Z4 23i engine rattling under load *UPDATE* Engine has BLOWN

W

walkie

Member
Hi Guys,

So visiting my family in Milton Keynes and enjoying the many roundabouts and dual carriageways I noticed a rattling noise begin under the hood very slightly. Carried on a little more cautiously and it gets progressively worse.

It was so loud and got louder with acceleration - I limped into a local garage and the guys couldn't work it out but said I wouldn't drive it.

I limped it to Lancaster BMW Milton Keynes who were very accommodating but there service department closed at 1pm. I rang BMW Emergency who were great but Enterprise (the hire car people) not so, I am without a car until tomorrow.

My Car's sat at the dealers until Monday morning when they'll take a look.

Has anyone any experience or ideas? This was bloody loud and just got progressively louder - it's a 23i 6cyl 61 plate and I've only owned it since December

Thanks,

a very concerned walkie
 
Could be anything to be honest. First thoughts may be lifters, oil starvation or vanos (I'll go latter without further information)
 
Years ago I got a rattle on a golf, the engine ran rough at the same time. Turned out the tip had come off a spark plug and was rattling around the combustion chamber :(
 
Hi guys,

Firstly props to BMW and their aftercare - they pull out all stops and never make you feel you're alone in this.

Heard from the dealership today, spoke to the mechanic - wait for it... The engine had blown, gone, kaput :tumbleweed:

18k miles, I couldn't believe it and nor could he. The bad news is there are no engines in the country so we're looking at a minimum 7 days :( The good news is my car will have a virgin engine which will be nice to bed in and look after properly.

Thankfully the approved used warranty will cover it too.

Very odd, if you're a newbie thinking of buying one please don't be put off this is the first I've heard of a beemer engine packing up and I've owned many, like I say, very odd
 
Sometimes these things happen but it's good to hear it's all in hand and will be good as new, quite literally in a couple of weeks. And even more reason why for a small outlay keeping the bmw warranty cover is a must.
 
Couldn't agree more Angie and I am usually pretty anti insurance (fridge freezers etc lol) - extended warranties. DREAD to think what the cost would be.

More bad news today, mechanic rang and they've discovered the rear passenger alloy is cracked - not covered under warranty to a sweet £520 to replace :(
 
walkie said:
More bad news today, mechanic rang and they've discovered the rear passenger alloy is cracked - not covered under warranty to a sweet £520 to replace :(
Click to expand...
These guys got me a replacement alloy for my 1er at about half the price that BMW quoted me. They also mounted a nice new, non-runflat non-standard sized, tyre on the wheel for less than anyone else too.
 
Hi had the same problem on mine i23 m sport, 61 plate - 21,000 miles. Noticed a knocking noise while driving, sounded like a stick inside a bicycle wheel when driving.
Sensor failed that pumped the oil into the engine. New engine required, snapped crank shaft in other words f**ked! I'd only had it 2 weeks!! I also got told that the sensor that failed is quite common...
Same as you no engine's in the UK had to wait 7 days for the new one from Germany.

I wrote to BMW directly and made a complaint. They added 2 more years on to the warranty and also paid 2 months worth of finance. :thumbsup:
 
Adz840 said:
Hi had the same problem on mine i23 m sport, 61 plate - 21,000 miles. Noticed a knocking noise while driving, sounded like a stick inside a bicycle wheel when driving.
Sensor failed that pumped the oil into the engine. New engine required, snapped crank shaft in other words f**ked! I'd only had it 2 weeks!! I also got told that the sensor that failed is quite common...
Same as you no engine's in the UK had to wait 7 days for the new one from Germany.

I wrote to BMW directly and made a complaint. They added 2 more years on to the warranty and also paid 2 months worth of finance. :thumbsup:
Click to expand...
Hi I really appreciate you taking the time to sign up and post that :thumbsup: Can't believe someones had a near identical experience to me, I'll get on to BMW - see if I can get this wheel thrown in :roll: Thanks again
 
My old 1996 model 328c developed a big rattle when it was out of warranty, but had only done 30k miles. Took it to the BMW dealer who ran some tests and confirmed that it was one of a batch of 6 pot engine blocks that were made of sub-standard steel.

They replaced the block and a whole load of ancillary thing such as hoses etc and and sent the nearly £2,000 bill to BMW UK.

Ran like a dream for the rest of my ownership.

This restored my faith in corporate nature. It is true that if they are at fault then BMW will look after you.

Hope this all gets sorted for you.
 
I'm a bit surprised that you want to keep the car, I would have thought a replacement engine would devalue it somewhat, not to mention the overall feeling of being let down, and maybe the opportunity to gain some form of recompense above and beyond the additional warranty.

Surely a better solution is to source another car? That's what I'd be pushing for, something with a better spec. Let the dealer/BMW fanny about with replacing engines and just get yourself a new one.
 
That's ok, I was as surprised as you to read that someone else had the same issues, and the same year and nearly identical mileage.

I made an official complaint through the 'BMW Financial Services'. - 0370 5050150 to get the finance covered.

As I bought it from a BMW garage it came with the used approved warranty but only the standard 1 year. In order to get the extra 2 years on top I made a compliant against the garage its self - Stating that the car they sold me was not fit for purpose, regardless if they knew that or not. I explained that for a brand such as BMW and the amount of money the car cost it should at least last 2 weeks!!

I was & still am disappointed also a little embarrassed and I wasn't worried about telling them that.

I hope you get some sort of "Good will gesture!" - As 'RickRob' said they will look after you.
 
RickRob said:
It is true that if they are at fault then BMW will look after you.
Click to expand...

the hundreds (thousands?) of BMW owners who have had to shell out on replacement alloys after a crack might argue that one with you...
 
These guys got me a replacement alloy for my 1er at about half the price that BMW quoted me. They also mounted a nice new, non-runflat non-standard sized, tyre on the wheel for less than anyone else too.[/quote]

That's a really useful site techathy and it's now saved to my favourites. First problem I have with my 19" 326ms with run-flats and they're being replaced with a set of 18" on non run-flats.
 
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