So... a friend of mine has a 2011 BMW 550xi that has suffered major engine damage. He took it to a euro car specialist for an oil change and upon leaving he noted the car was down on power and not running well. That mechanic noted that it's a somewhat common issue and suggested he send the vehicle to the nearest BMW dealership to see if they could further diagnose the issue and whether it may be covered under a possible recall or TSB. Car has 93k miles on it currently.
The dealer said they was no coverage for the vehicle but that the car probably needed a new engine. He needed some time to decide so I offered to pick it up from the dealer with him with my trailer. While he was inside paying them for the diagnosis I was waiting outside and watched as the tech started the car. It was blowing blue smoke at ticking very, VERY BADLY. I asked him to shut it down and that was it, it will not start now and it really is acting like it's seized or hydro locked.
- is this a common issue with the N63? I have found some information stating there are known issues and even a bulletin advising dealers what to do.
- has anyone heard of said bulletin.
- he is kind of stuck on what to do, he's leaning towards selling it as is with the bad engine hoping to get around $6k for it. It's a really, really clean car.
- the dealer told him about $15k for a new engine, he isn't going to do that but does anyone have an idea if he could get an engine installed for significantly cheaper.
- should he try to part it out? The entire car is excellent, the engine is just crap.
I guess I'm just hoping one of you knows of a magical recall or TSB I can steer my friend towards so he can get it repaired. He just bought the car last April and really loves it, I feel really bad for him.
Thanks guys!!
