engine seizing after oil service by BMW

[unclemunkle]

A friend of mine has a Mini One and has experienced a problem with the oil sump plug falling out and the engine seizing.

This occured after a oil service carried out by BMW.

The difficulty is that this happened approximately 3000 miles/ 3 months after the oil service and BMW have been quick to deny any responsibility, and have been very unhelpful.

BMW will not even recover the car albeit my friend has BMW recoverey insurance.

Has anyone had a similar problem or can offer advice.

Many thanks.

[rich 36]

'Falling out'!

seems a bit dismal in this day and age,
I thought modern engineering had conquered the threaded bolt issue
for goodness sake.

any more background available?

[unclemunkle]

Hi rich,

It seems that the sump drain plug was not properly tightened and it became loose over a period of time untill it actually fell out.

The car was travelling at around 80mph at the time and not surprisingly the engine seized almost immediately.

I believe it likely that the sump plug was not adequately tightened by the mechanic- I can not see any other reason for it becoming loose.

[CatherineJ]

I recall my father having a Volvo back in the late 80's early 90's. He was driving up the motorway when the plug came out of the gearbox.

Nasty business.

[gtrclive]

If a Electrician changes a socket in my house, and that is the cause of a fire 2 years later then He is responsible....
I would Suw them If I was him... Can't see how they could get out of that one realy....
Plenty of No Win No Fee Lawyers around.....