F11 535D N57 Engine failure!

[Touring442]

There are plenty of crank dramas on these as well now, particularly the twin turbo. Basically - as with the N47 - it's not as strongly engineered as its predecessor.

[rayyan171]

Doesn't help at all that the chains are placed at the back as well. Maybe some independents will start to do reasonably priced timing chain changes in the future, but as of now I am not so sure. We are seeing it on the E70 up to 2013, I wonder if it will arise from the F15 X5/BMW's from 2013 onwards, as they do use the same engines. Disappointing from BMW, the chains are generally strong points on 6 cylinder engines. We very nearly got a facelift X5 with the N57, but opted for the earlier as, 3 years ago, people were hinting at chain issues, so went with a pre-LCI with more options. Glad to have done so.

[Ninja59]

I think the reality with so many cars is that chains will need changing. Equally nearly all the more recent engines are rear chains due to pedestrian injury protection (mercedes have moved the chains to the back on the new modular i6)

As an n57 with the twin turbo I have seen a number of crank failures. But I know a number had remaps, that being said not all of them.

For me it boils down to oil changes being far too infrequent.

[TiminYorkshire]

Is the m57 as found in the 635d generally more reliable with regards to major failure?

[helix402]

Yes, the M57 in all varieties is more reliable than the N57. I ran one to 250k miles without issues, my current one is on 150k ish.

[JakeT]

I had an old 530d that was a good old bus, over 230,000 miles on it and it was dead fine. I had a 330d on 100k and it was fine, too. They eat thermostats for breakfast though, so use the hidden dash menus to make sure it gets to temperature. If they don't the DPF won't regen and fuel economy will be a bit poo.

[sams255]

I just had an engine failure on my n57 f11 2012 with 180k miles. Same rattling noise turns out it was oil starvation in cylinder 3. Bent crank, con rod, valves in cylinder 3. needs a full rebuild.

N57 suffers with oil Pump failure which causes big end / crank issues. My chains were in Good condition and tight. The engine builders are seeing more oil pump failures in n57 which is causing issues in 1 cylinder. Had it dealer serviced from beginning but I don't see BMW offering good will at 180k oil changes every 10k as well

Edited by sams255 on Friday 1st November 23:45

[Trekster]

I am considering preventative maintenance once my warranty expires (335D N57) As mentioned, more and more bearing failures happening, mapped and unmapped cars, many being low mileage as well. I read, its the main crankshaft bearings which fail as opposed to rod bearings (engineer). Also read its down to oil starvation although some inspections have ruled this out as a cause, so I am not entirely sure what is the reason(s) for these failures. Some have mentioned long oil service intervals but some failings are on very well maintained engines as well.

It would be good to know exact causation in order to avoid issues; oil pump, bearings etc. Looks like no clear definite cause as of yet.

Edited by Trekster on Sunday 18th April 13:06