BMW engine repairs and replacements

What does engine repair in BMW consist of?

Engine repair depends on the extent of damage to the engine. The decision to repair should be made only after performing diagnostics including computer diagnosis, compression measurement, oil pressure measurement, checking the alignment and condition of the valve train. In the case of engine blockage caused by chain breakage or timing misalignment, a visual assessment of the damage done, possible after removing the valve cover and oil pan, is sufficient. Usually the repair in such cases is not cost-effective and ends with the replacement of the engine with another efficient one.

In the case of damage to the head or gasket under the head, confirmed by the diagnosis of the presence of exhaust gases in the cooling system, the gasket is replaced with a set of fixing screws after planning the head and checking for leaks.

A common fault especially in gasoline engines with a capacity of 1.8 l is the leakage of valve seals, the replacement of which is possible (depending on the model of the vehicle) without removing the head.

When is it recommended to replace the engine in a BMW?

The engine is subject to replacement in the case of serious damage, the repair of which requires disassembly of the engine block, replacement of piston rings or pistons, replacement of the crankshaft and pan. The traditional “engine repair” sometimes called “engine overhaul” is slowly becoming a thing of the past.

The production technology of modern engines and, above all, the pricing policy of engine spare parts manufacturers makes the eventual repair disproportionately more expensive than replacing a complete engine. It is cheaper to replace the engine with a used or new one than to make the following repairs:

• replacement of cylinder rings
• honing of blocks
• replacement of cylinder liners
• replacement of pan
• grinding the crankshaft or replacing it

In what time will the engine be repaired / replaced?

The repair time depends on the type of damage and how it is repaired. The shortest time is associated with the replacement of a complete engine and is usually around 2 working days (depending on its type and model of the vehicle). In the case of replacement of the so-called pillar, you need to add the time needed for the completion of the accessories, i.e. disassembly from the old engine and installation in the new one.

The longest repairs involve repairing damage to the head and block usually several working days. The exact time and cost is always estimated before the repair and depends on the vehicle model and engine type.

What elements make up the cost of engine repair / replacement?

The cost of repairing or replacing the engine consists of: the price of spare parts, gaskets, subcontractor services (head planning, checking for leaks, possible disassembly), the price of the used engine and its transportation to the service center, disassembly of the accessories and their reinstallation in the new engine.