BMW 320I SE needs a new engine

Air_Cooled_75

We took it to the dealer when the oil light came on and they 'sorted it' OH just wants rid really, going to speak to Consumer Direct in the morning to get their take on it. I think we have a strong case. It's a shame, it's a lovely car and fits our needs perfectly.

Thanks again all.

Air_Cooled_75

I don't recall the oil light coming up red, pretty sure it was orange/yellow.

Air_Cooled_75

Apparently cylinder 3 is b*ggered if that helps at all

epninety

Air_Cooled_75 wrote: »

I don't recall the oil light coming up red, pretty sure it was orange/yellow.

I don't know the car at all, but I would suspect it was an oil level warning light then, not the oil pressure warning.

gregpot2000

My A4 has a similar orange min level warning light, basically to signify the oil could do with topping up, different to the red light of doom.
I don't fully rely on it though, and still check the dip-stick every so often, as I don't want to fully trust the health and well being of my engine on an electrical sensor!

Tobster86

Any engine of that size really shouldn't need a top up between services unless it's leaking oil somewhere, has worn valve stem seals (pretty old & knackered), worn piston rings (very old & knackered) or bad oil seals somewhere else, e.g. the turbo, which may indicate that it's a bit old & knackered.

And to put that into further perspective, my old 180,000 mile vegetable oil burner lets off a whiff of light-blue smoke every cold start, suggesting oil ingress when not running through worn valve stem seals, yet it is not on track for needing topping up before it's next annual oil change.

mattyprice4004

Air_Cooled_75 wrote: »

We took it to the dealer when the oil light came on and they 'sorted it' OH just wants rid really, going to speak to Consumer Direct in the morning to get their take on it. I think we have a strong case. It's a shame, it's a lovely car and fits our needs perfectly.

Thanks again all.

With all due respect, why ask us what we think if you're going to reject anyway?

Air_Cooled_75

It's a loss of confidence thing really. I'd keep it but OH is getting cold feet. My mum says she wouldn't want to keep it but my dad says as long as it is a proper recon engine it should be fine. I don't want the hassle of looking for another car, it took us long enough to find this one Our recent history with cars hasn't been great but that's a whole other story

Strider590

Air_Cooled_75 wrote: »

It's a loss of confidence thing really. I'd keep it but OH is getting cold feet. My mum says she wouldn't want to keep it but my dad says as long as it is a proper recon engine it should be fine. I don't want the hassle of looking for another car, it took us long enough to find this one Our recent history with cars hasn't been great but that's a whole other story

My folks give bad car advice, every time a bulb goes its "its starting to go wrong, time you got a new one". Jumping cars just lands you with all the problems some other owner got rid of their car for.
Whereas buying NEW, lands you with a bunch of pita teething problems.

jaydeeuk1

Air_Cooled_75 wrote: »

It's a loss of confidence thing really. I'd keep it but OH is getting cold feet. My mum says she wouldn't want to keep it but my dad says as long as it is a proper recon engine it should be fine. I don't want the hassle of looking for another car, it took us long enough to find this one Our recent history with cars hasn't been great but that's a whole other story

Should be easy to tell if they're sticking in some 2nd hand engine from a write off or a properly rebuilt/recon engine by the price they'll charge. Should be nice and eye watering. I'm guessing they're going for the 2nd hand option. If so, I'd probably get shot, will never know how well it has been looked after.