Mechanic gave me car with no oil in engine!

[Bret Goodfellow]

Sorry - I didn't see the .

Either way, get an oil sample. Quick Google search = https://www.blackstone-labs.com/free-test-kits.php

$28 for piece of mind or $28 to use as evidence that you need a stripdown.

Most people know that most engine wear is caused in the first 10 seconds, so starting an engine without oil is a big no-no.

Thanks Pingu. I have ordered my kit. I did take the //M to the mechanic this morning, and he performed a compression test. All cylinders were above 150 psi. No air leak down was performed. The owner also is guaranteeing the motor for 10,000 miles. He also replaced the intake camshaft position sensor for free ($450 job). The owner does want to work with me, and I can tell he is freaked out about his mechanic and what he did. But still, even with all the owner has done, I'm still really concerned about my z3 //M Roadster. Geesh.

 

[Redline]

Failing to put oil in when they’ve been paid to do that makes them 100% liable I would have thought. As a consequence they’re liable for any consequences. Manufacturers always point to any minor discrepancy on servicing as a way of avoiding fixing a problem.
Their failure has considerably devalued the value of your car.
Short of a complete strip down and rebuild there is no way of determining the extent of the damage. An oil test is only an indicator and not proof one way or the other.
You could sit tight on a lifetime underwriting of any future damage. That though would be worthless if they go bust or sold unless you have it writing that any liability is also transferred. 2 years isn’t very long.

Their problem is that it is no ordinary engine.
Just doing a compression test in no way absolves them of liability for more likely and potentially deep seated damage, so, under no circumstances accept that as reparation.

Personally, I wouldn’t accept anything less than payment for a complete strip down and replacement of any parts that are likely to have suffered damage (bearing shells, piston rings etc) plus a full inspection and replacement of other parts showing signs of damage - all by a BMW specialist. That’s a minimum. I doubt you could get a new engine. A refurbished unit also carries risk.

Do not use the car if possible to prevent any further problems or anything that they can point back to you.

Alternatively, ask them to buy the car at full market value and buy another one. Leave them with the problem.

My most important point is :- Seek legal advice ASAP.
While we have opinions, our musings on your problem are just that. It just our opinion and you shouldn’t act upon it and it alone. While we are knowledgeable, we are not taking the risk and cannot be responsible for what might happen six months down the line.
What we say might sound sensible but you need clear legal advice from someone with commercial contract experience within your legal system.
Get advice also from an automotive engineer too. They will be able to tell you potential consequences and give you advice.

Hope that helps.

 

[Pingu]

If it were my stupid mistake, I'd live with it. It's not your mistake, it is the garage's mistake - not the mechanic's.

I doubt that you will see the consequences of this action, unless you are planning keeping the car for a long, long time.

In my opinion, they have turned an engine that should last 200,000 miles into one that will last 150,000 miles.

 

[Ianmc]

The S54 engine (assuming that this is) was recalled in the USA for possible main (crankshaft) bearing failure, caused by faulty oil pumps on some batches, after many thousands of miles. Pumps and bearings were replaced as part of the recall I understand. Other than that possible exception, the engines are "bullet proof", being hand build race engines. Mine has covered over 230K miles, albeit with fastidious maintenance including regular oil changes. That said, driving a car for 350 yards, presumably at low revs as the engine was cold, and it being likely that some oil remained around critical components (including vanos which runs at 1800 psi), significant damage seems unlikely to me. I would wager that this is not the first time an engine has been started before the oil has been replenished in a garage! Even with a drained sump, some oil remains around engine components. Was the red oil level light illuminated? If there is a major resultant problem it will likely become apparent over the next 10,000 miles. I personally wouldn't be over concerned in these circumstances, especially if the garage is reputable and likely to stand by you. A bad experience though for anyone.

 

[Bret Goodfellow]

The S54 engine (assuming that this is) was recalled in the USA for possible main (crankshaft) bearing failure, caused by faulty oil pumps on some batches, after many thousands of miles. Pumps and bearings were replaced as part of the recall I understand. Other than that possible exception, the engines are "bullet proof", being hand build race engines. Mine has covered over 230K miles, albeit with fastidious maintenance including regular oil changes. That said, driving a car for 350 yards, presumably at low revs as the engine was cold, and it being likely that some oil remained around critical components (including vanos which runs at 1800 psi), significant damage seems unlikely to me. I would wager that this is not the first time an engine has been started before the oil has been replenished in a garage! Even with a drained sump, some oil remains around engine components. Was the red oil level light illuminated? If there is a major resultant problem it will likely become apparent over the next 10,000 miles. I personally wouldn't be over concerned in these circumstances, especially if the garage is reputable and likely to stand by you. A bad experience though for anyone.

I appreciate your encouraging words, Lanmc. We will hold our breath over the next 20,000 miles. Ha Ha, although it has taken us 17 years to drive it 30,000 miles.

 

[smiffy]

Was the old oil put back in or was it fresh oil?

If fresh oil was put in after the dry run, it will now contain any evidence of damage that may have occurred during the dry run in the form of swarf.

Analysis of the oil will identify this.

Fresh oil with only a few hundred miles on it should be relatively clean.

 

[Bret Goodfellow]

Was the old oil put back in or was it fresh oil?

If fresh oil was put in after the dry run, it will now contain any evidence of damage that may have occurred during the dry run in the form of swarf.

Analysis of the oil will identify this.

Fresh oil with only a few hundred miles on it should be relatively clean.

Thanks Smiffy. I have already ordered an analysis kit. I appreciate everyone's help here.

 

[bessieblue]

Take it somewhere else & get them to check it & give them the bill

 

[Bret Goodfellow]

Take it somewhere else & get them to check it & give them the bill

Hey BessieBlue, Your z3 is the same color as mine. 2001?

 

[bessieblue]

Hi Bret , mine is 2.2 in estoril blue 2002, had her 14years now & she's done 53000 miles, sorned at the moment as has'nt been out since last november , will be getting her out at the end of this month. I had the interior re done 2 years ago in light cream colour as i did'nt like the black. Have you any pics of your car

 

[Harold Shaun]

That's shocking