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04-21-2021, 10:15 AM | #1 |
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S63 engine failures... any way to avoid them/mitigate the risk?
Hi all, I've recently started looking into E70 X5Ms as I can't find a nice E61, and I can't find an F15 35i with DHP. I had considered an E70 35i for awhile, but I've changed some priorities with spending (going to spend less on a sports car), so an E70 X5M is well within my budget.
However, I have one really big concern, and that's engine failures. It looks like there are many S63s seizing around 50k-80k miles, and with little warning. While spending ~$15k or so to get a rebuilt engine wouldn't ruin me, it would really suck lol. Plus, I don't want to drive around constantly worried the engine is going to randomly seize. So my question is, are there any known ways to avoid the common failure modes of the S63? Rod/main bearing preemptive replacement? Frequent oil changes? Low temp tstat? Reliable aftermarket warranty (if such a thing even exists)? Any input is greatly appreciated, thanks! |
04-21-2021, 11:38 AM | #2 |
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By 50k miles these engines are so chocked up with carbon that engine seizure isn't even the biggest concern, they just don't put out the same power as new. Plus there is so many other thing that go wrong, it ends up costing you as much as leasing a brand model.
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04-21-2021, 12:53 PM | #3 |
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Not at all. Not with a good aftermarket warranty or if you can wrench yourself.
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04-21-2021, 12:57 PM | #4 | |
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If you are looking for an uber reliable platform, an X5M is not going to be it. All depends on your expectations.
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04-21-2021, 01:43 PM | #5 |
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Two things that can help with engine longevity are frequent oil changes - every 5-7k miles - as well as taking it easy until engine oil is up to operating temp. Bearing clearances are tight in these motors and those are two simple steps you can take to help keep it running well.
I've had my 2013 M for just over two years now and am still loving it. Best mix of practicality for a family/work and fun in this price bracket.
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04-21-2021, 02:18 PM | #6 | |
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I certainly don't expect Lexus reliability, but I don't want a nightmare either. This is exactly why I want one, I can't think of a more fun + practical daily for under 30k. I don't plan to put tons of miles on it, probably like 5k a year. |
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04-21-2021, 08:06 PM | #7 | |
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Red Shield. They paid as expected so I'm satisfied with them. No idea and don't care why the tranny was replaced by the previous owner. All I know is I had a brand new tranny that only had 15K miles of use, plus the brand new turbos, when I bought it. The work was done by BMW San Diego and paid for by the previous owner's warranty company. Look for one with good maintenance records, like mine, and with parts already replaced is a definite plus in my book. BMW only requires oil change every 15K miles. I'd pick one that was done sooner i.e, every 5K miles.
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04-23-2021, 12:38 PM | #8 |
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I got lucky, most all the trouble stuff was done under warranty (in some cases barely) before 50k miles. Incl valve stem class action work.
I've been happy and trouble free - and more importantly stress free - for 2 yrs. I should clarify, I never got stranded or scared by anything.
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04-23-2021, 03:41 PM | #9 | |
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04-24-2021, 08:10 AM | #11 | |
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Also plenty of folks have gotten their Ms to over 120K+ miles without a major component failure. What I will say is if you want this engine to last a long time, don't tune it. Nearly all of the catastrophic failures where either a 10th owner, or tuned. Low Temp t-stat could help with oil leaks / valve stem seals. Bearings are wrong oil / too-thick to compensate for oil leaks starving the bearings, and tuning. Leaking fuel injectors also contribute to locked engines. Romping the throttle before the oil is warmed... In general these engines are as reliable if not more so than any other high performance V8 in terms of internals. I see a lot more MOPAR and GM's with failed bearings. With that said, the S63 has a lot of trouble spots that will need maintenance. Under hood Plastic Embrittlement, Oil Leaks, and other E70 problems. The F15 appears to be much more reliable than the E70 ever was. The E70 was built at a BMW low point for reliability, newer cars are a lot better. I will say that the E70 has been far, far more reliable than any domestic pickup I've owned. Get an Extended Warranty on an e70 X5M and you wont regret it. Mine has covered 26K in repairs. Figure about 5-6K a year for repairs / maintenance if done at the dealer. Last edited by Thecastle; 04-24-2021 at 08:24 AM.. |
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04-24-2021, 07:01 PM | #12 | |
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04-24-2021, 10:24 PM | #13 |
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There is nothing wrong with driving away right away (Been doing it for decades with no problems), it warms up the car more efficiently. What is important is you keep the RPM's down low (absolutely no WOT) until your engine coolant and oil reaches normal temperature.
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04-26-2021, 10:41 AM | #14 | |
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I'm already used to warming up my engine before going above 3k, I have an early E90 N55, so I have to be wary of bearing failures on that. I'm not too concerned about general repairs, as I have a great indy 5 minutes from my house, and I only will drive it about 5k miles a year. I am still curious though, is your warranty a third party warranty or a BMW warranty? I've done even more research since posting this initial thread, and it seems the 3 failure modes for this engine are bearings, oil pump failure, and leaky injectors. I know the oil pump and bearings can be replaced (at a significant cost), but I'm wondering if there's anything preventative that can be done with the injectors? Or are there any warning signs to look out for with a leaky injector? |
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06-09-2021, 09:03 AM | #15 |
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I have 128k on my X6M and I must say the oil changes are critical. It needs a high-quality, synthetic(ester-based) 5w-40 oil, every 5-7k. Not 10 or 15k. The injectors need a PEA-based cleaning agent at ALL times(Gumout Regane/Chevron Techron). Once the injectors start pissing fuel.... its time for new ones. Stay on top of it!
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06-09-2021, 10:11 AM | #16 | |
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06-10-2021, 03:21 PM | #17 | |
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06-10-2021, 04:59 PM | #18 |
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