320i engine swap / rebuild worth it?

superphotonerd · 02-01-2020, 05:28 PM

Hi Guys,

Looking for some opinions on my current issue. I have an 09' e93 320i (80k miles N43 Engine) that's seized, thinking on my next steps..

I noticed there as was a rattle on cold starts the last month or so (in hindsight, didn't put 2 and 2 together and think this was probably the timing chain stretching) and the car was generally driving like crap.

Work done so far: All 4 injectors replaced with 11's, new coils + sparks, new oil pressure sensor, Oil is done every 4-5k miles, new NOx sensor, cleaned the vanos solenoids. The other day I stupidly decided to rev the engine alot to hear how it sounded, and the car cut off (at around 6k rpm, after revving twice - not sustained revs), wouldn't crank at all.

Indy mechanic did a basic look and said that the engine was seized, they couldn't turn it, and could smell fuel when taking off the oil cap. But they said the timing chain didn't break. So i think it was loose, and in the high rpms the chain must have slipped and something's collided inside. Also there was pulverised plastic from the timing chain guide on the vanos solenoids when i took them out before, but didn't know of this known issue till when i read about it afterwards. So my bet is the timing chain was knackered and I needed a new one.

I've got £5.5k left to pay on it (got hire purchase), and another engine + fit is circa £2.5k. Otherwise the car is in great condition and everything works.

I'm thinking to pull the cylinder head off myself (saves a £300+ indy labour bill) and see if i'll spot anything. I'd hope that a recon cyl head could go on and save the day, but wishful thinking.. especially not knowing of conrod / cylinder / crankshaft damage.

After checking forums i know how bad the N43 is, i'm wondering if a rebuild (which is £2.5k+ anyway) or a replacement engine is worth it. If i had the option to get rid of it now, i'd sell it as is and save for a 330i e93... i'd be looking to run this car into the ground anyway, e93 is all i've wanted

What do you guys think?

ctuna · 02-01-2020, 08:23 PM

This is mostly a US board and we had no 4 cylinders here in diesel or
gas for the e9x so knowledge of these is not high here.
Plus no feeling for prices for the same reason.
E90post has a UK subforum.

this guy is at least in the UK

https://www.nathansbmwworkshop.com/b...or-dean-videos

colorado.e9x · 02-01-2020, 08:29 PM

If you can source a used N52 with decent milage I'd go that route personally

superphotonerd · 02-01-2020, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by colorado.e9x

If you can source a used N52 with decent milage I'd go that route personally

I wonder if it's directly swappable?

colorado.e9x · 02-01-2020, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by superphotonerd

Quote:

Originally Posted by colorado.e9x

If you can source a used N52 with decent milage I'd go that route personally

I wonder if it's directly swappable?

I got no clue, might need to tinker with.. everything

ctuna · 02-02-2020, 01:14 AM

You would need more than a motor to do that conversion.

02-01-2020, 05:28 PM	#1
superphotonerd Registered 0 Rep 2 Posts Drives: BMW E93 320i N43 Join Date: Feb 2020 Location: London iTrader: (0)	320i engine swap / rebuild worth it? Hi Guys, Looking for some opinions on my current issue. I have an 09' e93 320i (80k miles N43 Engine) that's seized, thinking on my next steps.. I noticed there as was a rattle on cold starts the last month or so (in hindsight, didn't put 2 and 2 together and think this was probably the timing chain stretching) and the car was generally driving like crap. Work done so far: All 4 injectors replaced with 11's, new coils + sparks, new oil pressure sensor, Oil is done every 4-5k miles, new NOx sensor, cleaned the vanos solenoids. The other day I stupidly decided to rev the engine alot to hear how it sounded, and the car cut off (at around 6k rpm, after revving twice - not sustained revs), wouldn't crank at all. Indy mechanic did a basic look and said that the engine was seized, they couldn't turn it, and could smell fuel when taking off the oil cap. But they said the timing chain didn't break. So i think it was loose, and in the high rpms the chain must have slipped and something's collided inside. Also there was pulverised plastic from the timing chain guide on the vanos solenoids when i took them out before, but didn't know of this known issue till when i read about it afterwards. So my bet is the timing chain was knackered and I needed a new one. I've got £5.5k left to pay on it (got hire purchase), and another engine + fit is circa £2.5k. Otherwise the car is in great condition and everything works. I'm thinking to pull the cylinder head off myself (saves a £300+ indy labour bill) and see if i'll spot anything. I'd hope that a recon cyl head could go on and save the day, but wishful thinking.. especially not knowing of conrod / cylinder / crankshaft damage. After checking forums i know how bad the N43 is, i'm wondering if a rebuild (which is £2.5k+ anyway) or a replacement engine is worth it. If i had the option to get rid of it now, i'd sell it as is and save for a 330i e93... i'd be looking to run this car into the ground anyway, e93 is all i've wanted What do you guys think? Last edited by superphotonerd; 02-01-2020 at 07:15 PM..
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02-01-2020, 08:23 PM	#2
ctuna Lieutenant General 1911 Rep 13,103 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	This is mostly a US board and we had no 4 cylinders here in diesel or gas for the e9x so knowledge of these is not high here. Plus no feeling for prices for the same reason. E90post has a UK subforum. this guy is at least in the UK https://www.nathansbmwworkshop.com/b...or-dean-videos
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02-01-2020, 08:29 PM	#3
colorado.e9x eBay Special 3066 Rep 3,028 Posts Drives: E90 330xi Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: Western Slope, Colorado iTrader: (1) Garage List 2007 BMW 328xi [9.50] 2006 BMW 330xi [10.00]	If you can source a used N52 with decent milage I'd go that route personally __________________ Common sense is a flower that does not bloom in everyone's garden
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02-02-2020, 01:14 AM	#6
ctuna Lieutenant General 1911 Rep 13,103 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	You would need more than a motor to do that conversion.
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