Counterfeit engine oil...

[Matt Seabrook]

The expansion tank was still full so the water level warning wasn't showing.

not sure how that could have happened as any car I've removed the radiator on has drained most if not all the expansion tank contents as soon as I pulled off the bottom hose...

Air lock?

[Man On The Clapham Omnibus]

You will need a full independent report before any more work commences at the very least I would think. To be honest I would not post any more on here until you have sought some proper legal advise. Posting on here could cause a problem if you are not careful. I would talk to CAB or a solicitor now as they will give you good advise and not internet hearsay. Good luck

Matt, I think you may well be right about seeking legal advice. Thanks.

[pistonbroke]

replacement engine from scrappy / car dismantler

[Man On The Clapham Omnibus]

Don't see too many M3 engines in scrappies Bernie.

[jeff oakley]

Without wishing to be a prophet of doom here, but I suspect that you are going to have a difficult time proving this one. If I understand it the engine was low on coolant but the header tank was full, and then driven to France. I have never in 26 years of being in the trade known such an occurance happening. Normally an air lock allows the water to expand and boil as the pressure never goes up resulting in a blowout of the header tank.

As Matt says don't post anymore on here but you will be going on a long journey with this one. Might be worth checking your house insurance as you may well already have legal cover on it that might help.

[Matt Seabrook]

If I understand it the engine was low on coolant but the header tank was full, and then driven to France. I have never in 26 years of being in the trade known such an occurance happening. Normally an air lock allows the water to expand and boil as the pressure never goes up resulting in a blowout of the header tank.

Not party to the full facts just surmising.