Due to the recent downpours we have had there has been lots of flooding country wide. Unfortunately I drove my 6 month old BMW 335d Coupe into such a flood. Other cars were passing through it and once my turn came I atempted to go through the flood about 1foot high. My car stopped dead about 5m into the flood and I phoned BMW emergency who took my car to a dealer. I have since found out that the engine as been wrote off along with turbo's and intercooler and the bill is above 15k to repair the car. At the BMW garage they have had above 10 cars this week with the same problem and my friend who is the head mechanic at the local Mercedes garage has had over 40 with the same problem. Apparently the water goes through the air intake into the engine prevents the piston compressing and then the con rods go through the engine sides. What I cannot understand is why do they not tell you this? If you new the damage that could be done no one would attempt to go through floods. The other thing is this is a modern car problem as older cars air intake was on top off the engine and no such damage ever ocurred. I am covered by my insurance but have obviously got to pay my excess. I feel this is a scam by the car manufacturers and dealers because there must be a way of preventing this from happening but its obviously not in there interest to prevent it as the income that it generates for the garages is an income paid by the insurance. I.e free turnover! I would just like someone who as expierenced this or nows more about it to enlighten me as to why this is happening???

I thought it was pretty much common knowledge that an engine needs to breath to work, this isn't a scam, it's just how engines work. If you drive through 1ft high water it is going to get in somewhere. All rear electrics also run under carpets from the front, so any water getting in door seams will also cause future fail in such wiring.
Aslo engine breather intakes need a good flow of air, putting them high up slows this flow.
One of my customers NEW Bentley C. has had 4ft of water inside, it is a write off.

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Tony.
Detailing UK wide.
www.cherishedcarcare.com

There will be many cars across the country with the same problem, as for scam, I think not, however, there will certainly be opportunities for garages and dealerships to make a mint off what has happened. keeping themselves busy on insurance jobs and hiking the prices or overinflating the work needed. But what can you do, it happens, bet insurers will start having a don't drive through water cause on future policies.

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Cars are built for driving on roads and give imense pleasure. Boats do the same on water, Submarines go well under water,
When I run My boat engine without putting in water the engine packs up am I beining scanned

I have read the storys about flood damage and it is verry unfortunate but i have a cheaper alternative than taking your car to a dealer if your engine needs replacing! I have a garage and specialise in BMW Cars and also repair all other makes and models. I used to be a Mechanic at a dealership and find it hard to beleive how much they charge and get away with it. I charge £45 per hour plus vat and can get hold of secondhand engines cheaper than new ones. I warranty all my work and give a good service. If anybody wants a quote on replacing there engine call me on 07789797568 or visit my web page www.mail-order-tyres.com. I also sell cheap tyres and carry out services. Thanks all Ian

a foot of water should not present too much of a challenge to most cars if the air intake is above the water line. a point to bear in mind is that a high performance engine (and most are today) can produce quite a lot of suction in the exhaust at low revs. this means having to enter the water slowly but at high-ish revs with lots of cluch slip.

we pulled an astra out of a 6foot deep river a few years ago. it had been driven through a ford but floated away. it was back on the road after a few weeks with little money spent. this has a great deal to do with the expectations of the customer, the willingness of the garage to help a good customer and the level and type of communication.
we believe that of paramount importance is value for money which varies with customer needs. it is important to know the customer, realize we are workig for that person and tailor any work to the needs of that customer.

For people who live in flood-prone areas, would-be new car owners would be scouting for submarine cars. Car designers would consider designing submarine cars if floods keep on coming. I bet such designs would include a diesel engine. Or if a gasoline engine is opted in the designs, the engine would be mounted on the car's roof-- and you'll have much room for your baggage!