[smittomatic]

Hoping my first post wouldn't be doom and gloom but here we are ... I have a 2013 X3 28i. Driving a short distance tonight (less than 5 miles) and the car lost all engine power a few blocks from home. I don't recall any warnings or lights as I was caught off guard by it all. Had kids with me and just focused on getting to the side of the road and shutting down.

Come to find my wife had put low grade gas in just before. Of course I was in Sport mode and foot was kinda heavy. I have read a few posts about hard acceleration on bad gas causing issues. I think this is maybe what happened but I didn't see much for resolution other than start putting good gas back in.

It will not start now so I can't burn off the bad and replace with good. After wrestling with the manual neutral bolt for a while I was able to roll it to a better spot for the night.

Anyone have any recommendations or troubleshooting tips before I get my wallet out? Thanks!

[pungo]

Low grade gas isn't going to prevent the vehicle from starting. Read the obdII port to see if there are any errors reported that may point you in the right direction. It could be the famous timing chain damage? Was there any unusual noise prior to the failure?

[smittomatic]

There was a bit of pinging and friend whose house we left from said that it didn't sound right, a ticking sound. I'm starting to feel in my gut that it's the timing chain.

It's at the upper end of 70k miles so it sounds like I'm out of luck on the extended warranty. Any thoughts on whether to tow it to the dealer v. euro specialty shop half the distance away?

[Wgosma]

Originally Posted by smittomatic

There was a bit of pinging and friend whose house we left from said that it didn't sound right, a ticking sound. I'm starting to feel in my gut that it's the timing chain.

It's at the upper end of 70k miles so it sounds like I'm out of luck on the extended warranty. Any thoughts on whether to tow it to the dealer v. euro specialty shop half the distance away?

if you know and/or have solid recommendations on the independent shop I would take car to them for diagnosis, etc. I have owned Bimmers for 15+ years, every car purchased used from private party/original owner, I do some of my own work on the cars....have always found Indy shop for work I am unable/unwilling to take on -none of my car's during my ownership have ever been in BMW Dealer service bay. Indy will be bit less costly, reputable shop will always stand behind their work.

Good luck/Bill

[383vett]

Drop by Harbor Freight or if you have time have a couple of days Amazon and pick up a scan tool and read the codes.

[smittomatic]

Follow up ... It's catastrophic. Complete engine replacement needed. Now trying to figure out what to do; $10k for a used block/install. Have only had the vehicle 7 months. Don't owe anything on it.

Not sure what to do. If I replace the engine I'm for sure driving this thing into the ground.

Worth it? Possible to sell as is ...mechanic special?

Really sucks ... Loved the car but it's left me high and dry.

[McNuggetz]

Used engine for $3,200

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2012-2017-B...UAAOSw6VRe2G7X


You could take it to an independent shop that specializes in German cars. With the price of engine minus $10k budgeted goal, you still have $6,800k of wiggle room to shop around for install. Find someone local in the area and give them some work and cash

[pungo]

Originally Posted by smittomatic

Of course I was in Sport mode and foot was kinda heavy.

Originally Posted by smittomatic

There was a bit of pinging and friend whose house we left from said that it didn't sound right, a ticking sound.

Originally Posted by smittomatic

Follow up ... It's catastrophic. Complete engine replacement needed.

So the vehicle is pinging, doesn't sound right with a ticking sound, so you put in sport mode with heavy foot, then have a catastrophic failure.

Junkyard motor installed by a local shop you trust.

[shoman24v]

What exactly happened to the engine now?

[pokerface]

I can't find the page anymore, but Carbahn (Steve Dinan's new company) was selling rebuilt N20s. Could be worth checking out.