BAD BMW 328i N20 Engine Teardown! Customer Returned, And Now Its Ruined! What A Waste!

[@stephenmoxley3004]

I look forward to these videos, every Saturday evening. As a mechanic of 55+ years, it's always enjoyable to see an engine teardown. It reminds me of my long career.

[@LolPepperGate]

55 years as a mechanic/tech is pretty long. Congrats to striving for that long to spin wrenches. I went 2.5 years and said nah this ain't for me....main reason is I lacked motivation to work on my own projects and junk after working on other peoples shitboxes/crap 55 hours a week. Merged into HVAC/reefer...11 years later now a Union Building Engineer. Now I just work on big ass buildings and everything in them and operate 4000+ ton chiller plants😆

[@ouch1011]

One of the only BMW engines I've had to replace (while working for a German car specialist, and not including Mini even though the are BMW) was one of these. It was a 5-series that only had like 50k miles on it and had a very unusual tapping sound and a failed HP fuel pump. The car was owned by a used car dealer, and their in-house "mechanic" (I use that term very loosely) had already shotgunned a ton of parts at the car, including a "engine rebuild." The HP pump didn't make any pressure at all and the tapping noise wasn't obvious, so I replaced the HPFP first. After that, it drove perfectly but still had a tapping noise. The problem ended up being that one of the connecting rods was very slightly bent. I found it by measuring the piston height when each of the pistons was at TDC and one of them was a couple mm less than the rest. I took the bottom end of the engine apart and all the bearings looked perfect. Never figured out how one of the rods got bent, and the dealer "mechanic" had messed with so much stuff on the engine it was impossible to know what was the original issue at what got installed by them. Luckily, on a 5-series, these engines are wonderfully simple to replace (by BMW standards). The "oil pump assembly" on these engines includes counter-balance shafts. That's the only reason it is so big. The oil pump itself is nothing special. To be clear, there are plenty of other BMW engine issues out there that are *incredibly* expensive to repair, but most of them don't require replacing the entire engine. Their reliability is horrible, but except for the newer turbo engines, catastrophic failure that requires replacing the entire engine is rare. The Mini engines, pretty much from the moment that BMW re-released the Mini, are all junk, and I mean *junk* . The early ones are basically a Dodge Neon engine and have constant timing chain issues. The newer ones are BMW design and are basically guaranteed not to make it to 100k miles, even if you take good care of them.

[@vumba1331]

That's interesting on the Mini side of things, we have a 2017 R60 1600cc auto, runs beautifully atm, only 36k kms and I make sure that it is looked after with good synthetic oils on a regular basis. Hope it lasts longer than the 160k kms as you say.

[@amplituhedron5582]

Earlier minis are horrible. I've heard less bad things about prince engines, but they aren't stellar.

[@apb1236]

@@vumba1331 dude, you car has only 22k miles….of course it runs fine. You’re still within the engineered “within warranty” lifespan of the engine components. If you can make it to 36k miles or 58k kms report back😂

[@d47000]

I've always been impressed with BMW's engine longevity considering the insane oil change intervals they used to spec. My N52 328i with 150k miles has received 15k oil changes all the way up until I bought it. Engine doesn't burn ANY oil, runs smooth as a new car. Lots of varnish when I got it but a quart of marvel mystery oil cleaned it up a fair bit and took care of a noisy lifter. I've trusted it as my daily driver for the past year and have driven it across the country three times now. Haven't had a problem with it besides a starter going out. Curious to see how long it'll last, probably not as long as my 450k mile Honda Accord but time will tell.

[@CadexLaw]

I’d only buy an inline-6 from BMW. Currently have a B58 & planning on getting an S55 next. Previously owned an N52 & M54. Never had a major issue with any BMW I’ve owned. Actually the biggest issue I’ve ever had was a flat tire.

[@davidfleishman2275]

With the sand on the intake manifold,water damage could be flood damage.Non running flood damage

[@aeroman5239]

Flood engine - yes.

[@michaelskinner896]

Great Video! The N20's and N26's (SULEV) that were installed in xDrives, were fitted with a metal oil pan. The non xDrives have a plastic oil pan.

[@savarg]

Discovered your channel recently. I'm not a car person by much, mostly an interesting topic to me as my hobbies are computer related. How ever you've given me so much more knowledge on engines through the teardown videos that I decided to do work on my own Prius engine and did head gasket and a few other things on my own. Thanks a lot!

[@ronnymb67]

10K oil changes is from the marketing department to make people think they're cheap to maintain. All they care about it they get through the warranty period with as few claims as possible. If you rent it, then do what they say. If you own it and want to keep it, every 6 months or 5K.

[@rickmoranis392]

Agreed… also why a feller should be really careful on the used market

[@JohnnyAFG81]

10k oil changes should be criminal.

[@ronnymb67]

@@rickmoranis392 I saw this when I worked for Audi.10K service interval. Constant vehicles coming in at 7K with an oil level light on. They asked to top it off. Then they take that 2 quarts of fresh oil along with the sludge that was in there out to maybe 11 or 12,000. So by the time they turn it in at 50k, it maybe had four oil changes. It's the poor sucker who buys them off lease thinking they bought a low mileage well cared for vehicle that gets stuck with the problems. Also, lifetime trans fluid is part of that "inexpensive to maintain" bs.

[@Gapines23]

And yet I test my oil every change at 9-9500 and ZERO wear issues. There are companies out there who can tell you everything about your oil and engines, seen data with good oil and 20k no problems

[@rickmoranis392]

@@ronnymb67 exactly! People say to buy used cause it’s the best deal… I beg to differ. I change all of my fluids before the OEM recommendation. Pretty much every new vehicle has quirks these days. I have a GMC Sierra. Direct injection only, so I had to add a catch can. Recommended oil change is around 7500 I think… hard pass! Transmissions run too hot and fry torque converters… gotta bypass the trans thermostat and change the fluid before recommendation. These new vehicles only last if you buy them new and know not to follow the OEM guidelines… IMO (for the internet lawyers). I’m sure there’s that one guy that only followed OEM recommendations and has 500K miles on his BMW he bought new in 2014

[@lupercal78]

Thank you for finally doing an N20. Most people don’t realize it but the N20 is exactly 1/2 of the N63 V8. Engine geometry, Pistons, cylinder head, fuel injections, valvetronic, many gaskets and seals, and…….. *oil pump* are all shared with the N63 V8. That would probably be why the oil pump is so huge for such a small engine.

[@calyodelphi124]

I was going to guess that the oil pump houses balance shafts for the engine, but that also makes a whole lot of sense.

[@d47000]

Wow, just another reason not to buy one of these. 😂

[@xellium5445]

I always assumed the N20 was just the N55 missing two cylinders. This is what BMW has done with their modern B48 engine which is just the B58 missing a few cylinders. N63 engines are 4.4L, with a bore of 89mm and a stroke of around 88.3 something mm. I own a N63Tu and though the reputation for N63 engines are pretty down in the dumpster, i’d consider them to be at least slightly more reliable than the N20s just from what I’ve seen.

[@lupercal78]

Personally I can't complain about my N20. I have a '13 528i xDrive i've owned since new and aside from 5k mile oil changes, one motor mount, and turbo oil check valve replaced under service bulletin, the car has given me 9 years and 100k miles of impeccable service.

[@lichking3711]

Some notes for future vids and to anyone working on these: Yes, vacuum pump has to come off to do the valve cover or gasket. It is not difficult to reinstall, just don't mess with the gear and it will slip right in, you'll feel it. There are also dowels of sorts for the bolts so just put it where it was before and you'll be able to reassemble it with no problem. You also should remove the VANOS solenoids so you aren't fighting them like Eric was, it is literally 2 screws on each one, just don't fuck up the placement Turbocharger linkages are known to have issues with pins rusting in place and/or breaking. This can happen on the turbo side or on the wastegate side They had vacuum wastegates in the first year or two and electronic ever after The intake has to come off per the FSM to replace the oil filter housing or the gasket. You can instead loosen the five nuts that hold it and have either a buddy or an object of some sort hold up the intake while you force an E10 (or E12, can't quite remember) over the bolt with a swivel and an extension attached. In either case, the computer has to come off so be gentle with harnesses. I find it easier to remove them entirely. If you are gentle and a little lucky, you can get away without ripping the intake seals and just put it back on as is. if you unclip the coils, injectors, grounds, the entire harness on the front of the valve cover can be removed as a unit after also being disconnected from the ECM. The Valvetronic harness is also easy to remove as a unit, all it has is 4 pins for the motor and its position

[@ChrisCebelenski]

Humble request, and you probably never see these in your shop because... well, why would you? But I'd love to see the following: Old Mopar small block, like a 318; A high-revving supercar engine like a Ferrari 12 cyl, and something with a huge displacement like a boat engine - perhaps a Volvo Penta or Cummings.

[@peterpeter5666]

Been a tech for 36 years, I change the oil on my 2011 camry v6 every 4k k s with high quality synthetic oil. That 60.00 I spend every 4-5 months is nothing compared to the money you save in the end

[@Jrv3192]

It's 1:51am here in the UK but still here I am

[@pdammer5828]

Yes mate

[@xqnime]

1:12am for me in the US

[@travis6965]

2:01am 😂

[@Operator713]

I have a 2014 Z4 (E89) with this engine. The engine is fine, light and punchy. But there is a class-action lawsuit settlement for the timing chain guides disintegrating. Mine came from the factory with a cracked valve cover though. The car ALWAYS smelled like burning oil after I'd drive it. Just for a few seconds. Turns out the leak was teensy and it would occasionally drip oil onto the cat. I am eternally grateful to the BMW tech who finally found it and replaced the cover (7 years after I bought it). Sorry we didn't get to see the turbo. But I'm glad this one came up!

[@bb5242]

Changing the valve cover gasket was a PITA and they recommend replacing the whole valve cover at the same time! Plastic fantastic.

[@halkennedy6353]

Eric, we love to see you come out ahead!

[@MeDicen_Rocha]

And this is the reason why i got rid of my pre-production F30 328i. When it ran well, it was fun to drive, but at idle it sounded like a diesel, made funny noises and within a year of me selling it, the timing chain guides went, on a car that had less than 30k km on it.

[@shaun2072]

Not just an adjustable flow oil pump, but the balance shafts and gears are in that lower housing.

[@sadlerbw9]

I love me some 90’s and 00’s BMWs! Got to ride in a ‘95 M3 lightweight at an autocross once. It was sublime! The e36 and e46 had some real classics among their ranks.

[@danng4346]

you are right! engine is expensive. oil change is cheap! I use synthetic oil and change every 5k religious

[@grantmorgan672]

The carnage teardowns are entertaining for sure, but I get just as much enjoyment watching a regular teardown. It's still interesting to see how things are supposed to be.

[@calyodelphi124]

Same! It's always neat to watch an engine get torn down, and every time I see one it builds confidence that engines are, ultimately, simple beasts once you get past the wiring harness and emissions crap. .............. except for German cars lol

[@austincjett]

I wonder if the monster sized oil pump has a balance shaft or weight hiding inside it. Even the chain drive looked like it had a 1:2 ratio.

[@craigbomer8962]

I was asking myself the same question.

[@agenericaccount3935]

It does. I had to look it up but the pump and balance shaft assembly are one happy family. Quite a pricey one too.

[@R1NR4N]

@@agenericaccount3935 Wow, no wonder they're valuable. Leave it to the Germans haha...

[@PatricioGarcia1973]

@@agenericaccount3935 because it’s for the V8 engine, the N20 uses same head, piston, rod, as the N63 V8.

[@agenericaccount3935]

@@PatricioGarcia1973 neat, I guess?

[@fillupread]

I do 10K oil changes on my Tundra and did the prior two Tundras. I use Mobile1 0W-20 and a mobile 1 oil filter (although they cheapened it this past year) So far on my current tundra combined with the last two, I have 1.4 million collective miles. If you buy a quality vehicle with a quality engine and use quality oil, 10K is no big deal.

[@engineeringoyster6243]

The complexity of this engine is daunting.

[@jinxtacy]

A friend moving to NY asked me if I wanted to buy their M4. It was squealing so replaced a lot of tensioners, pullies, and belts. Turned out to be a bad PCV valve (built into the intake manifold. $600 worth of plastic (It does come with new hardware permanently affixed to the plastic which is cool. Some how it would up taking almost 6 hours to replace. Spent about $1200 on it and fixed the noise, but I gave it back to her. Had no idea how cramped working on an inline RWD could be and how difficult they could make a valve cover gasket job or even spark plugs.

[@TheMadTube]

Rust dust shooting out the plug holes? Nice

[@robertwest3093]

You have definitely found your niche on KZbin! Another great video my friend!

[@bonose12]

How bout a grandfather chain cutter restoration video. That thing is righteous! Glad to hear you can sell some parts off this. Your time with us is worth that resale value. Great job Eric.

[@dougrobinson8602]

When I brought my 128i in for the Takata airbag recall, the service manager told me to stay away from anything with an N20. Amazingly, the timing chain guides on this one were not worn out. That leads me to think this is either not a high mileage engine, or they've been replaced. Those rod bearings didn't look great.

[@jackc5293]

Interesting engine with the design of valvetronic as well as how they chose to isolate the fuel injectors and spark plug tubes from the rest of the head. This may be my overactive hoarding instinct but I get the sense in 10-20 years some people would have been interested in some of those mint looking timing chain guides that get chucked when the replacements are ether bad or non-existent... I know they always get replaced if there needs to be a timing service due to the time and labor cost but I could see that part on some engine being the linch pin on a restore job.

[@alexstromberg7696]

None is going go restore the cars that have these engines

[@davep2945]

Yeah, all these luxury manufacturers went to 10,000 mile oil change intervals when they started offering oil changes as part of the initial service package that came with the car. It was never in the best interest of maintenance or longevity. I was just marketing to dangle a carrot in front of the consumer and then trying to pay as little for that carrot as possible.... consequences be darned.

[@garytull7730]

Another great informative video. Especially love when you comment about a part that's in perfect shape and then we hear it being flung across your shop 🤣

[@Mickytdi]

My 2.0 TDI (240bhp) oil changes are every 10k. I now have 160k. Engine still like new and no oil burning between changes.

[@brianpatten]

Aw yay, glad to see the drift arrived! Hope it serves you well, Eric. Thanks for this and the many, many videos you've put out. Keep up the great work!

[@mikespoelker8963]

In addition to a piece of brass bar stock, I keep a piece of 1/2" hard copper water line in my tool box for tapping rods and pistons out. Slip it over the rod bolt and tap it with a hammer. Gives me enough control to make sure the rod doesn't hang up on the bottom of the cylinder bore. Cheap and works great.

[@rayshutsa6690]

I have always had my oil changed religiously at 5k. I never had a problem with smoking out the tailpipe or oil consumption. I have a Honda accord 2008 with 202 808 km and never added oil between changes. I am very happy you have a lot of good parts.

[@Slaktrax]

I agree with you, though the E30's from 1984 to 1990 were damn good. My first one was a 1985 2-door 323i. If anything it was better built than the following two E30 325i's I owned (1986 4-door, 1987 2-door). All told about 330,000 miles with all three car's mileages added together and no significant problems, didn't have to replace anything mechanical. Loved the M20 engines, loved the cars, they drove really nicely. The 1988 cars were the first ones fitted with cats in the EU and were slightly softer.

[@johnjunge6989]

Glad your viewers get to see what a mechanic goes through to fix an engine now days, no longer a Back Yard mechanics job!

[@Techformative557]

I have a 2013 X3 Xdrive28i with the N20 and I change the oil based on season. Pennzoil 5W-30 in the summer and Pennzoil 0W-30 Euro LX in the harsh winter. I only use it around town so sometimes there's less than 1000 miles between oil changes. Its not a waste in my eyes as the 0W-30 helps a whole lot starting in winter. Oil changes do not have to be pricey if you learn how to do them yourselves. I am a mechanic and I believe anyone can learn basic maintenance and save money.

[@benderr424]

Those years of training came in handy when using that small rod fuel injector tool

[@I_Do_Cars]

Took me a second but 😂

[@garymeredith2441]

Eric I think you made a good point when you took apart this engine . You like me we tend to like the older engines better than the newer engines and that's because he's a new engines are just so damn complicated I mean look at the valvetrain in that engine you just took apart . I like the late seventies all through the '80s and early 90s engines they're not as complicated as the ones made now , I like the older engines a lot better than the new engines that's just my opinion and I think a lot of people will back me up , as always keep up these great videos I look forward to watching them each week .

[@thomasperina2990]

Eric, I must agree with all of the comments below concerning oil change / fluid replacement but that's the MARKETING DEPT FOR THE ULTINATE DRIVING MACHINE BS. Thank you for another wonderful video sir but best if all how is you new baby doing ???? ❤️ congrats Eric. My best to all TMP from N.J.

[@Misha2293]

Try to find a 2ZR-FAE or 3ZR-FAE, they both use a VVL system on the intake cam (Vavlematic) that is powered by a electric motor that is known to fail that is similar to BMW's Vavletronic system.

[@timlee4204]

Wow that valve control? What a jumble sale to put together! Give me a Model T Ford gearbox any day! I loved working on the old engines from yesteryear, spent many years as a mechanic on buses, even screaming jimmies, or 1960s Leyland lay on its side engines. Thanks Eric, keep up the good work. Ted from down under.

[@Karmaru15]

Finally getting to see the engine I have in my car here, for better or worse. "They are kinda buzzy" is an understatement, the N20 noise is notorious among other things.

[@user-ie4kp7ni9d]

How’s the timing chain doing

[@tally5k339]

The direct injection 4s sure are noisy. I've got the VW group EA888 in my car, and it sounds like a bag of bolts from up front. You'd think it was some kind of deeply concerning valvetrain noise if you were coming from a port injected car. Plus it's got a single mass flywheel in it now so it sounds even more broken at idle, lol

[@ubuntuisawsome100]

@@user-ie4kp7ni9d Any N20/N26 manufactured after 2015 has the revised timing assembly.

[@zek686jes]

I don't know why but I find your tear down videos extremly interesting. Let's do an Abarth 1.4 MultiAir Turbo, plz.

[@plymouth491]

I've also asked for a Fiat engine (any will do) so let's hope we get lucky!

[@TheMohammadsen]

That was so cool to see how the valvetronic works. Thank you for showing us!

[@reubensandwich9249]

Shout out to Brian Patton from Ontario!

[@WilliamBurdine]

100% Agree I have had several e46 BMW's, I now have a 20year old e46 330i with nearly 250k miles on it and it drives perfectly without leaks.... seriously doubt that any of the F or G series will make those miles....even with proper maintenance.

[@bb5242]

Me either. We're at an age of planned obsolescence and there will be no classic BMWs on the roads of the future unless they have total replacement engines and drivetrains and electronic dash consoles. The damn G cars are totally LED screen dash--that shit won't last.

[@xminusone1]

@@bb5242 Reminds me of the 80's fashion of fluorescent digital dashboards. It didn't last for long.

[@joeshmo6176]

rust dust was poofing out the plug holes 😆

[@chrisr897]

10k oil change is nuts, I do 5k on my s55 M3 and 3.0t Q7. But on my VOLT I usually follow the 1.5-2yr the computer says, but it’s just a Chevy and the gas engine rarely even runs, and never very hard. I do send it out for analysis and it’s fine at 120k. FYI for those interested valvetronic uses valve lift to control throttle, bmw said they would ditch the throttle body but they didn’t it’s there but wide open in normal operation. Assume it’s there as a backup and to keep critters out of the engine when parked. Why no throttle body and/or wide open? in a traditional design the throttle body is a large pumping loss at part throttle, so therefore a loss in efficiency.

[@123tylerwebster]

My Ford recommends 10k mile oil changes, I do it myself every 5k miles. Oil change is approximately $35, new engine is several thousand dollars.

[@xminusone1]

It's crazy to recommend oils change at 10k. It's not for the consumer advantage for sure. I never do the mileage but I change it every 6 months or less.

[@captainme721]

I love the carnage teardowns, but for a higher-tech engine pulling apart a mostly-good one is entertaining just to see how the tech is packaged and actually works.

[@BurchellAtTheWharf]

1:40 I say change your engine oil at a max of 5k miles

[@fiatman71]

Love the clouds of dust coming out the plug holes when you barred that over, lol.

[@zkppy]

I'm also a Landcruiser and Bmw Enthusiast.... I have both also. So I completely get this channel..... Nice videos!!

[@charleshuffman6982]

The rod is never long enough in who's tool - oops, forget that. LoL As a retired Aerospace engineer, thanks for showing and explanation the elaborate BMW valve system operation! Plus, thanks for the entertaining narratives in your informative disassembles.

[@volvopentaman]

When talking about oil change intervals several factors should be considered: 1.1 Type of driving, if 100% city MAX 6kmiles/10000km on any car/oil 1.2 If mixed 50/50 city/highway 10k miles/15000km will work with GOOD oil 1.3 If 100% or near all highway 15-20k miles/30000km will work for a good while like 100000-300000km/60-120k miles then you might get sludge problems 2. The type of oil you use 2.1 there are mineral, this should NOT be used on any CAR engine past 1990's unless just flushing the engine! 2.2 Semisynthetic is the same, don't use it on any newer car than 1990's unless flushing or going to just swap it after 1000-2000miles! 2.3 Full synthetic, this is what should be used on 1980's to early 2000's cars that DON'T have a lonlglife system (so all except BMW, VW/Audi/Seat/Skoda, Mercedes) 2.4 Esther based longlife oils, these are the ONLY ones that should be used if going over 6kmiles/10000km oil change intervals! And also only oils that should be used on DPF/PPF cars! These oils can take the 20kMiles/30000km intervals on highway driving. But they can't take it for any amount of time. 3. Engine size Smaller engines need more often oil change because they get strained much more than a big engine in the same car. So if you have a 1,0L 3cyl turbocharged 120hp engine in a normal car it WILL need oil change more often than a 2,0L engine in the same car IF driven the same and has the same oil! 4. Engine oil capacity also plays a big role. A 4cyl 2,0L engine with 3,5L/Quarts oil will need half of the oil change interval than the same engine with 7,0L/Quarts of oil because in the bigger oil capacity there is double amount of oil to carry the unburned fuel that contaminates the oil. Take a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van, they often here have a 4cyl 2,0 or 2,2L engine and 40-50000km oil change interval and 8,8L of engine oil on a 4cyl engine! The older generation had 20-30000km interval but they had only like 5-6L of oil! I have a 1998 Volvo S90 that I did oil changes every 15000km/8800miles very precisely. I did 90% highway. The car now has 395000km/247k miles and the engine has 16bar/230Psi of compression believe it or not! I also have an 2008 Audi A8L W12 with roughly 270k miles/430000km on it, all original engine: Oil change history every 30000km the first 300000km. After that I have changed it every 10-20000km. Engine runs well, compression is good. Car has seen most likely 90% highway as the first oil change was done at 30000km 3MONTHS old! So yes, engines CAN last with those long life intervals BUT NOT in 100% city driving!!! It needs to be highway and constant speed!

[@Orxenhorf]

4:51 - Well, at least it seems to be able to build compression in one cylinder, it the cloud of rust/dirt being thrown out is any indication.

[@RyanKimpel]

It looks like 8 computer controlled mouse traps run the valve train train, or is it valve valve train, hmm.... Watching you tear down things, build things, restore things, clean things, breath on things, sell things, and generally work in your shops is one of my favorite weekly things to do. Keep it up.

[@billjackson4786]

the valvetronic is interesting but also adds complexity. No throttle body, all air flow is controlled by intake valve lift. They say it minimizes pumping losses for efficiency. But when the valvetronic motor and/or eccentric shaft goes, you're looking at a pretty expensive repair. The shaft alone is $1K!

[@realestateeric]

Working on my E30 and E39 was always fun and straightforward. My e92 335i was a pain in the ass. My wife has a e90 328i and while I love the handling, I hate the SULEV valvetronic N51 engine. Not only does it feel choked in both performance and tone from the extra cat, the valvetronic system really takes the fun out of revving it out. My M20 (and later M50) e30 loved to rev and sing to redline. Same with the 540i. The N51 seems to resist it. Perhaps I need to drive an N52.

[@bb5242]

Yeah, the M20 was art. My E30 was a money pit, though.

[@emilschw8924]

All I can think of is that somebody tried to get through a flood (or deep waters), hence the sand everywhere. The engine stalled (probably water shorting out the sparkies) and they assumed it was hydrolocked. As for the wear on the top of the bearings, can this be caused by flat flooring the engine in high gear at low speeds (ASSuming it was a stick drive)?

[@bb5242]

There were no xDrive manuals.

[@billjackson4786]

The pre-2014 versions of the N20 had a known failure that the timing chain guide mounting points (those thin plastic circles) would break and cause catastrophic engine damage. It's well documented and BMW extended the warranty on the engines to 100K IIRC. Anyone who has one of these should replace the chains/guides or you are playing with a loaded gun. The guides were fixed in the 2014 and on model years and are backwards compatible so that when you change them you get the new designs. the timing chain/guides/etc all come out as a cartridge that is held on by a big bolt in the front of the crank. you take that out, it goes through the lower gear and the whole thing lifts out as an assembly so you don't have to break anything. shame about the rust, nothing looked bad on that engine other than normal wear. An easy rebuild if it was clean

[@JomptonCrew]

I’m pretty sure it was 3/2013 and before is where the main problems were

[@ryburnsjr]

Well done my friend..keep up the great work !!!

[@theleedler6884]

Would love to see a supercharged w11 engine out in the early 2000s Mini Cooper S.

[@headcas620]

Or even the dreaded N16 from the R56 S

[@zeroyon4562]

@@headcas620 My neighbour has a modded R56 cooper S, it’s always got something wrong with it. It’s a shame, they could be a neat car.

[@dougrobinson8602]

@@zeroyon4562 I had an R53 MINI Cooper S. It was a riot to drive. No engine issues with my supercharged unit, even after a few mods. I'm glad it went to a good second owner.

[@jaubuchon28]

if you can find one lmfao I didn't think any of those were still alive

[@74charger44]

Maybe a video on how to inspect a engine to see if it was in a flood? With the hurricane, I bet a lot of salt water flooded engines will be popping up.

[@bradhaines3142]

rust in places it isnt normally. the exhaust and anything that gets hot rusts up fast, but anything else rusty is a bad sign

[@alexstromberg7696]

@@bradhaines3142 you havent worked on cars that drive on salted roads

[@bb5242]

That was my first thought--flood car, typical salvage engine guy was like "this is fine." Nope.

[@xminusone1]

@@alexstromberg7696 I live in Québec, Canada and I agree with you. We have 7 months of winter and we couldn't keep a car for more than 5 years in the 80's. Especially Ford and chrysler products. They rusted aways pretty fast. Early Japanese cars too.

[@scottparis6355]

The last engine I tore down was a 1960-something MG 4 cylinder. It had about as many parts altogether as the valve train on this engine.

[@gjforeman]

Watching you dismantle that insane valve train makes me wonder . . . was Rube Goldburg ever a BMW employee? My favorite engines, and the last two I ever went south of the valve covers on, were the Ford 200 cu inch straight sixes in my 65 Mustang and 70 Maverick. Butt simple and tough as nails. Love the videos. I was an electronics service engineer most of my working life, and retired in 2013, but I still love seeing how these modern engines work. Or don't. Thanks for all you do.

[@randywooldridge9064]

Please keep doing Videos We really to enjoy them !

[@ThatGuy-br8py]

I believe starting in 97, BMW engineers added a a minimum 1/8th inch of dirt to the top of the intake manifolds from factory. 🤣

[@seapeddler]

That is one smart engine. The oil pump could also be reconfigured as an oil extraction pump. Thus evolving the oil change procedure.

[@patrickrohlfing2647]

from it happening a number of times with fords. Broken coil boot, shove a straight pick between the boot and the plug and go all the way around to break it free, and then a hook pick to go between the boot and the plug - turn 90* and pull. 60% of the time works every time

[@aboyd1988]

I bought a '01 BMW 325xi with well over 200k miles on it. Put about 50,000 more on it. The only BMW I've ever owned. Other than a few annoying electrical gremlins and shot rear suspension bushings, that car was one if my favs, especially the super smooth engine and surprisingly capable AWD driveline. I have to suspect this engine was from a flood car. It could explain why there was so much dirt, that looked more like sediment, in the cavities. I spy a 1st gen RX7 and is that an old B-series?

[@kinghousebd4748]

“The rod is never long enough” perfect setup for a that’s what she said joke

[@denniswatkins4666]

N/A & Synthetic Oil 10K oil changes are just fine. Turbo Charged or PD blower half that is recommended.

[@Westie_NZ]

I am ALWAYS interested in your teardowns. I am not interested at all in a four cylinder BMW engine (unless it is an S14).

[@djmech3871]

What a dumb statement, read what you write before you send it. Formulate your thoughts better.

[@ghall7763]

Well Rod Berings are a wear item on most newer BMW engines 😂

[@CadexLaw]

No they’re not unless new to you is 15 years ago

[@Jasminethelovelycat]

Grandpa’s chain cutters still work!

[@raphaelgluzman4933]

Loved it. And the subtitles entertained the whole family

[@puncherdavis9727]

Great video and word to the wise. Squirt some wd40 on those cylinder walls when removing the pistons and it might help the Sliiiddee out :)

[@joebologna3490]

Keep the great videos coming. How's the new family member doing? It was good seeing ya out at the Cars and Coffee at Holman Motors

[@liver.flush.maestro]

You should have been able to remove the bolts holding the oil pump to the bottom of the engine and pivot it to remove the chain.

[@mikeytappe]

Can’t wait to see the work on the Lexus behind ya!

[@billchildress9756]

If that valve cover isn't broke that is a VERY EXPENSIVE part too. If you want to do something real fun try replacing the timing chains and guides on 1 of these things. I had to buy the tools to lock the cams and crank down. Doing it in the car is quite an experience if you haven't done 1 yet. That crank bolt is some thing else to get off and back on. Oh yeah.. The tools weren't that pricey the parts are a bit outrageous though.

[@BrianMcGilvray01]

The Prop 65 warning is due to the lead in the brass. It's required for items sold in California...

[@greggc8088]

28:40-Besides the PCV diaphragm rupturing in a valve cover, that's a nice view of why the N20 uses so much oil. BMW "pretty good". I bet you say the same thing about hemorrhoids.

[@xminusone1]

Pretty good because he must make alot of money from them

[@davec6724]

Did some work on my friends 1991 318is and found BWM's to be overly engineered, difficult to work on and short production runs on engines making part availability hard and expensive.

[@bb5242]

@Retired Bore Yeah, the M20 was way better to work on.

[@dorianleclair7390]

Yeah subaru tried saying cvt fluid does not to be changed and that is one big reason they had issues early on.

[@cameronjenkins6748]

One engine I'd like to see a teardown of is one of the first to highlight the problem of oil sludge: the Toyota 1MZ V6. Sure, they're reliable when you have regular oil changes, but even well-maintained ones have some minor sludge in them.

[@jackking5567]

Many years ago at a friends garage they were trying to fix a 'pourous' BMW engine. (can't remember exactly but it was a 2l diesel) Garage mate tried absolutely everything including a new head gasket and all of the work needed during that repair. Finally they tried a desperate attampt at radiator sealant. They left the engine to run and do its heat cycles and as we chatted, the engine spewed milky water everywhere. Their attempts had failed. The borked engine in their car meant the car was written off. A good engine replacement was worth more than the cars value. That shocked me as the car was like new. Will never get a BMW unless on a good lease!

[@Adrianzx]

One of my best customers has an n26 in their 2014 328i The car is set to remind them for an oil change every 7,500 mi and every time I change the oil it's black and has little bits of glitter in it. But they're now at 150,000 mi and it still runs but makes an awful lot of timing chain noise on startup

[@gauravvij67]

My n20 2013 has glitter since 35000 miles and is at 60000 now. 5k mile oil changes with bmw original oil filters. No noise yet. I think the glitter is the chain rubbing on the case alloy occasionally. It's like a powder and not present in the sample but only in last bit out of the sump

[@adotintheshark4848]

The car probably got submerged while parked. That's how the engine took water. So they pulled it and it sat for awhile.

[@acslater2728]

I’ve never listened to the dealers and their maintenance schedules, I’ve always done 4-5k oil changes on my vehicles.

[@justsumguy2u]

I think the water damage was caused by the yard---I don't know of anyone that buys a replacement engine for their vehicle, and then leaves it sit outside in the rain. If I had to guess, that was a high-mileage engine that was making some ominous noises, which caused it to be returned

[@Boasandpythons]

I love my N52 in my 128I. Such a smooth running engine!

[@PleaseExplainMe]

10k .... my new work van has a service interval (1st service) of 50k kilometers... or 31k miles ... I can tell you there is no oil that has some lubrication features left after those distances ...

[@brainndamage]

Mercedes around 2011 and later had some engines with 25k km or 1 year oil change intervals. Now THAT is too much. M270, 271, 274 engines

[@twisted2291]

Flood Car engine or the yard it came from had a flood and it was written off as damage. But that was a lot of rust. So water has been sitting in there for a long time.

[@michaelprice3785]

We have a 2001 325 ci convertible. It is now 23 years old with 89,000 miles.

[@leontinpreda]

good afternoon......the Crankshaft for the N20 engine can be rectified

[@joeemahizerjr6562]

When you’re removing gasolines like that, you do not use a regular wrench you use a line wrench to take them a part

[@harrysmith1986]

Timing chain quide pre 2014 or 2015 builds. Lots of different answers including comments on this Vid.

[@gregoryweber7408]

changing oil at 10k interval? wow, nice to hear you are going to make some money back from that engine, i feel bad watching vid after vid where an engine almost entirely ends up in a scrap bin due to carnage and LACK OF SIMPLE MAINTENANCE thanks again for an educational experience

[@gregoryweber7408]

hey saw your reply

[@xminusone1]

@@gregoryweber7408 It's not him. Look carefully. These channels are scammers.

[@31dknight]

another great teardown video. thanks

[@DongleSama]

Looks like this engine was well maintained before it spent some time under the sea, those timing guides are really good consider the problem they have in these. I think we should call it Sebastion

[@HaralHeisto]

Those are the "new" timing guides, which don't have a problem. Either this engine had the originals replaced before failing catastrophically or it was built in 2015 or later.

[@Chad_Thundercock_]

My 2013 somehow made it to 156k before the guides broke and caused vanos errors. Not a fun job doing the timing in the xdrive, but it was nice buttoning it up and it running 100% again!

[@gnarlykoala]

@@Chad_Thundercock_ 156k miles or kilometers?

[@Chad_Thundercock_]

@@gnarlykoala sorry, Miles!

[@Relicsun]

Those timing guides had been replaced.