[bittux3]

Hi all,

Just wanted to post that the first BMW I ever purchased has had an engine failure with less than 70,000 miles. Discovered via strange buzzing noise from the engine and found tons of metal in the oil filter and cap.


Unfortunately, BMW will not stand behind their product so looks like I'm out a lot of money and will be looking for more reliable/quality brands that stand behind their product.

Not sure if anyone else has experienced this as well.

Would upload a pic, but don't have it linked anywhere and can't see a way to upload from computer.

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by bittux3

Hi all,

Just wanted to post that the first BMW I ever purchased has had an engine failure with less than 70,000 miles. Discovered via strange buzzing noise from the engine and found tons of metal in the oil filter and cap.


Unfortunately, BMW will not stand behind their product so looks like I'm out a lot of money and will be looking for more reliable/quality brands that stand behind their product.

Not sure if anyone else has experienced this as well.

Would upload a pic, but don't have it linked anywhere and can't see a way to upload from computer.

Which is why I’d never buy a 4 cyl BMW; the engines are trash (no offense). OP sorry to hear about your issues but sounds like timing chain failure. My advice? replace the motor and sell the car.

[bradsm87]

It's an 8 year old car with well over 100,000km. I remember when most cars had a 3 year 100,000km warranty not that long ago.

The N20 engine is known for this so it's not a surprise. It doesn't help that it's pushing an X3 which is neither small nor light. The 4 cylinders aren't too bad in a 1, 2 or 3 series but the X3 really needs 6 IMO.

[bradsm87]

Originally Posted by 3002 tii

Which is why I’d never buy a 4 cyl BMW; the engines are trash

The newer B48 is excellent as long as it's in and appropriate vehicle like a 1, 2 or 3 series.

[Opie55]

Originally Posted by bittux3

Hi all,

Just wanted to post that the first BMW I ever purchased has had an engine failure with less than 70,000 miles. Discovered via strange buzzing noise from the engine and found tons of metal in the oil filter and cap.


Unfortunately, BMW will not stand behind their product so looks like I'm out a lot of money and will be looking for more reliable/quality brands that stand behind their product.

Not sure if anyone else has experienced this as well.

Would upload a pic, but don't have it linked anywhere and can't see a way to upload from computer.

What brand do you think will stand behind an 8 year old engine? Just out of curiosity, how many years do you think BMW should stand behind it? 20? 30?

[frisbeeguy]

Originally Posted by Opie55

What brand do you think will stand behind an 8 year old engine?

Toyota, Lexus, Acura, Honda, Subaru, Mazda. All are known to be more "generous" for major issues like OP's outside the warranty period (not everybody who experiences X problem gets helped), which is why many recommend these makes for those seeking the most reliable vehicles. Of course they're not fun compared to BMW.

[slowblackx3f25]

Originally Posted by frisbeeguy

Toyota, Lexus, Acura, Honda, Subaru, Mazda. All are known to be more "generous" for major issues like OP's outside the warranty period (not everybody who experiences X problem gets helped), which is why many recommend these makes for those seeking the most reliable vehicles. Of course they're not fun compared to BMW.

Porsche is solid too but not as good(reliable) as the brands you mentioned.

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by bradsm87

The newer B48 is excellent as long as it's in and appropriate vehicle like a 1, 2 or 3 series.

I’ve driven them, yes they’re better than the N20 but that’s not saying much.