Hey guys,

I've been active on 3-series BMW forums in the past (previously Topaz Blue e46 M3, now Montego Blue e90 335i, thus the user name), but this is my first time on the 5 series side. Quick question for the members here regarding my father's 550i...

The car is an 06 550i with 80k miles on it. Recently it started intermittently blowing significant smoke from the exhaust. Dealer took a look at it and said its burning oil, recommended replacing both the left and right heads and the head gaskets for a cost of $10,000

Question: Have any members here run into something similar? The car has been well maintained and is just out of extended CPO warranty (expired in Feb). Frankly I'm shocked that this happened before 100K. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

did they even bother to look at the crankcase ventilation valves? I'd certainly get a second opinion.

 

Try another dealer or indy shop for a 2nd opinion as suggested by other

 

Second opinion is definitely the plan. They said something was wrong with the PCV valves. Not sure why they need to replace both heads and gaskets. Seems like huge overkill to me. I was just curious if other 550 owners have had similar issues with the engine (i.e. is this a "known issue" or did we just get lucky?)

 

That seems a bit over the top ... I presume they did a complete diagnostic to confirm the cause of the symptom (smoke) was heads and gaskets. At 80K miles / 6 years, unless the car was run hot/overheated I'd have them call in BMWNA. I expect a BMW, serviced "by the book" wouldn't suffer a near-death engine failure

 

I had mine machined last year, as well as new head gaskets, new valley pan and mid pipe, new timing chain covers as well all to the tune of $4500 so yea, a second opinion is needed!

 

I checked with a good indy shop here in town. They quoted $3-4K to pull the intake, clean out the heads and the intake, and replace any broken gaskets. Looks like a much better option.

 

Since this was a CPO, call BMW corporate and see if they can help. Things like these could have been (sometimes) picked up by a dealer during service but weren't. Sometimes they will cover service and charge you for parts.

 

Try replacing these. Cheap and most likely your problem.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/221042892052..._fvi=1&vxp=mtr