X5 4.4i 2005 - new or recon engine needed

[octet]

Hi guys!

Long story, engine started rattling recently. Dropped the oil pan today and found some small bits in the oil pan, metallic and plastic, also some brass flakes. Car still drives fine, rattle is not as loud as before with the new oil and filter, but obviously it's only a matter of time until the bottom end packs up completely. Most likely the bigger metallic part it's a piece of a piston! I'll get some photos up in the morning.

So I need a new engine, any recommended trader in here or any from the traders on ebay that rebuild engines? What sort of cost am I looking at on exchange basis?

So far I spoke with these two companies:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/ulk/itm/111944509884
https://www.ebay.co.uk/ulk/itm/111945460534

The 1st sounded OK, got a better price quoted than advertised. Any reviews or recommendation would be much appreciated!

Thanks a lot!

[octet]

Anyone please?

[X5Sport]

Very very few on here have needed engine changes so you may struggle for answers.

[octet]

I see, thanks. Will probably go with the first guys, dropping the car there tomorrow...

[Slick]

Hmmm , I had an engine fail two weeks after buying my first 4.4  X5........I made enquiries regarding having the crankshaft reground and oversize bearings fitted  ( the usual repair for a big end/ main bearing failure ) ,  I couldnt buy oversized bearings  from a well established engineering company with a 1st class reputation, they simply do not make them,  and the cylinders are alusil coated , they cannot be rebored and replated, so I cant see how anyone can offer you a reconditioned engine.
    Having said all that BMW can supply a reground crankshaft and oversized bearings but the cost makes it non viable. Be carefull who you entrust your p&j to and your hard earned, at least ask them a LOT of questions

[SLX530]

Relevant scenario but not BMW ......  Just replaced an engine on an Astra mk5 and the engine came from an eBay business and was listed as 'without accessories, not refurbished but guaranteed for 30 days - ran perfect prior to removal' and cost £450 including shipping.  Arrived to my tame mechanic on a pallet who charged me £450 to fit.  Now runs a darn site sweeter than previously and was cheaper than the alternatives. Thinking about the guarantee,  if it were fitted and didn't run, war would probably break out over who is paying the cost of the mechanic to replace the engine a second time I'm sure. Fortunately,  that didn't happen.

[themoog]

Wouldnt it be better to sell the car as is and just buy another?

[Greydog]

[quote="Slick"]
Hmmm , I had an engine fail two weeks after buying my first 4.4  X5........I made enquiries regarding having the crankshaft reground and oversize bearings fitted  ( the usual repair for a big end/ main bearing failure ) ,  I couldnt buy oversized bearings  from a well established engineering company with a 1st class reputation, they simply do not make them,  and the cylinders are alusil coated , they cannot be rebored and replated, so I cant see how anyone can offer you a reconditioned engine.
    Having said all that BMW can supply a reground crankshaft and oversized bearings but the cost makes it non viable. Be carefull who you entrust your p&j to and your hard earned, at least ask them a LOT of questions
[/quote]
Slick is quite right having just had a full rebuild done on my 4.6 fortunately my issues were oil pump/chain guide related failure was sudden and I turned it off damn quick. When the engine was stripped there was no crank damage and the bores at just 100k miles still had the honing pattern. So a pressure flush of all oil ways to make sure there was no debris lurking, then it was rebuilt with all new bearings rings oil pump chain guides chain etc etc (the list is long very long)
The total cost was £5.5k + VAT so these guys are cheap for a reason they must cut corners somewhere. Fingers crossed it works out for you.

[octet]

Thanks guys, I've asked them to send me an email with what exactly was reconditioned in the engine they fit on my car and to confirm final bill is the agreed value. I don't need stories after the work has been done, this part was broken, we needed to change this as it doesn't fit, so the bill is now double.

[octet]

Email received:

[octet]

So I've visited those guys today and left the car with them, call me a brave guy Here are some pics for your delight LOL





















Spoke to the engine builder and one of their mechanics, they seem to know what they're doing.

Waiting game now 8-12 working days I've been told

[octet]

That's what I found in the oil pan 2 days ago:

[Slick]

I hope everything comes good for you  , please keep us informed as others may need their services in the future .

[SLX530]

Eeeek. I think I'd have an 'oops Tena' moment if I found that c**p in my sump. Looking forward to the follow up on this post.

[octet]

Thanks guys, I'll keep you updated, will ask them to take more photos once the engine is open and we can see the damage.