Engine SEIZED on 07 M Coupe, Help!!!

Jbs · 07-02-2013, 11:19 AM

Hey guys,

So I was coming back from Palm Springs to Los Angeles (was like 110ish degrees), on the freeway when all of a sudden I started to hear very loud knocking (like there was no oil in the car). I pulled over and waited for 45 minutes for the car to cool off (in the heat, mind you) then started on my way again.. knocking was still there and before I could take the next exit the car died (steering, brakes, etc) and I had to be escorted off the fwy by CHP and push my car to the closest gas station.

One 70 mile tow back to my house (

), and another to my local shop later, I find out that my engine is seized and that my car will be needing a new S54

Just to mention, service has always been done in a timely manner, I was just about to hit 90k and had inspection 1 done about 6 months ago. The car is driven everyday and this is the first problem i've had with the engine.

I am going to be doing all the searching that I can, but I would greatly appreciate any advice you guys have to offer. The car is still in the shop while I wait for another callback.

I am just a broke college student (minus the whole moupe thing, lol), so my options arent looking that great, but here are some possible situations that i could see playing out since I do not have enough money for a new engine nor the knowledge/resources to do this myself at the moment.

A) I sell what is left of the car (part out?), buy a cheap beater and finish school (considering how rare the moupe is, and how much sentimental value mine in particular has, this is the worst option imo, although probably the most financially responsible)

B) I find a way to store the Moupe for a couple years and drive around in a Civic until I can afford to bring the Moupe back to life after school (possibly with a different engine, widebody, etc)

C) I possibly borrow some money from my uncle (dont really want to have to pay back 10k during my 20s, though) and get a rebuilt S54 thrown in within a month

I really, REALLY wish that I had the time/money to throw an S85 or S65 in the car, but unless it sits until I'm done with school, I dont quite see it ever becoming a reality.

seank · 07-02-2013, 11:32 AM

Sounds like you spun the rod bearing. Considering you kept saying that you are poor, the cheapest option seems best.

It will be a while before the car is appreciating, so they will probably be cheaper when you purchase again which is a plus side.

Be responsible with your decision. Trust me, it will pay dividends when you are 40, and can buy what ever car you want.

mike519 · 07-02-2013, 11:37 AM

Firmly agree with above. Yes, it's an awesome car but it is just a car in the end. Do not do anything that will bring on financial stress just while you are getting started in life. When the time is right, you can buy another.

Jbs · 07-02-2013, 11:51 AM

This is very sound advice, and much appreciated. I definitely do not want to do anything that will hinder my future just for a car, regardless of how attached to it I may be. So if I do end up keeping it, it's only because I am able to do so without sacrificing performance/potential at work and school

On that note, I would like to add a couple updates.

A) I have found that used S54s are actually not too expensive and about half of what I had originally thought. This might be a very doable option.

B) I have Guardian aftermarket warranty. I have heard some horror stories in dealing with them, but IIRC the warranty is 4yr/50k so it may be worth the headache to deal with them.

Thank you guys for the help, I will keep the thread updated!!!

seank · 07-02-2013, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jbs

This is very sound advice, and much appreciated. I definitely do not want to do anything that will hinder my future just for a car, regardless of how attached to it I may be. So if I do end up keeping it, it's only because I am able to do so without sacrificing performance/potential at work and school

On that note, I would like to add a couple updates.

A) I have found that used S54s are actually not too expensive and about half of what I had originally thought. This might be a very doable option.

B) I have Guardian aftermarket warranty. I have heard some horror stories in dealing with them, but IIRC the warranty is 4yr/50k so it may be worth the headache to deal with them.

Thank you guys for the help, I will keep the thread updated!!!

If it is under warranty, you don't deal with them. The shop doing the work takes care of everything. You just sign the paperwork.

SCHMOUPE · 07-02-2013, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seank

If it is under warranty, you don't deal with them. The shop doing the work takes care of everything. You just sign the paperwork.

That is if the insurance is willing to pick up the tab. If not, OP will be stuck with a bill from the shop. If you can get it fixed for 4-5 K, do it, if not, sell it and get into another one when you are done with school. Best of luck

SgtGigglebox · 07-02-2013, 12:50 PM

If you end up having to get rid of it, what about taking the opportunity to get something ultra-utility themed.

I guess what's in my head is that if you have to drive something else, it will probably only be for a couple-few years and it might be a nice switch to pick up something that you can use as a mobile photo lab. If you go down the cheap route, it might as well be a super functional one.

kennyfrc · 07-02-2013, 01:26 PM

Rod bearing fail

Huz-Z · 07-02-2013, 01:39 PM

If you look at having the car repaired under the after-market warranty, it would be darn nice to first have some fairly reliable estimate of how much your portion of the repair will cost you.

Can the work be done at a good dealer?

If not, you want to do your homework and find a VERY GOOD indy shop.

I know that from a rational perspective its just a car, but if you're like me, your heart sees it as more, its your Z4M. Good luck, whatever you decide to do!

sikdogg · 07-02-2013, 01:45 PM

Most aftermarket warranty companies are scams... my daughter used to work in customer service dept for one. Hope you have better luck.

http://www.pissedconsumer.com/review...anty-corp.html

Finnegan · 07-02-2013, 02:06 PM

The warranty may be useful, it may not be. It's an option that should be explored since this is exactly the situation it's supposed to provide for. What's relevant is this particular warranty, not the rest of the apples in the barrel.

Summary of advice so far:

Confirm the diagnosis.
Get a solid estimate for the work. In writing.
If it requires a new engine, and it sounds like it does, the estimate for the work should be straightforward. You should be able to get this by phone with many shops.
Research the reputation and claims payment policies of the warranty before doing work (BBB, state consumer affairs, etc.).
If you bought the warranty from a dealer, will they honor the warranty and do the work?
Do not proceed without knowing how the work will be paid for.
Do not proceed without knowing what the impact to your financial future is.

Run options (like you already are) by folks here since we're not as involved emotionally in the issue. Not that we don't care--we do, but we can be more objective than you can right now.

3002 tii · 07-02-2013, 04:08 PM

Isn't this what happened to knsaber?

seank · 07-02-2013, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SCHMOUPE

That is if the insurance is willing to pick up the tab. If not, OP will be stuck with a bill from the shop. If you can get it fixed for 4-5 K, do it, if not, sell it and get into another one when you are done with school. Best of luck

They will come out and approve or not before any work is done, especially high price claims like his. That has been my experience.

The HACK · 07-02-2013, 04:46 PM

Before we blame the rod bearing, he's at a mileage where/when the water pump could have been the culprit.

Plus a spun bearing would leave trails of oil and the engine wouldn't typically "seize". Failed oil pump or water pump would be my first suspicion.

What *I* would do, is contact the club racing community and see if anyone is interested in campaigning this chassis. You will likely receive the maximum $$$ rather than trying to sell it sans a working engine. This car would fare very well in it's class.

Finnegan · 07-02-2013, 04:55 PM

+1 on The Hack's input.

The HACK · 07-02-2013, 05:00 PM

I took the liberty to put out a feeler in the Southern California Club Racing community for you. PM me your contact info (email) and I will forward it along.

The best future for your car lies in club racing.

StickMon · 07-02-2013, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DSC_OFF

Isn't this what happened to knsaber?

Does anyone know how this ended?
I thought I was about to learn something valuable and then he just dropped out of sight.

pokeybritches · 07-02-2013, 08:12 PM

This is also posted on Facebook. I recommended he look at used S54's, and that seems to be the route he will take should the aftermarket warranty not pan out.

Pheonix · 07-02-2013, 08:48 PM

Here you go. A used S54 Engine from my neck of the wood (not to far from LA). Sorry about you car. Hope things will work out for you

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/pts/3895646405.html

ZStig · 07-02-2013, 08:50 PM

Damn Jbs, and I thought my recent cooling issues were a pain..

Petrosexual · 07-02-2013, 11:00 PM

idea: call VAC motorsport. They sell replacement S54s, and sometimes require a 'core'. See what they can do for you. You don't have anything to lose....

ZStig · 07-03-2013, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Petrosexual

idea: call VAC motorsport. They sell replacement S54s, and sometimes require a 'core'. See what they can do for you. You don't have anything to lose....

he does. the shipping costs might kill the deal VS buying a used engine locally

07-02-2013, 11:19 AM	#1
Jbs The Photographer 76 Rep 628 Posts Drives: 07 Z4MC BSM/Black extended Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	Engine SEIZED on 07 M Coupe, Help!!! Hey guys, So I was coming back from Palm Springs to Los Angeles (was like 110ish degrees), on the freeway when all of a sudden I started to hear very loud knocking (like there was no oil in the car). I pulled over and waited for 45 minutes for the car to cool off (in the heat, mind you) then started on my way again.. knocking was still there and before I could take the next exit the car died (steering, brakes, etc) and I had to be escorted off the fwy by CHP and push my car to the closest gas station. One 70 mile tow back to my house (), and another to my local shop later, I find out that my engine is seized and that my car will be needing a new S54 Just to mention, service has always been done in a timely manner, I was just about to hit 90k and had inspection 1 done about 6 months ago. The car is driven everyday and this is the first problem i've had with the engine. I am going to be doing all the searching that I can, but I would greatly appreciate any advice you guys have to offer. The car is still in the shop while I wait for another callback. I am just a broke college student (minus the whole moupe thing, lol), so my options arent looking that great, but here are some possible situations that i could see playing out since I do not have enough money for a new engine nor the knowledge/resources to do this myself at the moment. A) I sell what is left of the car (part out?), buy a cheap beater and finish school (considering how rare the moupe is, and how much sentimental value mine in particular has, this is the worst option imo, although probably the most financially responsible) B) I find a way to store the Moupe for a couple years and drive around in a Civic until I can afford to bring the Moupe back to life after school (possibly with a different engine, widebody, etc) C) I possibly borrow some money from my uncle (dont really want to have to pay back 10k during my 20s, though) and get a rebuilt S54 thrown in within a month I really, REALLY wish that I had the time/money to throw an S85 or S65 in the car, but unless it sits until I'm done with school, I dont quite see it ever becoming a reality. __________________ John Batte Photography / Flickr / Facebook 2007 ///M Coupe BSM/Black Extended/Loaded \| RPi GT Exhaust w/custom gloss black tips \| KW V3 \| Michelin PSS 245/265 \| Pinnacle F1 Tint 35% \| ZHP Shift Knob
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07-02-2013, 11:32 AM	#2
seank enthusiast 48 Rep 1,695 Posts Drives: e30 m3,e90 wagon,sprinter,z4m Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: sacramento, ca iTrader: (4)	Sounds like you spun the rod bearing. Considering you kept saying that you are poor, the cheapest option seems best. It will be a while before the car is appreciating, so they will probably be cheaper when you purchase again which is a plus side. Be responsible with your decision. Trust me, it will pay dividends when you are 40, and can buy what ever car you want.
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07-02-2013, 11:37 AM	#3
mike519 Captain 129 Rep 832 Posts Drives: 2018 M240i Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Waterloo, Ontario iTrader: (0)	Firmly agree with above. Yes, it's an awesome car but it is just a car in the end. Do not do anything that will bring on financial stress just while you are getting started in life. When the time is right, you can buy another.
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07-02-2013, 11:51 AM	#4
Jbs The Photographer 76 Rep 628 Posts Drives: 07 Z4MC BSM/Black extended Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	This is very sound advice, and much appreciated. I definitely do not want to do anything that will hinder my future just for a car, regardless of how attached to it I may be. So if I do end up keeping it, it's only because I am able to do so without sacrificing performance/potential at work and school On that note, I would like to add a couple updates. A) I have found that used S54s are actually not too expensive and about half of what I had originally thought. This might be a very doable option. B) I have Guardian aftermarket warranty. I have heard some horror stories in dealing with them, but IIRC the warranty is 4yr/50k so it may be worth the headache to deal with them. Thank you guys for the help, I will keep the thread updated!!! __________________ John Batte Photography / Flickr / Facebook 2007 ///M Coupe BSM/Black Extended/Loaded \| RPi GT Exhaust w/custom gloss black tips \| KW V3 \| Michelin PSS 245/265 \| Pinnacle F1 Tint 35% \| ZHP Shift Knob
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07-02-2013, 12:50 PM	#7
SgtGigglebox Lieutenant 100 Rep 494 Posts Drives: '13 Atacama 35is Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Washington D.C. Area iTrader: (0)	If you end up having to get rid of it, what about taking the opportunity to get something ultra-utility themed. I guess what's in my head is that if you have to drive something else, it will probably only be for a couple-few years and it might be a nice switch to pick up something that you can use as a mobile photo lab. If you go down the cheap route, it might as well be a super functional one.
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07-02-2013, 01:26 PM	#8
kennyfrc First Lieutenant 18 Rep 376 Posts Drives: 2008 Z4MC Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: ATL GA iTrader: (1)	Rod bearing fail __________________ Toy: 2008 Silver Z4MC 300WHP/241TQ Mods: OEM Euro Headers, RPI Scoop Daily: 2010 Tacoma Double Cab
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07-02-2013, 01:39 PM	#9
Huz-Z Brigadier General 851 Rep 4,057 Posts Drives: Z4 3.0si, 328 XDrive, X5 35i Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	If you look at having the car repaired under the after-market warranty, it would be darn nice to first have some fairly reliable estimate of how much your portion of the repair will cost you. Can the work be done at a good dealer? If not, you want to do your homework and find a VERY GOOD indy shop. I know that from a rational perspective its just a car, but if you're like me, your heart sees it as more, its your Z4M. Good luck, whatever you decide to do! __________________ Huz-Z BMW Z4 3.0si Roadster. Montego Blue Metallic. Premium and Sport Package.
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07-02-2013, 01:45 PM	#10
sikdogg Registered 0 Rep 1 Posts Drives: Z4 Roadster Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0)	Most aftermarket warranty companies are scams... my daughter used to work in customer service dept for one. Hope you have better luck. http://www.pissedconsumer.com/review...anty-corp.html
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07-02-2013, 02:06 PM	#11
Finnegan Dog Listener 701 Rep 7,850 Posts Drives: Z4M/. Z3M, E36/46 M3 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Teaching the dog to slalom iTrader: (22)	The warranty may be useful, it may not be. It's an option that should be explored since this is exactly the situation it's supposed to provide for. What's relevant is this particular warranty, not the rest of the apples in the barrel. Summary of advice so far: Confirm the diagnosis. Get a solid estimate for the work. In writing. If it requires a new engine, and it sounds like it does, the estimate for the work should be straightforward. You should be able to get this by phone with many shops. Research the reputation and claims payment policies of the warranty before doing work (BBB, state consumer affairs, etc.). If you bought the warranty from a dealer, will they honor the warranty and do the work? Do not proceed without knowing how the work will be paid for. Do not proceed without knowing what the impact to your financial future is. Run options (like you already are) by folks here since we're not as involved emotionally in the issue. Not that we don't care--we do, but we can be more objective than you can right now. Last edited by Finnegan; 07-02-2013 at 02:15 PM..
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07-02-2013, 04:08 PM	#12
3002 tii Lieutenant General 2282 Rep 12,565 Posts Drives: Z4 M, X5, GX460 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: CT iTrader: (99) Garage List F15 X5 xDrive35i [8.75] E86 Z4 M [10.00] F10 550i (Retired) [9.17] F25 X3 xDrive35i (R ... [9.43] E82 135is (Retired) [9.50] E85 Z4 M (Retired) [9.41] E90 328i xDrive (Re ... [9.25] E86 Z4 3.0si (Retired) [9.22]	Isn't this what happened to knsaber? __________________ Follow for latest mods
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07-02-2013, 04:46 PM	#14
The HACK Midlife Crises Racing Silent but Deadly Class 1821 Rep 5,337 Posts Drives: 2006 MZ4C, 2021 Tesla Model 3 Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Welcome to Jamaica have a nice day iTrader: (1)	Before we blame the rod bearing, he's at a mileage where/when the water pump could have been the culprit. Plus a spun bearing would leave trails of oil and the engine wouldn't typically "seize". Failed oil pump or water pump would be my first suspicion. What I would do, is contact the club racing community and see if anyone is interested in campaigning this chassis. You will likely receive the maximum $$$ rather than trying to sell it sans a working engine. This car would fare very well in it's class. __________________ Sitting on a beat-up office chair in front of a 5 year old computer in a basement floor, sipping on stale coffee watching a bunch of meaningless numbers scrolling aimlessly on a dimly lit 19” monitor.
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07-02-2013, 04:55 PM	#15
Finnegan Dog Listener 701 Rep 7,850 Posts Drives: Z4M/. Z3M, E36/46 M3 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Teaching the dog to slalom iTrader: (22)	+1 on The Hack's input.
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07-02-2013, 05:00 PM	#16
The HACK Midlife Crises Racing Silent but Deadly Class 1821 Rep 5,337 Posts Drives: 2006 MZ4C, 2021 Tesla Model 3 Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Welcome to Jamaica have a nice day iTrader: (1)	I took the liberty to put out a feeler in the Southern California Club Racing community for you. PM me your contact info (email) and I will forward it along. The best future for your car lies in club racing. __________________ Sitting on a beat-up office chair in front of a 5 year old computer in a basement floor, sipping on stale coffee watching a bunch of meaningless numbers scrolling aimlessly on a dimly lit 19” monitor.
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07-02-2013, 08:12 PM	#18
pokeybritches Colonel 479 Rep 2,782 Posts Drives: ESS/G-Power Z4M, VF Z4, 996tt Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (12) Garage List 2006 BMW Z4M [10.00] 2006 BMW Z4M [8.50] 2003 BMW Z4 3.0i [9.00]	This is also posted on Facebook. I recommended he look at used S54's, and that seems to be the route he will take should the aftermarket warranty not pan out. __________________ VF Engineering Z4 3.0i, ESS Z4M, G-Power Z4M, 996 Turbo
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07-02-2013, 08:48 PM	#19
Pheonix Major 376 Rep 1,001 Posts Drives: 2007 Z4 M Coupe 2012 e93 M3 Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (8) Garage List 2007 BMW/Z4MC [0.00]	Here you go. A used S54 Engine from my neck of the wood (not to far from LA). Sorry about you car. Hope things will work out for you http://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/pts/3895646405.html
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07-02-2013, 08:50 PM	#20
ZStig instagram 997turbotom 279 Rep 7,377 Posts Drives: Interlagos Z4MR Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Delray Beach, FL iTrader: (4)	Damn Jbs, and I thought my recent cooling issues were a pain.. __________________
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07-02-2013, 11:00 PM	#21
Petrosexual Private First Class 40 Rep 103 Posts Drives: M Roadster Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Valencia iTrader: (0)	idea: call VAC motorsport. They sell replacement S54s, and sometimes require a 'core'. See what they can do for you. You don't have anything to lose....
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