Repair engine, or buy used?

[kerrit]

Just got some unfortunate news - cylinder 1 is failing leakdown due to exhaust valve issue. Compression is 130psi.

Quote from local BMW shop to pull the engine, head, and replace rod bearings while the engine is at $7100 before the issue with the head is fixed.

Engine has 58k miles on it, supercharged for 21k miles.

I see an engine for sale on the forums for $8500 w/ bearings already done, about 50k miles on it.

I'm trying to balance cost vs risk. Is it worth doing this kind of surgery on the motor given its history or just find something to drop in?

Not opposed to buying a fresh rebuild from deansbimmer either, but I think those go for around $12k?

Thanks in advance!

[anerbe]

Unless you are doing a major upgrade of the engine during the rebuild, I've heard more horror stories of underling issues with an engine with internal issues.

If you have some sort of warranty on the 50K bearing engine, perhaps go this route, and sell your engine for less to a rebuild shop.

[SYT_Shadow]

I would not let a random place touch the internals

You can send it to Dinan/Carbahn for their rebuild service.

Places will happily charge you 4-5k just to drop the engine and put another one in so keep that in mind when thinking of costs

The explanation sounds a little suspect... what makes you think you have an issue?

[kerrit]

Originally Posted by SYT_Shadow

I would not let a random place touch the internals

You can send it to Dinan/Carbahn for their rebuild service.

Places will happily charge you 4-5k just to drop the engine and put another one in so keep that in mind when thinking of costs

The explanation sounds a little suspect... what makes you think you have an issue?

Oil consumption went from 1L every 3000 miles to every 180 miles if driving hard, or around 400 miles with normal driving. Idle quality also changed slightly, but the car still pulls hard.

They did a compression and leakdown test on the motor and found 200-210psi compression in all cylinders, except for 130psi in cylinder 1.

Cylinder 1 would barely hold 15psi for the leakdown test, with air leaking out of the exhaust valves.

They also think the PCV system is in bad shape and is contributing to the oil consumption due to oil in the intake.

To me this paints an incomplete picture and I'll get the cylinder scoped with a camera at another shop, but sounds like the end result is the motor will have to come apart.

I have the ability to swap the engine myself with a friend, but I draw the line when opening an engine.

[kerrit]

Price seems reasonable

https://carbahnautoworks.com/product/s65-repair-kit/

[SYT_Shadow]

Originally Posted by kerrit

Oil consumption went from 1L every 3000 miles to every 180 miles if driving hard, or around 400 miles with normal driving. Idle quality also changed slightly, but the car still pulls hard.

They did a compression and leakdown test on the motor and found 200-210psi compression in all cylinders, except for 130psi in cylinder 1.

Cylinder 1 would barely hold 15psi for the leakdown test, with air leaking out of the exhaust valves.

They also think the PCV system is in bad shape and is contributing to the oil consumption due to oil in the intake.

To me this paints an incomplete picture and I'll get the cylinder scoped with a camera at another shop, but sounds like the end result is the motor will have to come apart.

I have the ability to swap the engine myself with a friend, but I draw the line when opening an engine.

If you can pull it out yourself it's not a bad idea.

The thing is it doesn't seem like seals/valve springs/rod bearings have anything to do with your issue. You seem to have a head issue, although it could be a cracked ring or something. I'd send your engine in, get it rebuilt to true 'like new' condition.
If you ever want to sell it this will be a big plus as well