2003 BMW M5
What Happened:
On August 1 I had the M5 out for a local ride, about 30 minutes later, after noticing a very rough idle I pull the car back into my garage and before shutting it down I gave it a little rev to see if the rough idle might smooth out, “bang” and the engine quits. I am surprised to say the least, but still not fully aware of what just happened.
I thought Id let it cool down and then put my OBD scanner on and see what codes I could read that might cause the rough idle.
First shock!! I insert the key to start and nothing, try a couple more times nothing. I get the 18″ breaker bar with the crankshaft socket and try to turn the engine over by hand, nothing, won’t turn. Holy shit the engine is locked up.
With the car jacked up I proceed to remove the lower oil pan, pretty easy to do, I put my socket on the oil drain plug and start to remove it. I get the rag ready to grab the oily plug and “surprise surprise” coolant comes flowing out of the oil drain, a lot of it. I’m in shock.
OK, so what do we know. OBD codes read said that cylinder 8 had a misfire if firing at all. So I pull no. 8 plug, its an oily mess with what looks like pieces of metal in and in between the electrode. What I have to assume is that the no. 8 rod probably had a bearing failure causing the cap to break or just come off while the engine was running launching the pieces thru the cylinder wall into the water jacket.
The only thing we know for sure is that something broke inside the engine causing a puncture of the cylinder wall into the coolant jacket. No matter which cylinder and specifically what broke matters little, we will need a new/used engine.
I have been working on this car for almost 2 years dumping a lot of money fixing everything and anything making things like new. See separate list of work done. For instant a valve job with new valves and seals, rebuilt Vanos units (Dr Vanos).
I am hartbroken about this car and do not have the energy to finish this and want out as is.
The interior is near perfect and is a BMW option that you almost never see its Black leather surrounds and faux ostrich inserts. Nappa leather that’s been stamped to look like ostrich.
The back seat folds down and also has a ski pass thru.
This car would be perfect for someone that has the facility where he can do a lot of the work himself.
2003 BMW M5 Maintenance Record
Date Mileage Work Done Cost
07/12/2023 131478 Replaced the clutch switch with $72.00 correct one to fix cruise control issue.
06/24/2023 131465 Remove and replace power steering lines and Replaced the fluid with CH11 $124.0
05/23/2023 131442 Replaced all 3 hood release Bowden cables $75.00
05/13/2023 131435 Change 3 Bowden cables for hood latch $25.00
03/10/2023 131410 Oil Change and lower pan gasket. $103.73
7qts Liqui Moly 10w 60 & filter.
02/17/2023 130935 R&R transmission front seal, engine rear seal, $1436.06
Clutch and pilot bearing and slave cylinder.
07/18/2022 130533 Total German Performance, Largo, FL $904.64
Flex Joint Propeller shaft coupling Remove and replace
05/05/2021 129289 Total German Performance, Largo, FL $8012.49
Installed 4 Vanos units, heads valve regrind
New intake and exhaust valves, total assembly
And tune.
01/25/2021 128750 Replaced 5 vacuum vent and return hoses $129.81
01/19/2021 4 Rebuilt Vanos units and gears by Dr. Vanos $2578.00
12/17/2020 Auto Styles 3947 Tampa Rd, Oldsmar FL
35% life time carbon window tint, remove old tint. $243.00
12/10/2020 Replaced non-working radio screen and $437.00 navigation, Music system. With a Eonon 7 HD
Android head unit.
10/03/2020 128546 Took ownership of car.
08/15/2020 128124 Installed new battery
05/17/2017 Auto Zone, Naples FL. Duralast Gold Battery $154.99
01/04/2017 89941 Fields BMW of Daytona FL $233.45
Replaced windshield moldings
29 – point Vehicle Inspection
Tire inspection
11/19/2015 95258 Reliable Auto Repair, Daytona FL $564.45
BMW oil service w/motorsports 10w60 oil
Coolant Flush
Install Customers fuel vent valve
Labor clear engine code
Resurface rear brake rotors
03/24/2015 Replaced sun shade slider kit $141.95
Blower motor and control unit (E-box Fan) $68.89
03/06/2015 88634 Reliable Auto Repair, Daytona FL $963.61
Replace thermostat, gasket, coolant.
Replace right rear door latch.
09/18/2014 83343 Discount Tire, Daytona FL $868.79
Install 4 Michelin Pilot Sport A/S
Staggered, front 245/40-18, rear 275/35-18
06/30/2014 81436 Reliable Auto Repair, Daytona FL $605.19
Right front door doesn’t open, replace right
Front door latch and handle carrier.
11/14/2013 75075 Reliable Auto Repair, Daytona FL $622.76
BMW oil service Motorsports 10w60 oil
Rear differential fluid leak replace pinion seal.
02/19/2013 69331 Reliable Auto Repair, Daytona FL $319.50
BMW oil service w/motorsports 10w60 oil
Install customers front rotors and pads
Check power steering leak, tension clamps
Add fluid.
04/11/2013 70031 Evens Auto Sales, Daytona Beach, FL. $356.37
Replace center link & alignment
05/04/2012 62914 Reliable Auto Repair, Daytona FL $745.50
BMW Inspection II completed
R&R Cabin filters, spark Plugs, oil service,
Air filters K & N filters
01/08/2010 34846 Reliable Auto Repair, Daytona FL $509.28
BMW oil service motorsport syn. Oil
Misfire, found 2 ignition coils bad,
replaced #4 and #8 coils / boots, Road test
and clear codes
12/02/2008 31964 Reliable Auto Repair, Daytona FL $95.85
BMW oil service BMW syn oil 5w30
2003 BMW M5 