[drdunkyn]

So...this happened last weekend...

Out with the Golden Gate chapter of CCA on Saturday, heading up from Modesto to do what sounded like an awesome low Sierras ride. I had taken up the anchor position in the last group, beautiful day, top down, enjoying the scenery en route to the fun stuff. We hadn't started even pushing it, when suddenly I get a couple clouds of smoke in the rearview, at first I thought I'd hit some dirt on the road or something, but a couple more and totally lost power. I was suddenly running rougher than my 1980 Diesel Rabbit in high school, and could barely get it to start back up from the shoulder. I limped the 30 miles back to the closest place open, happily it was the Modesto BMW dealer. I had purchased the extended warranty on the car when I bought it 4 years ago, and had regretted it up until this moment. After the deep dive into the engine it turns out a cylinder was cracked, and will need a new engine. They've submitted the claim to the warranty company, and while I'm biting my nails waiting for their response I can't imagine they wouldn't cover this. I've maintained the car perfectly, and have resisted the urge to add any tunes to the engine.

This sounds like a very rare occurrence, but after the worst year in every possible regard ending, in 2021 I've since totaled our SUV (with family inside), and now this. Apparently being vaccinated doesn't protect you from bad car-ma?!

Well, at least I'll end up with a new engine. Just wanted to share my pain...

[TAZ007]

Sorry for your pain brother, but at least you and the family are safe and alive. That's all that matters.

[Vitacura]

Wow, that's no fun. Hope you get good news from the claim and are back on the road soon!

[drdunkyn]

Absolutely right, that is truly what matters! I bitch about my "bad luck" but am absolutely lucky in the end!

[drdunkyn]

Yeah, buddy -- the loaner was a 228 GC, which is helping me cope!

[overcoil]

Cracked cylinder sounds like unusual terminology ? Wouldn't they say cracked engine block or cracked cylinder head.

[TAZ007]

Could be the piston that is cracked.

[overcoil]

Originally Posted by TAZ007

Could be the piston that is cracked.

I was thinking that and wondering if a fuel injector failed and hydrolocked that cylinder.

[TAZ007]

Originally Posted by ScottSinger

I was thinking that and wondering if a fuel injector failed and hydrolocked that cylinder.

Highly possible depends on the color of the smoke. Fuel would be slightly yellowish color where oil is blue/purple.

[XutvJet]

$20 it's another instance of a failed cylinder liner. It's known issue on the B58 motors. That plasma spray liner coating can have issues. If it wears, the piston overheats. There's no fix either. A short block replacement is needed. It's not a widespread issue, but this does appear to be the most serious reliability issue facing the B58.

A cylinder on the B58 can't really crack as it's a closed deck block. It's very robust as its the same block is used for the turbo diesel variant and diesel generate massive cylinder pressures.

[TAZ007]

Originally Posted by XutvJet

$20 it's another instance of a failed cylinder liner. It's known issue on the B58 motors. That plasma spray liner coating can have issues. If it wears, the piston overheats. There's no fix either. A short block replacement is needed. It's not a widespread issue, but this does appear to be the most serious reliability issue facing the B58.

A cylinder on the B58 can't really crack as it's a closed deck block. It's very robust as its the same block is used for the turbo diesel variant and diesel generate massive cylinder pressures.

Thanks. I'll be moving into the B58 from N55 next month. Under what types of driving conditions would this wear be prevalent?

[drdunkyn]

Originally Posted by TAZ007

Highly possible depends on the color of the smoke. Fuel would be slightly yellowish color where oil is blue/purple.

The smoke was definitely bluish.

[drdunkyn]

Originally Posted by ScottSinger

Cracked cylinder sounds like unusual terminology ? Wouldn't they say cracked engine block or cracked cylinder head.

Good point -- the way described was when they looked inside the cylinder had a crack, didn't specify if just the liner or the head. No mention of the piston. Head gasket was ok, but very little pressure in the cylinder. I'm not knowledgable enough to ask further but he did say the engine needed to be replaced.

[drdunkyn]

Originally Posted by XutvJet

$20 it's another instance of a failed cylinder liner. It's known issue on the B58 motors. That plasma spray liner coating can have issues. If it wears, the piston overheats. There's no fix either. A short block replacement is needed. It's not a widespread issue, but this does appear to be the most serious reliability issue facing the B58.

A cylinder on the B58 can't really crack as it's a closed deck block. It's very robust as its the same block is used for the turbo diesel variant and diesel generate massive cylinder pressures.

That's interesting. If the block is intact it would seem they can't just replace the liner? Or would that not be a reasonable long-term solution, at least for folks that don't have warranty coverage?


>>>after doing a search for liner failure, I see what you mean, they don't use sleeves which would be easier to simply replace. Wonder why they went that route...

[dradernh]

Originally Posted by XutvJet

It's not a widespread issue, but this does appear to be the most serious reliability issue facing the B58.

I'm reminded that the most serious reliability issue facing the M30 in my 1979 530i was a cracked head. In that case, however, the difference was that it affected virtually every M30. That issue reliably raised its ugly head at ~60K, and, as I learned, every shop and dealer in the region knew about it. The owners...not so much.

This is where the astute reader might ask: "What...you're still buying BMWs!?!" And I would answer: "Well...yes, I am. Go figure!"

[TAZ007]

Originally Posted by drdunkyn

The smoke was definitely bluish.

That's oil sir.

[drdunkyn]

Originally Posted by TAZ007

That's oil sir.

Agreed, most definitely.

So, what do y'all think about this car going forward? Dealer already offered me $32k as a trade in (before the mishap), I was considering a new model...will this affect the offer after engine replacement? This isn't doubts about the car itself, it's the most fun I've had outside an F14, just about a car with a previously faulty engine...

[TAZ007]

Originally Posted by drdunkyn

Agreed, most definitely.

So, what do y'all think about this car going forward? Dealer already offered me $32k as a trade in (before the mishap), I was considering a new model...will this affect the offer after engine replacement? This isn't doubts about the car itself, it's the most fun I've had outside an F14, just about a car with a previously faulty engine...

It sounds like they are replacing the engine under warranty. A new engine should not affect the offer; possibly to the contrary as it will have 0 miles on it. The only possible affect is time. If it take a month or two to come back to you, the market will have changed.

Just out of curiosity, what model are you thinking of replacing it with?

On another subject, thanks for your service from one vet to another. I would have loved to fly fighters, but I got to stay on the ground and play with explosives.

[drdunkyn]

Originally Posted by TAZ007

It sounds like they are replacing the engine under warranty. A new engine should not affect the offer; possibly to the contrary as it will have 0 miles on it. The only possible affect is time. If it take a month or two to come back to you, the market will have changed.

Just out of curiosity, what model are you thinking of replacing it with?

On another subject, thanks for your service from one vet to another. I would have loved to fly fighters, but I got to stay on the ground and play with explosives.

Absolutely, the timing could change everything WRT offer. Not a big deal, and I'm not desperate to move on to another car by any means. I was interested in the 2022 m240i when it comes out at the end of the year, looks pretty awesome. I'm also afraid to admit it here but considering the m235i GC, I know it's shunned by many BMW enthusiasts but I was pleasantly surprised by it when I tried it out. Also m340i of course... The fam wants a sedan, but Daddy still wants something fun I may very easily talk myself out of any change once I finally get my 240 back, though!

Flying was such a treat, but there are many ways to have fun in the military! Thanks for YOUR service!

[TAZ007]

Originally Posted by drdunkyn

Absolutely, the timing could change everything WRT offer. Not a big deal, and I'm not desperate to move on to another car by any means. I was interested in the 2022 m240i when it comes out at the end of the year, looks pretty awesome. I'm also afraid to admit it here but considering the m235i GC, I know it's shunned by many BMW enthusiasts but I was pleasantly surprised by it when I tried it out. Also m340i of course... The fam wants a sedan, but Daddy still wants something fun I may very easily talk myself out of any change once I finally get my 240 back, though!

Flying was such a treat, but there are many ways to have fun in the military! Thanks for YOUR service!

I get you on wanting something fun. But don't worry, the new 2 series will have a back seat so the kids can ride back there afterall.

Thank you and you're right, there are many ways to have in the service. Not every employer hands you an automatic weapon and expects you to use it.

[drdunkyn]

Originally Posted by TAZ007

I get you on wanting something fun. But don't worry, the new 2 series will have a back seat so the kids can ride back there afterall.

Thank you and you're right, there are many ways to have in the service. Not every employer hands you an automatic weapon and expects you to use it.

Thanks for clearing my head. And you're right, I'd be so much happier with the coupe (the real coupe). I just needed an intervention

[TAZ007]

Originally Posted by drdunkyn

Thanks for clearing my head. And you're right, I'd be so much happier with the coupe (the real coupe). I just needed an intervention

Have your intervention AFTER you pick up your coupe.