[snlget]

Hey guys,

hope everyone is doing well.
I have a few quick questions/background info.

I have a rebuilt salvage 2011 550i 4.4 v8. Because the vehicle is rebuilt it will not be accepted in the BANG class action. Additionally the dealer has already done that "customer service package" regardless my engine is shot.

Is there any alternative motors that can be installed or replaced?
Im seeing used motors in like the 8k range.

I love driving the car but is there any possible way to find an engine closer to the 2k range or any other alternatives?

[550iFreak]

What's up with the engine?

Putting another n63 would be your best course of action.

Reason being is if you are wanting to put a different engine like the n54 6 cylinder or the n20 4 cylinder, there is ALOT of converting in terms of electronics.

Basically saying, you'll need a donor car to swap it all out....which isnt effective.

You can get just the long block for cheaper price and swap the accessories over.

Are you willing to keep the car long term or is this to repair and sell?

[Thecastle]

Whats wrong with the engine? have you considered repairing it?

Given that its a 2011 with a salvage title, maybe its time to move on to another vehicle?

[snlget]

So the shop i took it to told me that there is a lose rod. and the engine is very clearly knocking.

Honestly i would love to drive it for at least another 3-5 years maybe longer so it wouldnt be a fix and dump. its my first bmw so kinda have a sentimental value to it. plus if i pay to fix it i'd only sell at a significant loss (salvage title) so might as well drive it myself

Originally Posted by 550iFreak

What's up with the engine?

Putting another n63 would be your best course of action.

Reason being is if you are wanting to put a different engine like the n54 6 cylinder or the n20 4 cylinder, there is ALOT of converting in terms of electronics.

Basically saying, you'll need a donor car to swap it all out....which isnt effective.

You can get just the long block for cheaper price and swap the accessories over.

Are you willing to keep the car long term or is this to repair and sell?

[ezaircon4jc]

Sounds like a used/rebuilt/short block is in your future.

[snlget]

i just got off the phone with a local bmw dealer
honestly great people

they quoted me (just over the phone so roughly)
3800 for a shortblock motor and roughly 3-3.5k labor
so he said expect to put in 10k

2 year unlimited mile warranty on the parts

he did try to sell me on the job saying that i could flip this easily with a new motor backed by bmw paperwork, but he didnt know that it has a salvage title lol (at this point im not trying to make money just get as close to even/possibly have the car for 3-5 or more :P years to drive)

complete truth i got the car for 7.5k it has 104k miles now
same car similar mileage clean title looks like theyre selling for anywhere from 11-13.5ish

for 10k i could just sell what i have for whatever its worth and get another one with a better motor :P

What would you guys do in similar positions?

[paul223]

You will have same issues eventually with another car if it has same engine. If you put in new block in current car, it will be reliable for few years.

[Thecastle]

so basically you gambled with a savlage. Got some time out of it, and a big discount. Move on. I've purchased a branded title vehicle before. It worked for me but I knew what I was getting into. Once branded, you'll never get your money back for an engine swap. I'd say sell it as a project (full disclosure) to someone else for 4K and spend your 10K on a 14K BMWs. If you had an accident it would be instantly totaled by insurance.

Since its a salvage, why was it a salvage.

[marmit2017]

Put the new block in, sell it, and get a 14'+ 550. You'll get a little better reliability out of the updated v8. But that's deff a good deal