Big problem with car- options?

TexasChainstoreMascara

I have a 2007 BMW 3 series which has some major issues- most upsetting as there's only 80,000 miles on it.

Anyway, initial diagnosis new timing chain kit plus fix to existing dsc/abs rings problem. £700. Ouch.

Then I get a call saying there is presence of swarf under engine, this could be a big problem and with my permission they think they need to strip the engine and find where it's coming from- worst case scenario here with a total engine rebuild as well as the original fixes, as much as £2,500.

What would you do here? What is the +ev option?

- I could get the repairs done and hopefully have a good as new motor for years to come with no more issues
- I could get the repairs done, sell the car for around 4k and put towards a new car
- Scrap the thing for £300 or so
- Are there any insurance type options? Like getting it written off?

I have a week or so until they can get to the engine strip to find the issue, and they will charge me £300 if they investigate and I decide not to take it any further.

wgl2014

You could also consider the cost of sourcing a replacement engine and having this fitted.

The only way insurance would pay out is if you set fire to the car or drive it into a tree (don't do this!)

regprentice

Timing chain issues are fairly common issue with this age 1 and 3 series. Bmw were on watchdog a few years ago. Why does the timing chain need replaced? Has it snapped?

Some have managed to get bmw to contribute to a repair if they can show the car has been exclusively serviced by bmw its whole life. Unfortunately even after bmw contribute 50% to a main dealership repair its still cheaper getting a good independant to repair the engine. The positioning of the chain at the rear of the engine makes it a pig of a job.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/23p5j5wzPtYflS7kFvmKVZf/bmw-deny-engine-failures-are-due-to-manufacturing-fault

If you do decide to keep the car ignore the servicing intervals in the manual (20k i think) and never let the car go longer than 1yr/8k miles, whichever comes first, without a good oil change.

My SIL has a 2005 of the same car (2l petrol) and hers has done 3 years costing no more than 350 a year in maint and mots. You might be lucky or you might not its very hard to say. If you get away with just the 700 bill id keep the car.... At 2.5k i think i would personally scrap it as there seem to he plenty of high mileage 2007 examples around this price range on auto trader. Youve not specified the engine and spec but , especially if you disclose engine work, its going to need to be special to command £4k+.

thescouselander

Does it still run? If so just flog it at an auction or somewhere and it will be someone elses problem.

foxy-stoat

TexasChainstoreMascara wrote: »

Then I get a call saying there is presence of swarf under engine,

Or it could be where 2 pieces of metal have rubbed enough and left metal filings around the engine.