BXE 1.9 TDI engine failure

[sef-75]

Hi all, some conflicting information on the web, with some obviously from people with little knowledge but lots of opinion - hoping that this is the right place for facts and help...

Relation has had a major bxe engine failure - con rod out of crankcase without warning. The car is 58 plate 99k miles and full history although not VW, with oil change every 10k not long life regime, never had any problems etc.

It seems others have had similar failures with the bxe engine, the RAC man attending only had to look at the data plate and symptoms to diagnose what had happened.

So the questions:

1) What is the cause and is it completely random on any bxe engine between 2005-2010? I ask as sourcing a used engine, are there specific serial numbers to avoid, or is it just a question of luck for the inevitable that it happens again?

2) How much would you expect to pay for a secondhand engine plus installation? Ebay for example lists engines from £300 odd up to around £1,000. How much is the labour to fit?

3) Is there any reliable Diesel engine VW make for the B6 Passat? When buying the car dealers and the community advised to steer clear of the 2.0 PD which had injector, oil pump issues etc. Certainly the 1.9 was PD described on forums as one of the most reliable engines made - well not in our experience and many others! Is the later CR 2.0 110&140 engine and 1.6 CR any good or does that have problems too?

It's a negative post perhaps, but after such a bad experience of a VW after going to such lengths sourcing a low mileage and immaculate car at considerable cost, good advice is appreciated to avoid making any more costly mistakes and experiencing such unreliability.

Thanks and regards.