Semi Broken Down in Needles, California

[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.

[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]

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?:

[E30_Pare]

i vote rod bearing!

[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.

[archie]

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

[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

:)

[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.

[archie]

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

[reelizmpro]

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.

[Farbin Kaiber]

Good idea. Please be sure to bump this thread when you find out what it was, it always helps the whole site when the problem gets answered eventually. Thumbs up for being smart and doing the right thing instead of pushing it to the point where it wouldn't be repairable.

[s14pwd]

Thanks for all the help guys, I really appreciate it. After looking at all of my options, what I ended up doing is renting a uhaul and taking the car home. I'm gonna continue my road trip from the other hand now and in a different car. I will start a new thread in June when I take a look at my car. If any of you are ever around Calgary, let me know.

[QUKBMER]

Shant called me yesterday to see if i knew anyone with a trailer. I do but was in use at the time. Shant said there was a u-haul near by in Needles. Renta trailer and truck and tow it to Socal and have somebody down this way look at it for you. Play it safe. I would come and help you with my 200 miles free towing AAA but my wife would have blown her top at me. Wish i could have helped more.

[russc]

Double check the plug wires, IMO. I had a cylinder die on my friend's m42. The plug leads would all spark when held against the valve cover, but with a spark plug attached, one of them didn't work.

[///schwartzman]

Be very "sterile" replacing the valve cover gaskets... They can and will leak oil into your spark plug holes.

Rockers haaaa! It seems like you've covered your bases, sounds internal. Head gasket & piston rings is a good place to start.


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