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BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > E90 / E92 / E93 3-series Technical Forums > Mechanical Maintenance: Break-in / Oil & Fluids / Servicing / Warranty > Piston rings causing oil spray into spark plug chamber



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      12-24-2018, 04:51 PM   #1
supadups2k18
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Piston rings causing oil spray into spark plug chamber

OK first of all I apologize if my terminology is not 100% accurate as I am not a mechanic. So I was driving my 2009 323i on the 401 highway in Toronto on the way home Friday night, felt a vibration and then the engine light came on. I pulled off the first exit at which point the car definitely felt like it was struggling for power. I towed it to my mechanic and was told I had misfire codes showing up on the OCD. I know when I previously asked for a diagnostic report I received the misfire code below so I am assuming it still existed today:

n54 - cold start rough running with misfire results

diagnosis for dme fc29dc/29f2,2fbf


Mechanic told me two of 6 coils were bad and said all needed changing. After changing all coils I was told the piston ring on cylinder 6 was not expanding causing oil to shoot onto the sparkplug. All other sparkplugs were operating at 195psi but piston 6 only 90 psi. He then mentioned to fix this issue it would be significant engine work or possible replacement in the thousands of dollars cost estimate range and it would be better just to trade in the vehicle for something newer. Rather than give up on my 09 which I bought new of the lot and to date only has 160,000 km are there any more options and what could have let to this issue anyways? The car always burned a lot of oil but I didnt follow the 1 year oil change interval from BMW and did my changes every 6 months (6000km or less). Any feedback or information that might lead to salvaging my baby would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
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      12-24-2018, 07:00 PM   #2
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It's a lot of money to fix bad compression on one cylinder because or a bad ring. The ring probably failed, the lack of compression and oil all over the plug is the end.

Only thing I can think is put a new plug in, have it towed to the dealership and drive in and pray it keeps running.

Or you know, make an insurance claim...Merry Christmas!
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      12-27-2018, 10:38 PM   #3
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I would retake cyl 6 compression... Just in case.
Best news, it's all good.
Worst case, you confirm what you already had as a result.

I am actually rebuilding my engine N54. My compression was low but all cylinders about the same. I also have bad oil leaks.

I have open a Youtube Channel "Quebec DIY". If you are interested in following the complete project videos, just subscribe and you'll get posted as new videos are released. Videos start with numbers (in the order that tasks were performed).
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrf...VKDUi-w/videos

Engine Removal is covered through 17 videos.
01 Underhood Shield Removal (Actual Youtube name: 01 BMW 135i N54 E82 - Engine Removal - Underhodd shield Removal)
02 Gas Pressure Relief (Actual Youtube name: 01 BMW 135i N54 E82 - Engine Removal - Gas Pressure Relief)
03 Air Cabin Filter and Engine Cover Removal
04 Intake Air Duct Removal
05 Radiator Fan Removal
06 Intercooler Removal
07 Throttle Body Air Pipe Removal
08 Vacuum Accumulators Removal
09 Water Pump Removal
10 Radiator and Thermostat Removal
11 Vacuum Valve Bracket Removal
12 Pre-Catalyst Removal
13 Belt, Accessories 1st step, Intake, Starter Removal
14 Exhaust, Heat Shield, Drive Shaft Removal
15 Transmission Removal
16 Accessories 2nd Step, Wiring, Fuel Line Removal
17 Engine Removal Final

Engine disassemble is covered through 8 videos

20 Oil Leaks Inspection, Pulleys Removal
21 Turbos Removal
22 Cyl Head Cover, Coil Packs and Spark Plugs, Fuel Rail Removal
23 Engine Oil, Vacuum and High Pressure Fuel Pump Removal
24 Timing Chain 1st Step and Cylinder Head Removal
25 Oil Pan and Pump Removal
26 Pistons, Connecting Rods, Crank Shaft, Timing Chains 2nd Step Removal

In progress...
27 Fuel Injectors, Cams, Valves, Oil Filter Housing Removal




Engine Rework Should be covered in about 4 or 5 videos

31 Getting Engine Block Ready For Pistons Over Size


In progress
30 Engine Inspection

32 Checking Fit for Cylinders - Piston - Rings - Main and Connecting Rods Bearings
33 Cylinder Head Cleaning


A lot more to come as the project is going on...
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      01-02-2019, 04:05 PM   #4
robthewrench
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I would also recommend re-doing the compression check on cylinder number 6 just to confirm the reading. You may want to have a different shop also look at it.

Unfortunately if that cylinder is truly only seeing 90 psi on the compression stroke, the engine needs major work. It would need at least a re-ring job of all cylinders and this is a large job.

Ask your mechanic for a quote and if you have any other options. Putting in a used engine may be cheaper than rebuilding the one in the car, or you may decide to trade the car in. There are not any cheap options for fixing low compression / worn rings other than an engine rebuild.
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      01-02-2019, 06:35 PM   #5
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what oil have you been running in the car and for how long have u owned it?
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      01-03-2019, 07:16 AM   #6
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I have one other long shot idea for you. You may want to try an engine oil flush. Add seafoam or other miracle type flush additive to your oil and then run the engine lightly as instructed on the can.

Then change the oil to new oil with no additive.

This flush and change will probably cost you ~$100.

It may be possible that the rings on cylinder 6 are gummed or stuck. This is not likely but is possible. You mention doing frequent oil changes which should have prevented carbon build-up and oiling issues for cylinder 6. The flush should try to remove any buildup or varnish on the rings.

After this, see if you still get low compression.

I'll tell you ahead of time, this is a long shot try, but the cost is pretty low. Good luck.
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      01-03-2019, 07:22 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Torgus View Post
It's a lot of money to fix bad compression on one cylinder because or a bad ring. The ring probably failed, the lack of compression and oil all over the plug is the end.

Only thing I can think is put a new plug in, have it towed to the dealership and drive in and pray it keeps running.

Or you know, make an insurance claim...Merry Christmas!
You can do insurance claims for car issues? How?
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      01-03-2019, 08:09 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TheMidnightNarwhal View Post
You can do insurance claims for car issues? How?
Like "unintentionally" sliding into the curb/pole in bad weather.
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      01-03-2019, 08:23 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Wolf 335 View Post
Like "unintentionally" sliding into the curb/pole in bad weather.
Ahh.

Yeah tbh I consider doing that if my engine goes or something big, but they will probably see that.

You would have to get in a big wreck.

Last edited by TheMidnightNarwhal; 01-03-2019 at 09:58 AM..
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