BMW 318i Coupe (2012) Engine Seized!

[Progressive]

As per the title really, engine seizure on a 2012 BMW 318i Coupe. Driving fine then cut out. Wouldn't turn over, unresponsive. Diagnosed by trusted independent today. No further information from him yet, apart from it would be very expensive to work through the issues and repair the current engine. He said that the engine is seized and the crankshaft would not turn.

Having the repair undertaken by BMW will be uneconomical I suspect (awaiting a quote). Independent naturally cannot guarantee where he is fitting a used engine. I am also unfamiliar with the 'breaker's yard' approach recommended by a couple of mechanically-minded mates.

With the condition and mileage it is probably worth around £9,000 when running.

What is the conventional wisdom here please?

[spreadsheet monkey]

Progressive said:

As per the title really, engine seizure on a 2012 BMW 318i Coupe. Driving fine then cut out. Wouldn't turn over, unresponsive. Diagnosed by trusted independent today. No further information from him yet, apart from it would be very expensive to work through the issues and repair the current engine. He said that the engine is seized and the crankshaft would not turn.

Having the repair undertaken by BMW will be uneconomical I suspect (awaiting a quote). Independent naturally cannot guarantee where he is fitting a used engine. I am also unfamiliar with the 'breaker's yard' approach recommended by a couple of mechanically-minded mates.

With the condition and mileage it is probably worth around £9,000 when running.

What is the conventional wisdom here please?

Conventional wisdom will depend on:

How long have you had the car?
Who/Where did you buy it from?
What's the service history like?

[Progressive]

Of course! I didn't get round to including that information, though it probably doesn't improve matters!

- Owned the car four years.

- Purchased privately, so no warranty.

- Serviced for the past four years by said independent.

[Touring442]

The N43 of death. The normal cause for seizure is that the timing chain guides have been breaking up and the bits block the oil strainer in the sump. It can be the oil pressure solenoid but when they fail the engine goes to a default setting.

Sadly these engines are dreadful and your story is all too common. A good used engine is required, and make sure it has a new chain and guide set up fitted. The bare engine is the same basic unit as the 320i, 2.0 N43.