[mrshankly01]

Say someone poured 10 gallons of DEF into a 2016 328D fuel tank and attempted to start the engine... BMW is quoting $15,000 at least to attempt repair and that there may be other problems afterward. Does anyone have any thoughts or recommendations on how to move forward?

I am looking at selling to a junkyard. Good idea? Trying to get as much money as I can out of so it isn't a total loss.

[tracer bullet]

Seems like it'd be worth more basic type repairs be attempted. I.e. removing the injectors, flushing the lines, replacing filters, and so on. Not exactly cheap or easy but something to consider. How handy are you?

[mrshankly01]

Originally Posted by tracer bullet

Seems like it'd be worth more basic type repairs be attempted. I.e. removing the injectors, flushing the lines, replacing filters, and so on. Not exactly cheap or easy but something to consider. How handy are you?

i'm not handy with the new body styles. give me a 2000 era and I would give it a go. thank you, though.

[Overtaxed]

15K. Phew, how much is an entirely new diesel engine? That's gotta be getting close.

Did you pull/reload the fuel filter? They are fuel/water seperators and should have caught the DEF before it made it to the engine.

If it did make it to the engine, you're probably up for a new fuel pump and replacing all the injectors. That's not a simple job, but 15K seems wayyyy over the line.

Do you have comprehensive coverage? It may be covered for something like this. This is/was an accident, just not one made while the vehicle was moving; kind of like a tree falling on your car. I would check with your insurance company and see if you're covered for this type of issue.

[tracer bullet]

Yeah, it seems like 15k is the "screw you, we don't want to deal with this" price. Or the "let's see if you're a chump" price. Doesn't seem realistic.

I'd hope someone could drain the tank, flush the lines, etc. and then inspect for damage. DEF is corrosive so there could be some. It wont' be cheap or simple but it can't possibly be 15k.

I'd be looking for a reputable shop that'll actually give you a reasonable conversation and guesstimate of the cost. And go from there to decide if it is worth it. It will be a gamble for sure, how much it -actually- costs and how much work is involved, how much damage. Kind of a guessing game.

Maybe someone here truly knows, i.e. works in a shop or has had this happen. Otherwise probably crossing your fingers. At some point it is worth putting up for sale to someone who can do the work themselves. Not sure what that point is though. You are on the right track trying to find out though.

[Our03z4]

What would a junkyard pay you? Depending on the price I'd give it a go for it.

[tempted]

I'll throw out a cool 4k offerl for now to see how this goes. Let me know.

[Our03z4]

Originally Posted by tempted

I'll throw out a cool 4k offerl for now to see how this goes. Let me know.

boooo

[tracer bullet]

Through the intake I'd agree, through the injectors there's a chance it wasn't enough and got pushed out the exhaust.

Still an excellent point and something to look for. And you may be absolutely right.

(I spent 12 or so years around Diesel engines and their many kinds of failures, but that was also 15 years ago so I don't remember it all anymore)

[notso]

On purpose? Isn't the def tank roughly 3 gallons? The consumption of 10 didn't raise any flags?

[Chihuahua]

Originally Posted by mrshankly01

Say someone poured 10 gallons of DEF into a 2016 328D fuel tank and attempted to start the engine... BMW is quoting $15,000 at least to attempt repair and that there may be other problems afterward. Does anyone have any thoughts or recommendations on how to move forward?

I am looking at selling to a junkyard. Good idea? Trying to get as much money as I can out of so it isn't a total loss.

BMW is probably taking the same position that most manufacturers take with fuel contamination; they want to replace the entire fuel system up to the point where fuel enters the engine. If you look at repair procedures, some will say to replace the tank too, other will call for it to be drained and cleaned. 15K sounds about right, that's about what you'd see if this were a Ford diesel truck (BTDT, sort of). Call your insurance company, this is in many cases a covered loss (comprehensive). Good luck.