Z3m Coupe - s50 engine problems

[Maxf]

A good friend bought an S50 z3mc the other weekend. All hunkydory for a little while, then it developed some kind of engine issue described to me as the revs appearing like a 'fked clock' - in terms of the rev needle, rather than the sound.

He's taken it to BMW who says 2 cylinders are only running at 30% (or have lost 30% - he wasnt too clear) and it would require a new engine!

I suppose any comment would be appreciated, but really -

Are there any known issues with the s50 engine, which lead to this?

Is a new engine the only option if the diagnosis is correct?

Is there a known M power specialist near to Swindon who might take a look, with less 'money' eyes than the main dealer its in with at the moment?

Thanks all

[belleair302]

Emtec BMW in Sailsbury have a great reputation as good quality specialists.

[falkster]

Without being harsh to any BMW tech on here, you wouldnt take an M car especially an older one to a dealer. I took mine to 3 dealers before finding my current (of 8 years specialist) and they were lost as to what to do with it because you cant just plug them in! (I know the s50 can be though).

[jonttt]

Sounds suspiciously like the easiest / most expensive diagnosis to me.

I think the idea of getting a good specialist to take a look is the next step.

May also be worth getting your mate to post up on Z3mcoupe.com as there are some pretty technical guys on there who may have some logical ideas what the issue may be?