Hi, I'm new to this forum and I joined to get some thoughts on my 2022 GLS450 needing an engine replacement after driving 20k miles. To make a long story short, I noticed engine oil leaking from the engine and the dealer is telling me that the whole engine needs to be replaced. I don't know too much about what's involved in swapping out an engine but sounds like a major work. If there are any one with a similar experience, I would like to know if your car is still stable and drivable. Also, do you think it's better to get a new car instead? I'm just worried what other problems I may run into after replacing the engine. Thank you guys in advance.

 

Do you intend to get extended warranty?
Honestly, if I were in your position, I'd get another car...

 

While an engine replacement is not a small job, it isn't that scary. I'd actually much rather have the entire engine replaced then them try to replace internal components of the engine itself. You'll have an engine that is 2 years newer and 20k less miles than what you have now. Wouldn't really bother me. If they mess up installing replacement (which is possible I guess) , any issues will show up pretty quickly. Shouldn't be any long term problems that aren't apparent in the short-term.

Think everyone would prefer a new car over an older one with a new engine, but that probably doesn't make much sense financially. Personally, would let them do the engine replacement and drive it for a bit. If no issues, show up, think you can feel good about having 20k less on the engine.

 

Is this something that could show up on Carfax? If so, I'd get rid of it ASAP due to perceived diminished value!

 

1. Did you buy the car or lease it?
2. What did the dealer say is the cause of the oil leak? Where was the oil leaking out of the engine? e.g. What component failed?

 

Definitely possible an and an excellent point. I think you'll get many people that won't worry about warranty work such as this, but there likely going to be buyers who it would scare away. If the OP generally trades in cars I wouldn't worry about it as much, but on a private sale, it could be a flag to at least some potential buyers and something to consider.

 

I was looking for used before I bought new and I only considered cars w/a clean Carfax...

 

If this did show up on Carfax, I'd be curious about the mileage it would show up as. Clearly, having a new engine is nice, but presumably it would still show 20k miles to reflect on wear and tear of other parts?

 

Makes sense, but depends on your definition of "clean". Warranty work will not impact all the green checkmates you get from carfax. But the service records will be listed in various detail. For example, I bought mine used and saw this:




Other than the open recall, all is "clean".

However, when looking at the detailed service records you see:


Something was clearly going on with the car. It was there in Feb for service, again in March (I think for just change out of snow tires back to summer tires), again in May, in June for the 10k service, and back in 2 weeks later. The only notes you see there are the "engine/powertrain computer module" checked and reprogrammed twice. No idea if that was all for one problem or a few. It was a certified Pre-owened with 4 years left on the initial + CPO warranties, and seemed to have no issues so I bought it. An engine replacement might not look that different (or it might say engine replaced, not sure). 2 years later, rock solid.

Either way, it is still definitely something to consider as some buyers will see it and be scared, but also think "normal enough" that some won't care, and suspect dealers won't care at all in trade (although I obviously can't speak for all dealerships).

 

The car and odometer will keep the original miles as you are correct, they all have that wear on it.

 

Until the OP comes back and gives more details, I call BS on the post. If the engine is so badly damaged that it needs to be replaced entirely, then I doubt an oil leak is the only symptom here. Leaks happen, seals / gaskets can be bad, but they're replaceable on their own, and certainly not nearly as hard or as expensive as replacing an entire engine. Sorry, but at this point, I don't buy this 1 singular post.

Wonder if I went over to the BMW forum, created a name, and posted the same thing and then never came back.....

 

Well, I'm not a car expert or a technician so that's why I posted to see if anybody else had the same issue. Believe it or not, my car is getting an engine swap due to the engine oil leaking and apparently there's an internal seal that is cracked or broken and they are unable to repair it because it would involve disassembly of the whole engine. Maybe the dealer is not telling the whole story? who knows.

 

Hmmm, sorry to hear about the ordeal OP, do you mind posting the work order, curious to see the work involved, including the parts and labour.

 

Did you buy the car or lease it?

What exactly did the dealer say failed? Which internal part or seal?

 

I bought it about 1.5 yr ago. It's a ball valve that's causing the oil leak. If would appreciate any comments/thoughts. Thanks!

 

Ouch! And thanks for responding back with updates. Hard sometimes to tell who is serious and who is just planting seeds. I would have to say that your engine is perhaps that 1 out of 10,000 anomalies here, assuming the issue is a manufacturing defect (which can and does happen sometimes). I can’t say that I haven't heard of such a thing on MB cars, but usually seems more towards the highly strung AMG engines. Most recent was a fee years ago (3) on a neighbor’s E53s, believe was a 2018 or 2019. Engine ate itself within 12 months and not a lot of miles. Something internal went nuts.

 

So it took 3wks to change the engine and picking it up tomorrow. Hopefully it will hold up without any other issues. I’m attaching the work order and I would appreciate any comments/thoughts. Thanks!

 

WOW!! Hopefully the karma gods realize they owe you one, and you’ll have decades of flawless enjoyment!

thanks for sharing and keeping us in the loop!

 

Thank you for sharing the work order, glad the work is finally done so you can enjoy the vehicle.

 

They won't tell you, but I would be curious what led MB to tell the technician to replace the engine based on finding leaks at the check *****. Unless that is a clear sign of an internal oiling system issue.

However, I will say that is better than many other manufacturers would do. Many would want the technician to tear into the engine to make internal repairs or something other than putting an entirely new engine. I would say MB service is doing their best to completely solve the issue for you.