XSeries-forum

Hi everyone, after the worst 6 weeks of vehicle ownership in my life ( and possibly the most expensive, which is saying something considering I had a tvr cerbera previously ) it has been confirmed the guide rails have broken and the engine is requiring changing or rebuilding.  Does anyone know if anyone who has a 4.6 engine or any company that can rebuild a bmw v8 and provide a 12 month warranty on it? 

Has anyone taken the engine out of a v8 themselves and could it be done over a weekend with an engine hoist and 2 trolley jacks and 4 axle stands?????

Any help would really be appreciated to get me out of this nightmare 

Thank you

Crikey mate as a 4.6is owner just want to say gutted for you buddy, one positive would be if it was rebuilt you'll have a rock solid engine with 0 miles on it.

Is the guide rail failure a comon prob?

How exactly did if fail?

I thought you were selling up, or is that not your x5 on eBay?

Look at Vegy's post here same scenario as its fresh in his mind he may be able to give good advice. plus he has a cam tool he may be willing to hire out

Hi weirdfish, yes that is my x5 on eBay.  I have listed it at that price as it's the minimum I would take, but if it does not sell I will keep it and carry out the repair.  I'm not wanting to re list time and again if it doesn't sell so I am covering all cases as I don't want to miss out on any available engines if they come up (of which I cannot find any!!!!) apart from the notorious ebay supply and fit one which I have been advised to avoid. 

We really like the x5 and repair would be my preferred option as the car really is nice but I just cannot find any recommended people to rebuild it.  My only option maybe to find a cheap but running x5 or b10 5 series and strip it for the engine as the spec of ours is exactly what we want colour wheels interior etc etc

Leon, just driving on the a64 was cruise set about 65ish and next thing oil light comes on, car starts to slow and then all hell broke loose in the engine bay a with rattling .  I believe guide rails are a common failure but not easy to replace. 

Do you gave a link to the rebuild thread greydog?

Thanks all

Oh dear another engine failure from failed timing chain guide rails.....not good.

A time consuming job to change and that's prior to failure and without any associated damage.

It's round 2k job...

[quote="mightymetro"]
Hi weirdfish, yes that is my x5 on eBay.  I have listed it at that price as it's the minimum I would take, but if it does not sell I will keep it and carry out the repair.  I'm not wanting to re list time and again if it doesn't sell so I am covering all cases as I don't want to miss out on any available engines if they come up (of which I cannot find any!!!!) apart from the notorious ebay supply and fit one which I have been advised to avoid. 

We really like the x5 and repair would be my preferred option as the car really is nice but I just cannot find any recommended people to rebuild it.  My only option maybe to find a cheap but running x5 or b10 5 series and strip it for the engine as the spec of ours is exactly what we want colour wheels interior etc etc

Leon, just driving on the a64 was cruise set about 65ish and next thing oil light comes on, car starts to slow and then all hell broke loose in the engine bay a with rattling .  I believe guide rails are a common failure but not easy to replace. 

Do you gave a link to the rebuild thread greydog?

Thanks all
[/quote]

Where abouts are you from ?

[quote="kkx5"]
It's round 2k job...
[/quote]

£2K, how do you get to that figure.

look for Vegyb his post early this week showed his rebuild. Hopefully you haven't got piston/valve contact one advantage of an auto is once the engine stops it isnt being driven by the wheels.
With regard to kkk5's estimate Vegy stated £600 in parts alone he also brought the vale timing tool, so if your paying labour charges (he did the work himself and stated 22hrs) you don't need many hours to reach £2k

I am in West Yorkshire.

The problem is that you do not know the damage to the bottom end if any so you could change the chains and guides and then find there is more damage than that after a 2000 pound bill.  I think if it doesnt sell the engine needs to come out but i would like to find a specfialist who can rebuild it including crank bearings etc to inspect the crank while it is out.  It is seemingly a fruitless search!!!!

I have found an engine at 2200 so maybe that is my best course of action if it doesnt sell and change the gaskets and timing chains on it before it is fitted?

grrrrrr

If you're thinking of paying over £2K for a replacement engine, then changing bits and pieces on it before installing, surely it's better to recondition your unit.
It's not going to be cheap, but at least you'll know what you have.
Personally, and I know ive asked you questions about it, unless you're prepared to pay out to get it done properly, then the best route is to offload it for as much as you can get, even breaking it is an option.
Not a nice situation to be in.

i would try and find someone to re build your engine, a second hand unit is a gamble, at least if you re build your own you know its right, also i may be wrong but despite yours been a nice colour combo i think 3-4k isnt going to happen for a car that needs 2k+ worth of engine work, theres 4.6is running and driving at 4.5k+

[quote="shadrack"]
i would try and find someone to re build your engine, a second hand unit is a gamble, at least if you re build your own you know its right, also i may be wrong but despite yours been a nice colour combo i think 3-4k isnt going to happen for a car that needs 2k+ worth of engine work, theres 4.6is running and driving at 4.5k+
[/quote]

If the X5 doesn't sell my priority will be to try and find out a bmw v8 specialist.  Maybe even Morgan as thery use use the v8 engine

In regards to value i have set it at that as any less would be such a loss i would rather spend the money to repair the X5.  I understand you can get a runner for say 5k or i believe one in this spec and condition for 6k+ but at least it gives you 2k+ to start an engine rebuild.  At 6k you could have the same happen to me after 2 weeks of ownership and still be faced with a huge bill. 

What a dilemma !!!!!!!

If anyone has any recommendations for an engine builder please let me know

Have you tried Quarry Motors in Sheffield I am told they are BMW specialists and have a good reputation