525i BIG Problems! - BMW Forum

muaythaibangkok · 02-20-2011, 07:31 PM

Help Please!

My son ran my 2003 525i without enough coolant. Then he ran the car into a curb.

A "friend of a friend of a friend" who is a part time mechanic at the local BMW dealer looked at the car.

His conclusions:

- Blown cylinder head gasket -
- Possible warped cylinder head -
- Ruptured radiator overflow tank -
- Bent lower control arm -
- (Also, broken rear tail light assembly) -

He estimated the cost for a private repair at $3500 minimum ... possibly a lot more.

He also offered me $500 for the car, as is.

I'm not very mechanically inclined, but I'm not comfortable with this.

What do you think? Any insight would REALLY be appreciated!!

witeshark · 02-20-2011, 07:59 PM

To start, I'd say don't accept that offer without a lot more info.

JayArras · 02-21-2011, 04:34 PM

Gee, that really sucks, but that mechanic seems a little too quick to offer to purchase, which indicates that your bill may not be quite as high as he said. If you can have it towed to another facility that repairs BMWs, have them give you a comprehensive estimate. It may cost you a hundred bucks or so (which they should apply toward repair), but you'll have peace of mind of the actual cost.

Let us know how you make out, and good luck!

gidgaf · 02-22-2011, 03:57 PM

A simple compression checker gauge can tell you a lot about your head gasket.
Before I'd think about spending $3500 I'd do a leak down test, and look at the oil for water and the water for oil.
We have a plague of those "friendofafriendofafriend" mechanics out here in LA. They work for a dealer, who doesn't want the liability of selling a car like that. The mechanic buys the car and does some quick fixes, the dealer gets a commission on the parts and shop space, the mechanic sells the car as a private citizen, the paperwork hasn't been changed so you aren't buying the car from the real owner like you think, and the mechanic gets a new throwaway phone every couple months.

a22ozbottle · 02-23-2011, 10:31 PM

I feel that you must get a second opinion. Locate a well known BMW repair shop that has a credable reputation if possible. Have them check it out. It may cost a little over $100.00 dollars but that amount is nothing compared to what you could lose if that 1st guy is trying to rip you off.... Good luck... Let us know how it comes out