Got the engine pulled yesterday and on a stand. The rear/driverside cylinders had 1 piston with wrist pin pulled out of the piston. the next had a spun bearing and broken connecting rod. All the parts were rattling around when I turned it over on the stand. Other signs point to poor maintenance maybe lack of oil changes and low octane fuel used. Bearings are banged up a bit. Motor only has 109000. When I pulled the oil filter extension it had a bunch of grease sludge in the passages. I don't think it starved of oil because of it.
So the search is on for a used replacement. My thoughts are as follows...
low mile = less than 100,000 miles.
Low mile 97-03 L67?
Low mile L36 and top swap? (I don't know what would need to be done beyond physically swapping top end such as programming etc please advise)
Low mile 04-07 L32 (I like this idea because of more efficient gen 5 M90, if I can make it work. Can I use my throttle body on this motor? What else might be involved)
What would you do? Car will be used for daily commuting and is definitely worth repairing as far as condition goes, would like more power while maintaining reliability.
I called the dealer. I signed an as is legal document apparently. They said they specifically try to avoid selling cars with detectable issues and auction those off if they get them. Basically said I am screwed but offered to provide some labor assistance if I was closer. As an alternative the guy said he will have a staff meeting on monday to see if they can offer financial assistance.
