Hi guyz, been a while since I last updated. Before I go further, pls bear in mind this word -
"ISOLATED"
Ok, here we go:
Since my last issue with the timing chain, unfortunately another major issue happened. This time the whole engine went 'kaput'. Happened on the NSE before Ladang Bikam (Perak), northbound on 15/6/14. Was cruising at 150kmh when notice a clicking/tapping sound coming from the engine (something like when you're driving with a nail stuck on your tyre).
Stopped at Ladang Bikam, and the whole engine was shaking! Prior to this, no power loss nor warning lights came on. No choice but to tow back to AB Penang. Next day went to collect my courtesy car, pending investigation of the engine.
Initial investigations found that when the oilpan was opened, the crankshaft had 'eaten' its own bearings into dust and metal shreds. Further investigation suspected the failure of the engine oil pump, which caused 1 of the pistons to scratch. I think the official term here is 'catastrophic engine failure'. Thankfully the gearbox was not affected.
Fast forward to almost 3 months, I finally got back my car on 9/9/14 after Puspakom, insurance & JPJ records were updated with the new engine number. Sadly Puspakom tore out my tinting.
The cost of the engine, labor and import duty came up to RM42+K, all claimed under BSRI. Mileage was about 57k km at the time (I am also on the extended BSRI until 100k km/Dec 2016). I had to pay for towing charges RM850, steering fluid or something that cost RM190 and a new tint.
AB says that it is an
isolated case, and so far I haven't found a similar issue on the net. Given the wide range of models the N47 is on (E90, F30 & F10), apart from mine, it seems like a pretty reliable engine.
I know my experience may put off many would-be buyers and worry current owners (or even drive down the 2nd hand market value!), but going by AB's statistics, this is the 1st diesel engine being replaced, petrol engines is replaced more often - at least in Penang lah...
Lastly, kudos to AB Penang After Sales crew who always kept me updated and also put up with my 'surprise' visits to their workshop
p/s: Thnks Mavik for uploading the pics
