Car not starting... Blown Engine?

Alex@ONEighty · 10-22-2013, 11:22 PM

So... To make a long story short I took over someone's lease about 2 weeks ago on an '11 M3 Competition w/ DCT. This person was actually a customer/friend of mine so I knew the car I was taking pretty well. After getting it I initially I did some basic maintenance and drove the vehicle. Currently it has about 28k on it but the car mechanically is in great shape. I didn't even get a chance to really experience this thing only having it under 2 weeks and already I have an issue.

Tonight on my way home the car shut off on me and hasn't started since. After the car shut off the steering got tight and almost caused me to crash while I was taking a left turn. Thankfully I was able to completely turn with no oncoming traffic. As soon as I got into the block I let the vehicle roll into an area I was able to keep it parked and noticed some smoke of car fan. I opened up the hood and I smelt a mixture of oil and coolant with a little smoke coming out from the intake duct. I tried to crank the car a few times and nothing, so I gave up and called a tow truck.

Going to get the car towed to my dealer tomorrow morning to see what's going on. Any suggestions?

kaleb · 10-22-2013, 11:25 PM

In suggest you tow it to the dealer tomorrow to see what's going on.

nullrouted · 10-23-2013, 09:45 AM

Any bets on rod bearings?

NYBulldog · 10-23-2013, 10:22 AM

^ yeah, good luck man. Fingers crossed, hopefully the dealer takes full care of it.

blast1st · 10-23-2013, 10:29 AM

11' you still have warranty on it. like Kaleb say take it to the dealership. or maybe your battery is dead.

CBS · 10-23-2013, 11:16 AM

Ouch! Sorry to hear, keep us informed on what the Dealer says.

Good Luck!

shaq diesel · 10-23-2013, 11:21 AM

Had something similar to this happen when I owned an Audi (minus the smoke). Turns out the timing belt pulley broken and the valves and head were shot.

Granted that is probably not what has happened here but given the symptoms you have described I'd suspect some type of engine damage that won't let it turn over. Might be a rather long road ahead of you and hopefully it is relatively pain free...

Alex@ONEighty · 10-23-2013, 11:35 AM

Hey guys... so I spoke to the dealer I will have the car picked up this afternoon. After some inspection I found this blue/green stain looking liquid that's pretty dried up. I doubt this liquid came out last night, so probably a few days/weeks ago. I attached some photos. Also, nothing leaked from under the car last night or this morning...

Very hard to get a good photo of this stain so please bear with me.

thekurgan · 10-23-2013, 11:41 AM

Appears to be coolant.

TahoeM3 · 10-23-2013, 11:43 AM

Did you run out of gas?

Longbow64 · 10-23-2013, 11:46 AM

Any caution lights or codes? Also, those are some good looking headlights.

Alex@ONEighty · 10-23-2013, 12:01 PM

No caution lights, car has over half tank of gas so i'm good there. I also made sure my battery was good so that's out of the questions as well.

BMW Fanatic · 10-23-2013, 12:09 PM

I've had a blown engine on my last M with just under 10,000KM and I was only owner so if it is that I can sympathize with you. However, from the way you describe it, most likely it isn't. Also, seems like the green stuff is coolant like other poster mentioned.

On a side note, can you quote me on upgrading my headlights please... I just want the rings changed out to V4's and do not want full circles like yours on the outer ring. You will also ship me MY headlights back, correct? I don't want anyone elses just to make the process quicker lol. Thanks!

J5isalive · 10-23-2013, 01:17 PM

Strange that it just shut itself off... this doesnt really sound like a blown engine, sounds more like an electrical glitch. Maybe a wiring harness melted? Any mods on the car which would increase under hood temperatures? Any mods that have changed anything electrically with the car? Could be a blown fuse of some type?

What happens when you try to start the car?

Only thing that concerns me is you mention 'smoke'... Alot of smoke? or just some heat rising from the engine when you opened the hood?

Keep us posted! I am intrigued to say the least.

speedaddictM3 · 10-23-2013, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Artem@ONEighty

So... To make a long story short I took over someone's lease about 2 weeks ago on an '11 M3 Competition w/ DCT. This person was actually a customer/friend of mine so I knew the car I was taking pretty well. After getting it I initially I did some basic maintenance and drove the vehicle. Currently it has about 28k on it but the car mechanically is in great shape. I didn't even get a chance to really experience this thing only having it under 2 weeks and already I have an issue.

Tonight on my way home the car shut off on me and hasn't started since. After the car shut off the steering got tight and almost caused me to crash while I was taking a left turn. Thankfully I was able to completely turn with no oncoming traffic. As soon as I got into the block I let the vehicle roll into an area I was able to keep it parked and noticed some smoke. I opened up the hood and I smelt a mixture of oil and coolant with a little smoke coming out from the intake duct. I tried to crank the car a few times and nothing, so I gave up and called a tow truck.

Going to get the car towed to my dealer tomorrow morning to see what's going on. Any suggestions?

Was the oil level OK before that? And coolant? Did the temp gauge indicate overheating? Any unusual sounds from the engine? Check the oil and coolant quality. If any is milky white that's probably a blown head gasket.

Alex@ONEighty · 10-23-2013, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J5isalive

Strange that it just shut itself off... this doesnt really sound like a blown engine, sounds more like an electrical glitch. Maybe a wiring harness melted? Any mods on the car which would increase under hood temperatures? Any mods that have changed anything electrically with the car? Could be a blown fuse of some type?

What happens when you try to start the car fan?

Only thing that concerns me is you mention 'smoke'... Alot of smoke? or just some heat rising from the engine when you opened the hood?

Keep us posted! I am intrigued to say the least.

I guess anything is possible but based on the smell and smoke I think it's something mechanical. No tuning mods and the only electrical mod I really have is a hardwired radar and dash cam.. both on fuses. When i try to start it I hear something trying to start but nothing happens. Not too much smoke but a very heavy smell.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMW Fanatic

I've had a blown engine on my last M with just under 10,000KM and I was only owner so if it is that I can sympathize with you. However, from the way you describe it, most likely it isn't. Also, seems like the green stuff is coolant like other poster mentioned.

On a side note, can you quote me on upgrading my headlights please... I just want the rings changed out to V4's and do not want full circles like yours on the outer ring. You will also ship me MY headlights back, correct? I don't want anyone elses just to make the process quicker lol. Thanks!

Going to shoot you a PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by speedaddictM3

Was the oil level OK before that? And coolant? Did the temp gauge indicate overheating? Any unusual sounds from the engine? Check the oil and coolant quality. If any is milky white that's probably a blown head gasket.

Oil level was fine, no errors of lights on my dash or CIC. No unusual sounds, car drove like it did every other day.

Just got picked up

happos2 · 10-23-2013, 03:06 PM

Overheated (because there isn't enough coolant)? I would think you get a warning light though. Did you try starting it now that the engine has cooled off (obviously risking potentially more damage).

Did you pull the codes from computer (ones that won't show up via a light / CIC)?

Just thoughts.

Transfer · 10-23-2013, 03:10 PM

Sounds screwy. Hope you get it figured out and your dealer takes care of you. How hard were you driving it prior to this shutdown? Any redlining? Just curious.

///M Power-Belgium · 10-23-2013, 05:21 PM

Mmmmmm....your story sounds not good to me....
1- i see coolant leak
2- not enough coolant = overheating of engine
3- smoke and smell = very often cylinder head gasket broken !
So lets hope that i'm wrong because this is.... $$$$ !
BTW....i wish you good luck man and keep posting us,i realy want to know about this problem......

Kisenwether · 10-23-2013, 05:36 PM

I believe that the coolant for M3s from factory is blue. I know that Freon (Air Conditioning) is green. I don't believe a AC line is where the photo is indicating. How ever if the coolant was changed and wasn't refilled with OEM fluid then it could be coolant making that green color. Also I'm not sure if the coolant would turn green or not when dried on the engine like shown. It does look blue at the bottom of the green area shown.

Good luck.

MFL · 10-23-2013, 08:19 PM

Can the car even turn on accessories?

Alex@ONEighty · 10-24-2013, 07:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MFL

Can the car even turn on accessories?

Yea

10-22-2013, 11:22 PM	#1
Alex@ONEighty Captain 164 Rep 623 Posts Drives: 2011 E90 M3 CZP 6MT Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Brooklyn, NY iTrader: (3)	Car not starting... Blown Engine? So... To make a long story short I took over someone's lease about 2 weeks ago on an '11 M3 Competition w/ DCT. This person was actually a customer/friend of mine so I knew the car I was taking pretty well. After getting it I initially I did some basic maintenance and drove the vehicle. Currently it has about 28k on it but the car mechanically is in great shape. I didn't even get a chance to really experience this thing only having it under 2 weeks and already I have an issue. Tonight on my way home the car shut off on me and hasn't started since. After the car shut off the steering got tight and almost caused me to crash while I was taking a left turn. Thankfully I was able to completely turn with no oncoming traffic. As soon as I got into the block I let the vehicle roll into an area I was able to keep it parked and noticed some smoke of car fan. I opened up the hood and I smelt a mixture of oil and coolant with a little smoke coming out from the intake duct. I tried to crank the car a few times and nothing, so I gave up and called a tow truck. Going to get the car towed to my dealer tomorrow morning to see what's going on. Any suggestions? Last edited by Alex@ONEighty; 08-25-2014 at 10:13 AM..
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10-22-2013, 11:25 PM	#2
kaleb Second Lieutenant 25 Rep 294 Posts Drives: '12 X5 35d Join Date: May 2008 Location: Dallas, TX iTrader: (0)	In suggest you tow it to the dealer tomorrow to see what's going on.
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10-23-2013, 09:45 AM	#3
nullrouted Studying... 36 Rep 860 Posts Drives: AW '13 E92 ZCP 6MT M3 Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: North Central Florida iTrader: (0)	Any bets on rod bearings?
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10-23-2013, 10:22 AM	#4
NYBulldog Specialist 1310 Rep 2,707 Posts Drives: Nikes Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: NuYawk iTrader: (19)	^ yeah, good luck man. Fingers crossed, hopefully the dealer takes full care of it.
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10-23-2013, 10:29 AM	#5
blast1st Test 115 Rep 1,707 Posts Drives: MDX as my daily @blast_1st Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: SO-CAL! iTrader: (1)	11' you still have warranty on it. like Kaleb say take it to the dealership. or maybe your battery is dead.
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10-23-2013, 11:16 AM	#6
CBS Major 87 Rep 1,253 Posts Drives: F10535, E90M3, E30M3, E28M5 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Charlotte, NC iTrader: (0) Garage List 2017 Alpina B6 GC [0.00] 2014 535xi M Sport [0.00] 2014 X3 3.5 M Sport [0.00] 2011 M3 E90 [9.74] 2007 Z4 M Coupe [7.00] 1990 M3 [9.50] 1988 M5 [10.00]	Ouch! Sorry to hear, keep us informed on what the Dealer says. Good Luck! __________________ ESS VT-1 550 \| M24 Oil Cooler \| Fall Line Half Cage \| RaceTech 4009W \| 6 pt Harness \| Lifeline Zero 360 Fire Suppression \| Rear Seat Delete \| Motion Control DA Dampers w/remote reservoirs \| 900/650 Hyperco Springs \| RD Sport Sway Bars \| Brembo 380 BBK \| GC Camber Plates \| Hoosier R7 \| Eisenmann Sport \| Stack Gauges \| Painted Challenge Front Lip \| Painted ZCP Rear Spoiler \| Xpel Ultimate Film \| LuxAngelEyes
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10-23-2013, 11:21 AM	#7
shaq diesel Lieutenant 6 Rep 491 Posts Drives: 2011.75 Alpine White E90 M3 Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Baton Rouge iTrader: (0)	Had something similar to this happen when I owned an Audi (minus the smoke). Turns out the timing belt pulley broken and the valves and head were shot. Granted that is probably not what has happened here but given the symptoms you have described I'd suspect some type of engine damage that won't let it turn over. Might be a rather long road ahead of you and hopefully it is relatively pain free...
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10-23-2013, 11:35 AM	#8
Alex@ONEighty Captain 164 Rep 623 Posts Drives: 2011 E90 M3 CZP 6MT Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Brooklyn, NY iTrader: (3)	Hey guys... so I spoke to the dealer I will have the car picked up this afternoon. After some inspection I found this blue/green stain looking liquid that's pretty dried up. I doubt this liquid came out last night, so probably a few days/weeks ago. I attached some photos. Also, nothing leaked from under the car last night or this morning... Very hard to get a good photo of this stain so please bear with me.
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10-23-2013, 11:41 AM	#9
thekurgan Bad Lieutenant 232 Rep 3,517 Posts Drives: E90M3 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Sacramento iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 BMW M3 [0.00]	Appears to be coolant. __________________ 02 E39M5 \| TiAg/Schwartz \| Tubi Rumore \| Ultimate Ti Pedals \| E60 SSK \| Jim Blanton 3.45 40/100% \| Coby Alcantara \| StrongStrut STB
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10-23-2013, 11:43 AM	#10
TahoeM3 Major 410 Rep 1,025 Posts Drives: F-type R, GTR, X5 50i Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Tampa, Fl iTrader: (0)	Did you run out of gas?
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10-23-2013, 11:46 AM	#11
Longbow64 _______ 169 Rep 1,088 Posts Drives: 15 M3, 13 X3 35i MSport Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Orlando iTrader: (4)	Any caution lights or codes? Also, those are some good looking headlights. __________________ '13 35i M-Sport X3 \| JB4 Stage 1 \| BMS Intake \| H&R Springs \| Gloss black grill \| CF Wrap and Coded by me \| Recaro Child Seats '15 M3 DCT AW/SO \| JB Stage 1 \| RKP Diffuser \| P3 \| M Perf Spoiler \| iND Exterior Trim \| Recaro Child Seat
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10-23-2013, 12:01 PM	#12
Alex@ONEighty Captain 164 Rep 623 Posts Drives: 2011 E90 M3 CZP 6MT Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Brooklyn, NY iTrader: (3)	No caution lights, car has over half tank of gas so i'm good there. I also made sure my battery was good so that's out of the questions as well.
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10-23-2013, 12:09 PM	#13
BMW Fanatic Banned 135 Rep 3,293 Posts Drives: slow Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Calgary iTrader: (11)	I've had a blown engine on my last M with just under 10,000KM and I was only owner so if it is that I can sympathize with you. However, from the way you describe it, most likely it isn't. Also, seems like the green stuff is coolant like other poster mentioned. On a side note, can you quote me on upgrading my headlights please... I just want the rings changed out to V4's and do not want full circles like yours on the outer ring. You will also ship me MY headlights back, correct? I don't want anyone elses just to make the process quicker lol. Thanks!
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10-23-2013, 01:17 PM	#14
J5isalive Private First Class 49 Rep 132 Posts Drives: '20 M2C, '15 GT3 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Alpharetta Ga iTrader: (1)	Strange that it just shut itself off... this doesnt really sound like a blown engine, sounds more like an electrical glitch. Maybe a wiring harness melted? Any mods on the car which would increase under hood temperatures? Any mods that have changed anything electrically with the car? Could be a blown fuse of some type? What happens when you try to start the car? Only thing that concerns me is you mention 'smoke'... Alot of smoke? or just some heat rising from the engine when you opened the hood? Keep us posted! I am intrigued to say the least.
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10-23-2013, 03:06 PM	#17
happos2 Dingleberries 76 Rep 1,246 Posts Drives: Gray E92 M3 Join Date: May 2012 Location: Indiana iTrader: (3)	Overheated (because there isn't enough coolant)? I would think you get a warning light though. Did you try starting it now that the engine has cooled off (obviously risking potentially more damage). Did you pull the codes from computer (ones that won't show up via a light / CIC)? Just thoughts.
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10-23-2013, 03:10 PM	#18
Transfer Major General 5251 Rep 5,874 Posts Drives: Bronco Wildtrak, Tesla MYP Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Issaquah, WA iTrader: (1)	Sounds screwy. Hope you get it figured out and your dealer takes care of you. How hard were you driving it prior to this shutdown? Any redlining? Just curious.
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10-23-2013, 05:21 PM	#19
///M Power-Belgium General 63220 Rep 24,651 Posts Drives: ///M3-E92-DCT Silverstone II Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Belgium iTrader: (0)	Mmmmmm....your story sounds not good to me.... 1- i see coolant leak 2- not enough coolant = overheating of engine 3- smoke and smell = very often cylinder head gasket broken ! So lets hope that i'm wrong because this is.... $$$$ ! BTW....i wish you good luck man and keep posting us,i realy want to know about this problem...... __________________ "MAX VERSTAPPEN" IS THE 2021+2022+2023 F1 WORLD CHAMPION - #UnLeashTheLion BPM DEV-Tune & DCT Software-Tune & Servotronic & coding ///Alpine HID Angeleyes ///Oem.exhaust mod.
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10-23-2013, 05:36 PM	#20
Kisenwether Lieutenant 197 Rep 572 Posts Drives: Limerock Grey M3 / Hellrot 1M Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Albuquerque NM iTrader: (4)	I believe that the coolant for M3s from factory is blue. I know that Freon (Air Conditioning) is green. I don't believe a AC line is where the photo is indicating. How ever if the coolant was changed and wasn't refilled with OEM fluid then it could be coolant making that green color. Also I'm not sure if the coolant would turn green or not when dried on the engine like shown. It does look blue at the bottom of the green area shown. Good luck.
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10-23-2013, 08:19 PM	#21
MFL Major 174 Rep 1,246 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Bellevue, WA iTrader: (3) Garage List 2010 BMW M3 [9.00]	Can the car even turn on accessories?
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