Bmw x1 engine stalled in water

[Sid2807]

hey, I’m Siddhant from India my X1 had stalled in water and it has happened before but that time engine flushing and changing oil solved it but this the service centre said there’s less compression in engine and the engine is starting but there was water coming out from exhausts and white smoke which was probably vaporised water tho they say it needs engine replacement is it really not fixable? As last time my car was in a lot more water and I even tried to start the car 3 times, this time I didn’t start it and turned off the engine so it doesn’t do further damage, so can it really cos this much damage to my car or are they just trying to rip my pockets

Would really be helpful to know your thoughts

[RockCrusher]

What if any damage the engine suffered can't be known at a distance. Someone has to get his hands dirty.

One way to approach this would be to drain the oil and change it along with the filter. Ensure the air filter is not water logged and there is no water anywhere in the intake system.

Remove the plugs and crank the engine.

Then perform a cylinder compression check. If compression is down in any or some cylinders the engine is (probably) toast. Probably. Depending upon the damage the engine might be repairable but you would be facing a complete engine tear down and relying upon the mechanic to be able to correctly identify the damage, and if repairable correctly perform the necessary repairs.


If the compression tests ok then new plugs and run the engine.

But whatever you possibly do one thing you must do is avoid water crossings.

[DrVenture]

The above info is perfect. I would add that if you sucked in enough water through the intake to stop the motor, it may not matter that you did not try to start it again. Water doesn't compress, it can do a lot of damage to running engine: pistons, rods, etc. A turbo may push even more water in.

[Sid2807]

Thank you so much, btw is there any chance that only the gasket had blown which is causing less compression and they gave me the repair costs of 10lac Indian rupees or $11000

[starlights]

Originally Posted by Sid2807

Thank you so much, btw is there any chance that only the gasket had blown which is causing less compression and they gave me the repair costs of 10lac Indian rupees or $11000

Doubtful if anyone here can answer that question - take it to a different shop for second opinion. How did the water get in - is that something covered by your insurance?

[Sid2807]

Originally Posted by starlights

Doubtful if anyone here can answer that question - take it to a different shop for second opinion. How did the water get in - is that something covered by your insurance?

The water got In as I was driving in heavy rain and there was water filled on road the water level was below front license plate - they say they dont cover mechanical and electrical wear and tear parts so I’m shocked what does it even cover then

[DanG]

You need to read this thread: https://f87.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=2109349

[starlights]

Originally Posted by Sid2807

The water got In as I was driving in heavy rain and there was water filled on road the water level was below front license plate - they say they dont cover mechanical and electrical wear and tear parts so I’m shocked what does it even cover then

Understood. I would certainly not classify this as wear and tear - it is related to the occurrence of a specific weather event (rain) and poor maintenance of roads (water logging). by local authorities. However, that said, only you can read through the fine print of your insurance policy to determine if this should be covered. If weather events are covered then it will be up to you to push back with your insurance agency.

Partly, it's also on BMW that their cars cannot handle driving through urban water logging. Lastly, now you know - you own a BMW therefore you should not be driving through water . Get a Jeep for that.

[DrVenture]

Reading that linked thread, it comes to mind to know where your air intake is located on any given model. I just looked at my M550 and it appears to be about centered in the grill openings FWIW.

My concern would be hitting an isolated deep puddle without knowing it was there. That has happened to me a few times when commuting years ago, but in an SUV.

[starlights]

Originally Posted by DrVenture

Reading that linked thread, it comes to mind to know where your air intake is located on any given model. I just looked at my M550 and it appears to be about centered in the grill openings FWIW.

My concern would be hitting an isolated deep puddle without knowing it was there. That has happened to me a few times when commuting years ago, but in an SUV.

Me too

Also wondering how would Hybrids fare especially if the battery has a chance to be exposed to water...

[Sid2807]

Thank you so much guys insurance agreed for the claim never driving in water again 😭

[starlights]

Originally Posted by Sid2807

Thank you so much guys insurance agreed for the claim never driving in water again 😭

Awesome that this worked out well for you! You may want to keep a Mahindra in your garage for the rainy days . Good luck with repairs.

[geko29]

Originally Posted by starlights

Me too

Also wondering how would Hybrids fare especially if the battery has a chance to be exposed to water...

Hybrid batteries are typically VERY well sealed.

[zx10guy]

Originally Posted by geko29

Hybrid batteries are typically VERY well sealed.

For typical splashing and such, yes. Being submerged in water....not so much.