheduled maintenance or other required maintenance work (as outlined in the customized maintenance checklist printout) that is performed during an applicable Maintenance Program period
Vehicles used in competitive events
Oil changes performed outside the recommended maintenance intervals as indicated by the Condition Based Service
Any other vehicle-specific exclusions described in the Service and Warranty Booklet included with the vehicle

If you look at the oil service indicator light I bet you it won't be going on at 3,000 miles between oil change.

@X5DC,

The home mechanic (actually the guy is a master tech at BMW dealer) option of $2500 is a good deal, IMHO. This job requires tools, expertise and many back-breaking labor hours.

Look at it this way: budget $3000 ---> $2500 for the job and $500 for a trip to NYC, which is about 4h drive from Washington DC...

- PM the master tech and arrange a free weekend.
- Let's say drop the car very early Saturday AM, such as 8AM. Leave your house at 4AM...lol..
- Go and enjoy NYC, concerts, dinner, sight-seeing on a Saturday night.
- By Sunday afternoon, the car should be ready.
- Ask the home mechanic if he can give you some type of warranty.

Just read that thread that I linked on the previous page.

$3K for this car is worth it because once this problem is fixed, the car will be fine for another 100K w/o valve stem seals issues.

Looked at the rebuilt engine and would have many questions. The internals (bearings, rings, pistons) are pretty much bulletproof if oil is maintained. On the BMW engines it is the seals and gaskets that are the issue. The ebay motor said they did all the internals. Since the block uses a Alumisil Harding process for the bores, are they qualified to redo it?
I just went through my motor, had it pulled and went through it all and replaced everything. I didn't do valve seals (not a issue on the M62 motors). Cost was about $6000

Hi Trader4.
I don't think "the car is that bad".
I purchased mine with close to 100k miles on it at very low price. The car had issues, and I think the 1st owner didn't bother too much with maintenance. Bad maintenance = bad car, no matter which brand you chose.....
I knew what was waiting for me, but I believe most of the stuff I took care by now.

All's good