Motor Seized? Next steps?

[IronMike]

Ok guys, thanks for all the great advice. Ultimately we needed to get another ride in the family ASAP so we went with a 2012 XC60 T6 w/85k for a solid deal, even on short notice. Have to say Volvo really seems to have hit it out of the park with this car, never been in one and they are very nice!

Donated the 20017 XC70 to Make-A-Wish, easy to do and they get $500.

[abscate]

Nicely done Mike

Always a tough call on a swap/rebuild/re-engine.

My better half is eyeballing an XC60 for when her X3 dies, but Im hoping to get the last 2 of 6 out of college before having to do that.

[IronMike]

Funny, we were deciding between a higher mileage X3 and this XC60. Wife loves the Volvos, very different machines in many ways. I think not having a dipstick after what happened concerned me a bit.

[abscate]

New BMW post 2006 will kill you on service unless you DIY EVERYTHING!

Water pump - electronically controlled $350

[SuperHerman]

I have the 2004 X3. Agree that BMW service at the dealer can by bank drying. Then again so are Volvos. The X3 is a fairly easy car to work on and the parts are fairly cheap as the motor is used in countless BMWs. I prefer the M54 over the newer N motors. M54 is old school design but very robust - engines will go 200k without many issues other than the normal valve cover gasket and PCV system (just like the Volvos).

Ride wise the XC60 is much more refined, less sporty, but it is an SUV. The X3 is more harsh.

[abscate]

Ride wise the XC60 is much more refined, less sporty, but it is an SUV. The X3 is more harsh

Its even harsher when you ditch the OEM rear springs for some Lemforders that will last, but we have always gone for a harsh ride over a springy one.

The OEM springs have a thin pigtail that snaps like clockwork every 60-70k

[IronMike]

Thanks guys, was a great call for us as the XC60 moved one kid to college and more fit in it than the XC70, which was surprising!