Semi Broken Down in Needles, California

[archie]

Shaun, post us a photo of the M3 on the truck and trailer.

[rcsoundn1]

Been lurking on this thread because I want to do this. Glad you were able to get some solution going, keep us posted as to the outcome.

[s14pwd]

Why not just find a local BMW shop and have them troubleshoot it? If you are headed to LA, there are several that come to mind. Then you can continue driving the M3. It could be a simple fix.

I considered it and lots of other options but here is my logic. We only have so much time for the trip, and going back will only take 2 days. The quickest possible repair would take minimum 2 days and longer if parts are not available or the diagnosed problem was not the problem. Add into this cost to get to LA, cost of hotel and cost to go back and forth to the shop and I see it taking more time (even though the end result may be cheaper). Also after I saw the good amount of oil, I know something else is also wrong and I don't want to risk permanent damage to the car. So to salvage what I have left, I thought this was the best solution. Now I can go at my own pace and diagnose everything with ample amounts of time.

Don't worry, I will attempt a trip like this again in the M3.

Shaun, post us a photo of the M3 on the truck and trailer.

Ah, sorry Shant, already back home and dropped off the Uhaul. That sucker burned wayyyyyy more gas than I thought it would. As a consolation here is the M3 along route 66

:)

[archie]

No worries.,food to hear you made it home safely.
Keep us posted on what exactly went wrong.

[s14pwd]

Quick update-I had a few minutes today so I did a compression test. Results:

Cylinder 1-180 psi
Cylinder 2-0 psi
Cylinder 3-180 psi
Cylinder 4-180 psi

So, good thing I brought her home. Next step will be pulling the head and inspecting. Will keep everyone updated.

[E30_Pare]

i vote rod bearing!

[s14pwd]

UPDATE:
Removed the head, and found the issue. Burned exhaust valve, my guess caused by the out of spec valve clearance.



Whats concerning me is the buildup on cylinders 1 and 4. Does this look normal to you guys or major impending problem?:

[spdracrm3]

yikes that is a lot of burned oil on top of that piston , more than enough for major concern, looking at how the top edge is washed clean looks like oil is coming up past piston . i would be turning the motor over to put that piston at BDC and looking for signs of broken ring ,scored/badly worn cylinder walls . it think you might be doing an engine rebuild

what cyl was burned valve in ?

[s14pwd]

yikes that is a lot of burned oil on top of that piston , more than enough for major concern, looking at how the top edge is washed clean looks like oil is coming up past piston . i would be turning the motor over to put that piston at BDC and looking for signs of broken ring ,scored/badly worn cylinder walls . it think you might be doing an engine rebuild

what cyl was burned valve in ?

Burned valve was in cylinder 2. Already sourcing parts for an engine rebuild.