Sludge in Engine/ cause of failure

[manie]

Hi

Z4 , 2004, 2.8 AUTO

Engine failed due to sludge build-up. What causes this and is the Z4 susceptible? What is the conditions for sludge build-up and range of mileage in which build-up can occur?

Regards

 

[Smartbear]

Hi, sorry to hear of your engines demise
Sludge build up is usually the result of oil change intervals being ignored or vastly extended/short journeys/poor quality oil or a combination of these things-how long have you had the car & how many services has it had?
Are you having the engine repaired or fitting a replacement?
Rob

 

[manie]

Not my vehicle. I am trying to get some info. The vehicle has been serviced. Twice as well before the failure. Travelled around 8000km in between. Last Service done two moths before failure

 

[firebobby]

I wonder if the way some garages do oil changes may also add to the issue. They suck the oil out instead of draining it and some cars don't get regular filter changes. Can't help :roll:

 

[markeg]

To answer one of the OP questions, no, the E85's, E86's and E89's are not known for engine failures through sludge - this is the first instance I've heard of on this forum, and it never came up as a problem area when I researched the models before buying.

As others have said, sounds like either poor maintenance/cost cutting/contaminants and I don't think being a Z4 is a factor. What mileage were the services done, and what mileage is it on presently?

 

[goldbcfc]

slugde? sounds like someone has poured bad oil treatment or seal conditioner in. Not running the car long enough with long oil change intervals will cause condensation in your oil.

 

[cj10jeeper]

Who diagnosed as sludge and what evidence? What was the damage?

I've never heard of this failure on a Z4 engine and I'd guess the collective members on forums have a few hundred million miles on their motors

I'm far more inclined to say it was oil starvation caused by the oil filter nor being replaced or similar. If left for extended periods they become solid with dirt and stop oil circulation. I could find sludge in any old engine if I took the sump off

 

[Marlon]

I'm with CJ - unless it looked like this I'd want to know more:

 

[Ewazix]

You mention 2003 2.8 I assume you mean 2.5 which would be the M54 engine, and as others have said sludge and failure are not really heard of with this engine. The only weak point that I can think of is the CCV engine oil breather which are prone to blocking, could this contribute to sludging?

 

[cj10jeeper]

I'm with CJ - unless it looked like this I'd want to know more:
sludge.jpg

Just looking at that sends a shudder down me.