BMW 320i Fuel Pressure Problem & Oil Contamination Causing Engine Failure
This BMW 320i was not starting at all and needed to be towed to GP Motor Works.
Initial computer diagnostic investigation revealed the car had many problems. We traced several faults to a problem with the fuel pressure being too low. In order to start the car the fuel pressure needs to be at least 40 bar and the pressure gauge clearly showed the pressure was far too low (5bar).
Further investigation showed the fuel pump lifter and fuel pump arm on the high pressure pump were broken. Once these were replaced we were able to start the car. However, the engine was extremely noisy.
We then stripped the sump and discovered the oil was badly contaminated. The big end bearings were excessively worn. We continued to strip the engine and found hairline cracks on the threads where the spark plugs screw in to the cylinder head. The cylinders were also out of round (oval) and the crank needed to be replaced.
BMW 320i Engine Rebuild
We spoke to the owner and told him it was not economical to repair this engine. However, due to affordability issues, the client requested we source second hand parts where possible and to rebuild the engine.
We were able to find good quality second hand parts and proceeded to rebuild and recondition the engine. The head was skimmed. New valves, guides, bearings, pistons, water pumps, fuel pump, gaskets and seals were fitted. The crank was polished. Fresh BMW oil was used.
As we have written about before, dirty and badly contaminated oil is extremely destructive in an engine. We have seen many cars with catastrophic engine failure caused by the lack of oil maintenance as well as using the correct oils!!!
If you do nothing else CHANGE YOUR OIL REGULARLY!