N57 engine warning for Police use

[X5Sport]

I came across this earlier today. See the Telegrapg & Argus article linked below.

https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/ ... ed-chases/

It says that ‘civilian’ vehicles are not affected, and it only seems to be a specific variant of the N57, and how the Police use them Police vehicles equipped with it are limited to 90mph. The issue apparently came to light after a Police Officer died in 2020 whilst chasing a suspect on a motorway and the X5’s engine caught fire.

BMW are not as yet being forthcoming on exactly what the issue is, or the exact variant and age range/model usage of the variant.

No idea and not speculating as to the cause, but thought it would be of interest to users given a number of us have N57 lumps (3.0 diesel). The N series engines have gone from production being replaced by the B series.

[StuBeeDoo]

It says that ‘civilian’ vehicles are not affected, and it only seems to be a specific variant of the N57, and how the Police use them Police vehicles equipped with it are limited to 90mph.

I suspect civilian vehicles aren't assumed to be affected because they not supposed to exceed 70mph in the UK.

[gmc15]

I've read that the problem could be due the the police cars idling for a long time or running at high speeds for a long time and possibly using the wrong spec oil.

[Leslie]

Don't build them like they used to

[Jayx5]

I've just read on piston heads that it might be the police not adhereing to the bmw service requirements and using the wrong grade of oil

[sapphireblack]

Serious Autobahn usage could prove terminal then

[X5Sport]

I've just read on piston heads that it might be the police not adhereing to the bmw service requirements and using the wrong grade of oil

I’m surprised given that when I worked with the Police in the 80s we serviced all vehicles every 3,000 miles and the manufacturers specs had to be complied with, no question. It was nearly a religion for the garage teams - and they taught me how to maintain my own vehicle which is where I probably picked up some of my ‘safety culture’ attitude from. Perhaps costs have led to a relaxation in that approach.

[Leslie]

Do they go back to the future Delorean style if you hit 88 mph

[StuBeeDoo]

I don't suppose a Freedom Of Information request to either the affected constabulary(s) or BMW will be accepted.

[StuBeeDoo]

This just popped-up on my news feed.
https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/bmw/35723 ... -consumers

Still nothing to satisfy my curiosity as to what's causing the "issue".