HELP! 17 X5M with 52k miles Complete Engine Failure

[Bankerbry]

Help! Last week on Christmas Eve, I was driving down a 4 lane road in my wifes 2017 X5M and after a somewhat aggressive acceleration the vehicle shifted into neutral and then completely died and lost all power. An ignition malfunction light came on, and then the dash informed me that it would not re-start. It left me stranded in the middle of the lane with no power and of course unable to shift into neutral to move. I had to have it towed to the nearest service center.
The service center was also unable to get it started and now they just called and explained that it has a complete engine failure and the engine needs to be replaced! WTF!
This is 5 months out of warranty, can anyone give me any suggestions please.
Thank you

[9vapors]

I don't have much of anything to offer you other than my apologies for the fact this happened. I'd love to hear what the cause is and what actually failed for them to say that.

[cncmastr]

What kind of gas did you use?

[Bankerbry]

I always use premium 91 - 93 octane

[m3fuz]

What do you mean by “service center?” Is this a BMW dealership of indie that’s familiar with BMWs? Do you have service records from previous owner(s)? Any mods? Where did you buy the car from - BMW dealership or independent dealer? Private party?

[Blue By You]

Originally Posted by m3fuz

What do you mean by “service center?” Is this a BMW dealership of indie that’s familiar with BMWs? Do you have service records from previous owner(s)? Any mods? Where did you buy the car from - BMW dealership or independent dealer? Private party?

I was thinking the same thing. This X5M needs to be seen by a specialist if it hasn't already.

[Bankerbry]

Yes, I'm sending it to the BMW dealer today for confirmation. The service center where it was towed is a Subaru dealership, but has a certified import service center. I have a couple of clients who have been mechanic's there and they have worked on my BMW's, Range Rovers, Audi's & Porsche's for the last 20 years.
I absolutely trust them, but given the circumstances I agree that this needs to go to the BMW dealership. The reason it didn't was that this was much closer when I had to have it towed yesterday.
I will keep you posted as to what I find out later today.

[Bankerbry]

Originally Posted by 9vapors

I don't have much of anything to offer you other than my apologies for the fact this happened. I'd love to hear what the cause is and what actually failed for them to say that.

I appreciate your response & comments. I will definitely keep you posted.
To be honest, I'm at a complete loss for words. I've been a car guy for over 20 years, and have owned many many vehicles, but have never experienced anything like this. It shouldn't happen to a vehicle this new and few miles.

[YvesD]

Hopefully not as bad as it first appears?

Did you hear any catastrophic noises at the time or did it just cut out silently?

Ive only had one engine blow up on me (not a BMW) and there was no doubt it was terminal, you can hear stuff inside the engine smashing itself to bits!

Hope this turns out ok for you 👍

[Bankerbry]

Thank you for the comment, and no I didn't hear anything catastrophic or even concerning. All of a sudden I realized that I didn't have power and the vehicle was in neutral.
Thanks again

[Blue By You]

Originally Posted by Bankerbry

Thank you for the comment, and no I didn't hear anything catastrophic or even concerning. All of a sudden I realized that I didn't have power and the vehicle was in neutral.
Thanks again

Crossing my fingers for you that this is a simple electronics issue and not mechanical...

[Bankerbry]

Me too!
Thank you

[YvesD]

Yes, definitely peruse all avenues before agreeing with their diagnosis. Can you get a quick oil sample tested? That will confirm mechanical failure, or not.

[Bankerbry]

Just confirmed. Definitely engine replacement is needed! The oil looks like metallic paint. Truly unbelievable.
So far the estimate is north of $30k, but they haven't completed it yet!

[Blue By You]

Originally Posted by Bankerbry

Just confirmed. Definitely engine replacement is needed! The oil looks like metallic paint. Truly unbelievable.
So far the estimate is north of $30k, but they haven't completed it yet!

What happened? Is there any way to salvage anything at all?

[4everkidd]

Originally Posted by Bankerbry

Just confirmed. Definitely engine replacement is needed! The oil looks like metallic paint. Truly unbelievable.
So far the estimate is north of $30k, but they haven't completed it yet!

Reach out to Carbahn and see if they offer rebuilt engines.

I wouldn't ever have a BMW dealer replace my engine out of warranty

[X5eM]

Originally Posted by 4everkidd

Reach out to Carbahn and see if they offer rebuilt engines.

I wouldn't ever have a BMW dealer replace my engine out of warranty

I think RK Autowerks also does engine rebuilds? Guy on the forums here worked with them for his x5 although I don't believe he blew his engine and I'm unfamiliar with the process. Just spitballing to see if anything could be less costly.

[Bankerbry]

I appreciate the replies. I've reached out to BMW of North America for assistance, as I feel this is absolutely unacceptable! I'm not counting on anything, but I will keep you posted.

[bmwx5er]

Sorry this happened, I hope BMW steps up and helps you. If you have a good relationship with your dealership, they should be able to goodwill 95% of the repairs, given age and mileage.

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/20...35010-9999.pdf

Based on where you live or bought the car, check to see if CARB emissions warranty might be able to help you.

[slow_roll]

Originally Posted by Bankerbry

Just confirmed. Definitely engine replacement is needed! The oil looks like metallic paint. Truly unbelievable.
So far the estimate is north of $30k, but they haven't completed it yet!

Have to ask.. If the car is maintained, how can this have happened? You normally don't get this much metal filings in the oil unless it's been neglected for a very long time and/or lots of abuse/over the top spirited driving/etc...

[JasonDavis]

Originally Posted by bmwx5er

Sorry this happened, I hope BMW steps up and helps you. If you have a good relationship with your dealership, they should be able to goodwill 95% of the repairs, given age and mileage.

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/20...35010-9999.pdf

Based on where you live or bought the car, check to see if CARB emissions warranty might be able to help you.

Woah…I didn't even know that was a thing!

[m3fuz]

Originally Posted by Bankerbry

I appreciate the replies. I've reached out to BMW of North America for assistance, as I feel this is absolutely unacceptable! I'm not counting on anything, but I will keep you posted.

So my differential exploded recently and the dealership I went to had BMW cover the entire repair. The car was making a sound that led me to bring it in, but the diff Grenada’s itself under their care. I was at 38K miles and the warranty ended at 36K, so a bit different, but maybe a point of hope. The whole cost otherwise would’ve been in the $9-12K region otherwise.