Quote:
Originally Posted by zx10guy
Short answer...$$$$$$. Having an aluminum oil pan and or valve cover might cost a bit more than the OEM plastic ones, that cost differential is still significant no matter how small when you multiply it out the hundreds of thousands of engines.
ETA: I've been lucky so far with my N55 equipped E82. So far no leaks from the valve cover or oil pan with 102,000 miles on the clock. I did get hit by the OFHG.
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Geez. I wish they would offer an upgrade on new ones for $1,000 more. I am guessing $20 to 40 more for a aluminum one versus plastic? We all know that all the manufacturers die for 0.5 mpg more. BMW with the B48 and 58 do a great job with gas mileage and reliability. Those newish Toyota-Lexus twin turbo V-6 engines have real and major problems. They also lack power and get fairly poor gas mileage.
I need to weigh the aluminum oil pan in the garage that the mechanic is installing soon. The plastic probably save 3 to 4 pounds. I am wondering if that is part of the equation.
BMW has really made great strides on reliability while competitors are getting worse.
I wish they would fix these little things. I think it would really improve brand loyalty. A lot of Lexus and Toyota owners with that V-6 twin turbo are going to start feeling like Jeep and GMC owners. They may be looking for a new home.
They can get an X7 with a B58 for less than a RX500.