Estimated Repairs of $7,000 for BMW 320i -Need Advice. Sell/Repair/Trade in?

Kapinny on 23/02/2017 - 17:28
Last edited 23/02/2017 - 17:46 by 1 other user

Hi Ozbargain

First time lurker, First time poster.

I'm in some need of some advice from the automotive enthusiasts here!

My current situation

BMW 320i - E90 Model - Black Metallic Paint
Purchase 2009/2010
KMs: 60,000kms

Has been having multiple issues recently with the car
Went to a BMW specialist repairman (not the actual BMW official shop) who identified these issues.

  1. Engine light always on
  2. Loud noises/rattling when driving the car on start up
  3. "Low engine Power, Engine Fault"
  4. White/Black smoke coming from the exhaust at high revs (likely secondary to some form of oil leak?)
  5. Low engine oil level consistently? (related to a possible oil sensor malfunction)
  6. Timing Chain needs repairs (according to fault codes)

The mechanic quoted me approx anywhere between $5-8,000 to repair and diagnose including parts and labour

This car has caused me nothing but troubles over the years we've had it. Its been a lemon since day one and I wish I had never gone BMW. (Spare me the "should have gone Jap/Korean." because i've now learn my lesson)

Fast Forward to today

I've had a look at a few new cars coming out this year and I've got my sights set on the new Civc Hatch (possibly in a sports version). But if there is a cheap solution to repairing this car ie around 1-2k i'd be happy to stay with the current car. I just have that feeling once the engine issues are sorted something else arise "history will repeat itself," yada yada yada.

I also want to say I have no actual feeling of connection/affinity/love/affection towards this car so if it goes I wont be too fussed.

My question for you guys is

How would you go about managing this situation?
A. Sell the Car on Gumtree/Carsales and inform the buyer the faults which exist with the car (which will definitely reduce resale value) (Estimated worth of a fully functioning model 15k … if sold would get like maybe 6-7k?)

B. Take it into a Honda/(Whatever the next car I end up getting's dealership) in its current state and hoping for a decent value and move on with a new car. (This may include tactfully not declaring any major issues unless questioned by the dealership)

C. Keep it and get it repaired.

D. Repair it and try to then sell it privately.

TLDR Car is sub optimal condition, how do I move on? Sell, Repair or Trade in for a new Car.

Thank you all!

Poll Options

  • 2
    Repair and keep
  • 0
    Repair and sell
  • 6
    Sell the car in its current state - Carsales/Gumtree
  • 37
    Trade it in for a new car
Automotive

Comments

  • Cluster on 23/02/2017 - 17:34
    +3

    60k km now and purchased new? That's very low mileage for such serious problems.

    If you're thinking of repairing and then selling, check out existing 09/10 E90 models and what they sell for to see if it's worth repairing and selling.

    It sounds like you've bought an unfortunate money pit, and by the sounds of "This car has caused me nothing but troubles over the years we've had it" it's going to be an endless pit at that. Getting a five year warranty on a new car is going to feel great.

    I would be tempted to cut your losses and try to sell the car to a mechanic.

    • Kapinny on 23/02/2017 - 17:40

      I also am very tempted by this

      Its become a money pit and I just want to move on.

      Its not worth all the headache/worry/dissapointment and time!

  • mskeggs on 23/02/2017 - 17:36
    +7

    I'd start by getting a second opinion.
    Red flags for me are oil consumption & smoky exhaust. Maybe a gasket leak?
    You might find that when you identify and fix the underlying issue the other symptoms go away.
    Unless you are poorly communicating the repairers info, it doesn't sound like they have correctly diagnosed the problem.

    • Cluster on 23/02/2017 - 17:38
      +1

      Mmm yes, always get a second opinion.

    • Kapinny on 23/02/2017 - 17:40

      Thanks for your advice

      i've had a string of dodgy mechanics review it and every time its been a disappointment (especially since this guy had great reviews on the web)

      Next Monday i'm taking it into the Official BMW shop see what they say.

      • Cluster on 23/02/2017 - 17:46

        What was disappointing about the mechanics? Are they giving a conflicting diagnosis of the fault, or you're disappointed that it's going to cost so much to repair?

        • Kapinny on 23/02/2017 - 17:55

          The previous mechanics we went to prior kept blaming the model of engine and the fact it was notorious for having faults (fine I can accept that) but never took an effort to suggest repairing. It was basically a band aid job every time.

          Current quote/mechanic probably more dissapointed with the actual quote rather than the review.

  • try2bhelpful on 23/02/2017 - 17:57
    +1

    If you aren't invested in it take it to the Honda guy and ask for the trade in value to the Civic - it might make the decision easier and you aren't obligated to go through with any purchase.

  • PVA on 23/02/2017 - 18:57

    take it in for a trade on the model car you want and see what you get there. It may be a heap better/easier than trying to sell it on.

  • RockyRaccoon on 23/02/2017 - 19:41
    +3

    A simple google comes up with this.

    BMW 320i - E90 Model

    In June 2014, a recall was issued for BMW E90 3-Series sedan vehicles that were powered by BMW’s N55 six-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine (i.e. the 335i) and available for sale from 1 October 2009 to 30 April 2012. In these vehicles, the bolted connection on the housing of the variable valve timing unit (VANOS) adjustment units could become loose. If this occurred, the units may develop an internal oil leak and then no longer adjust quickly enough due to the reduced oil pressure. The vehicle's emergency engine mode would then be activated and the engine warning light would illuminate to warn the driver. If the vehicle was being driven and slowed down or stopped unexpectedly, it would pose an accident hazard to the driver and other road users (PRA 2014/14160).

    • Kapinny on 23/02/2017 - 19:53

      interesting to know, but i believe that my model is a 4 cylinder variant.

      thanks :'( maybe BMW will take it into consideration when I bring it in

  • captobvious on 23/02/2017 - 22:33
    +1

    This is a common issue with the e90s. Could be something as simple as an injector and it can go upwards in costs. Most owners do a bandage fix because of the shock of high costs but eventually it all catches up and the problem gets worse and the cost of repair goes up.

    The sensible thing would be to flog it off on gumtree as is. Might be a bargain for someone wanting to do an engine conversion.

    • Kapinny on 23/02/2017 - 23:44
      +1

      Thanks so much for your advice… will take that into consideration

  • Steptoe on 23/02/2017 - 22:50
    +1

    Engine light always on
    Loud noises/rattling when driving the car on start up
    "Low engine Power, Engine Fault"
    Timing Chain needs repairs (according to fault codes)

    Engine Light On is just telling you there is a Fault Code. Noise may be faulty timing chain tensioner. Does the noise go away when the engine revs are increasing?

    White/Black smoke coming from the exhaust at high revs (likely secondary to some form of oil leak?)

    White smoke could be water/coolant. Black Smoke is normally from the fuel. Oil smoke is generally Blue.

    The black smoke may be from the ECU trying to compensating for an error it is reading by dumping more fuel in that doesn't get used up.

    Low engine oil level consistently? (related to a possible oil sensor malfunction)

    Does it have a dipstick that you can discredit the sensor?

    I'd buy a Bluetooth OBD Scanner. Visit a BMW specfic forum and get searching/reading.

    Here a shot in the dark at the side of a barn
    http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=887275

    If you were in NSW I might've been interested in it as a project.

    • Kapinny on 23/02/2017 - 23:45

      When the revs are increasing yes! the noise does go away

      I havent done a dipstick yet but the man said some of the oil was getting lost/burn through a leakage?

      Oh thanks so much for your help buddy!

      Sadly i'm not in NSW :'(

      • Steptoe on 24/02/2017 - 01:13

        Could just be to do with timing chain tensioner. I'd say that is cause of most of the grief.

        Get a quote from BMW dealership, like you planned. With known faults they can be very generous with subsidising the repair, with admitting guilt.

  • t_c on 23/02/2017 - 23:25

    Flog it off at auction (not eBay) and your conscience will remain clear.

    • Kapinny on 23/02/2017 - 23:42

      sorry why is that? and how do I go about auctioning

      • captobvious on 24/02/2017 - 01:10

        pickles, grays, manheim.

  • StingyBritches on 24/02/2017 - 12:51

    "Timing Chain needs repairs (according to fault codes)"
    Repairs? Um, that's interesting. Timing Chain need REPLACING would be what I would expect. Never heard of any 'repairs' to one…

  • casho on 24/02/2017 - 14:15
    +1

    Some cars are lemons. Doesn't matter the brand. Don't think because you bought one lemon that all BMW's are the same. I've owned 10+yo BMW's for the last four cars and they are very reliable. I only upgrade because the newer model falls into my cheap price range.

    • Kapinny on 25/02/2017 - 22:06
      +1

      i know right :(

  • codename47 on 24/02/2017 - 14:27
    +1

    Very unfortunate that you have to go through this hassle. Mate of mine had similar issue with Nissan Maxima that he bought last year. It had timing chain issue which needed replacement. It used to make noise when started and would go away at higher revs. Ended up trading it in for a Demo Camry. He purchased the used 2005 Nissan Maxima for 6200 and trade price was 4400 which isn't too bad.

    Can Someone please clarify:- if there is rocker cover/gasket oil leaks, can that cause such an issue to timing chain ? Or is it solely due to not servicing the car on time?

    • Kapinny on 25/02/2017 - 22:06

      Thanks for your optimism

      hoping to get a decent price for it!

  • Hero on 19/03/2017 - 10:13

    How did you go with your car?

    • Kapinny on 19/03/2017 - 12:58
      +1

      Hi hero

      I ended up taking the car to bmw.

      found out the timing chain "housing/"guide" was broken so they replaced that
      oil leak, they replaced the stem seals in the engine.

      All in all cost me 2.8k including diagnosis and labour

      Thinking of privately selling now

      what do you think? haha

      • Hero on 19/03/2017 - 13:14

        Better than spending $5k :)

        Why are you selling the car now? Did you originally buy the car new?

        • Kapinny on 20/03/2017 - 15:24

          yes new

          eyes on the civic

          im worried this car will give me further issues in the future so i'm keen to let it loose

  • Tiredman on 20/03/2017 - 13:18

    My 2005 E90i bought new is on 90,000km now. Still no problems at all. First battery change in 12 years recently. Sounds like you got a lemon.

  • myusername on 20/03/2017 - 13:48

    a friend told me once "if you can't afford a brand new bmw then you can't afford a second hand one"

  • 8200 on 31/03/2019 - 09:27

    I have a 120i, a gutless 2L 4cyl. M/T.

    A/ Blows a little blue smoke on take off, valve stem seals?

    B/ Leaks oil from head area or sump, impossible to see from top, but my driveway has found it

    3/ Display on stereo is almost blank, writing is failing

    4/ Plastic around gear lever [M/T], steering and other wear items, are worn through

    6/ Engine dash light is on all the time

    7/ Noisy diff

    8/ No dipstick, WTF?

    9/ Bonnet struts dont hold up bonnet

    10/ Rear hatch cover ropes both snapped off

    Other than thaT all good with the UltimateDrivingMachine…..

    • Samsungnote10 on 31/03/2019 - 18:53
      +1

      Might be easier to write down what works instead of what doesnt work!

    • pegaxs on 31/03/2019 - 20:27

      A: smoke on acceleration/take off is from worn rings/pistons/bore, not valve stems.
      B: most probably rocker cover or front engine oil seal.
      3: (change to numbering? Why not) LED display is failing. Common issue in Euro shitboxes.
      4: It’s plastic. It’s a car. You drive it, things wear out.
      5: (lol. Lettering to numbering to missing numbers…)
      6: what light? A BMW has lots of warning lights. Engine check light? Oil light? ABS? SRS?
      7: Diff or rear wheel bearing? Is it a clunky noise or a whine?
      8: Buy a new one. Probably where most of your oil leak is coming from.
      9: Buy new ones. No that hard.
      10: Buy some new ones.

      Seems like a big list of complaints for “all good”. And most of the issue you are moaning about are trivial 5 min, low cost jobs.

      A word or warning, check your oil regularly. If you have oil leaks, a missing dipstick and blowing smoke, you are using oil.

      • 8200 on 31/03/2019 - 20:44

        Thanks for your post!

        Yes, its going, in 60 days or less :-)

        Does handle/corner very well, but the weight blunts the "performance"

        Sunroof is kool too, and runs std. 91 octane

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