Discussion
understood, opinion time in that case, should i only look for a 328i that is
A post week 10 1998
B had the nikasil (short block) resolved/ changed.
are the cars that have the block which are for sale worth trying? Do BMW still fix these or is it long past warranty, therefore your problem now?
A post week 10 1998
B had the nikasil (short block) resolved/ changed.
are the cars that have the block which are for sale worth trying? Do BMW still fix these or is it long past warranty, therefore your problem now?
BMW very, very rarely get involved in helping out now.
Doesn't really matter if you go for an Alusil built car, or one that's been through "the change", net result will be the same.
Nikasil cars aren't a guarantee of problems though. I had one with 135k on the clock and it was absolutely fine.
Doesn't really matter if you go for an Alusil built car, or one that's been through "the change", net result will be the same.
Nikasil cars aren't a guarantee of problems though. I had one with 135k on the clock and it was absolutely fine.
If the nikasil bores have never come into contact with the cheapo fuel that caused the problem it is probably a better prospect than the steel linered block, but unless you have owned the car from new how could you know ?, I played safe and went for a car with the replacement linered block.
dan101smith said:
BMW very, very rarely get involved in helping out now.
Doesn't really matter if you go for an Alusil built car, or one that's been through "the change", net result will be the same.
Just as an aside, BMW didn't use the Alusil cylinder wall finish on the 328i - it was either a Nicasil finish or steel liner. Doesn't really matter if you go for an Alusil built car, or one that's been through "the change", net result will be the same.
istoo said:
understood, opinion time in that case, should i only look for a 328i that is
A post week 10 1998
B had the nikasil (short block) resolved/ changed.
are the cars that have the block which are for sale worth trying? Do BMW still fix these or is it long past warranty, therefore your problem now?
My old 328i is still on the original Nikasil block and runs beautifully (I sold it to my Dad).A post week 10 1998
B had the nikasil (short block) resolved/ changed.
are the cars that have the block which are for sale worth trying? Do BMW still fix these or is it long past warranty, therefore your problem now?
If the problem hasn't manifested itself by now then it's unlikely to in the future since fuel now has very low sulphur content.
As I've said before (this is a straight copy) nikasil problems are much less of an isue the days than it used to be.
Most M52 engines (323i, 328i, 523i etc.) have their cylinder bores coated with nikasil (a nickel-silicon ceramic alloy) instead of heavier steel liners. UK fuel in some parts of the country contained too much sulpher around the mid 90's, this reacted with the nikasil coating and it would wear away. The result would be compression loss and a replacement engine would be required.
Since the late 90's UK fuel has been ultra low sulpher and if the engine wasn't damaged before then it is extremely unlikely to ever develop a problem. Most engines at the time that did were replaced under warrenty by BMW. If you want to be absolutely sure the engine is fine, do a compression test.
I personaly see no reason to walk away from a car simply because it has a nikasil block, as long as I can have or can do a compression test to make sure before buying.
Most M52 engines (323i, 328i, 523i etc.) have their cylinder bores coated with nikasil (a nickel-silicon ceramic alloy) instead of heavier steel liners. UK fuel in some parts of the country contained too much sulpher around the mid 90's, this reacted with the nikasil coating and it would wear away. The result would be compression loss and a replacement engine would be required.
Since the late 90's UK fuel has been ultra low sulpher and if the engine wasn't damaged before then it is extremely unlikely to ever develop a problem. Most engines at the time that did were replaced under warrenty by BMW. If you want to be absolutely sure the engine is fine, do a compression test.
I personaly see no reason to walk away from a car simply because it has a nikasil block, as long as I can have or can do a compression test to make sure before buying.
Ravell said:
As I've said before (this is a straight copy) nikasil problems are much less of an isue the days than it used to be.
Most M52 engines (323i, 328i, 523i etc.) have their cylinder bores coated with nikasil (a nickel-silicon ceramic alloy) instead of heavier steel liners. UK fuel in some parts of the country contained too much sulpher around the mid 90's, this reacted with the nikasil coating and it would wear away. The result would be compression loss and a replacement engine would be required.
Since the late 90's UK fuel has been ultra low sulpher and if the engine wasn't damaged before then it is extremely unlikely to ever develop a problem. Most engines at the time that did were replaced under warrenty by BMW. If you want to be absolutely sure the engine is fine, do a compression test.
I personaly see no reason to walk away from a car simply because it has a nikasil block, as long as I can have or can do a compression test to make sure before buying.
superb answer, basically the issues where back in the day and unless they have had them the chances of happening now are low. sorry i would have used the search function but its been dead for about a week. Most M52 engines (323i, 328i, 523i etc.) have their cylinder bores coated with nikasil (a nickel-silicon ceramic alloy) instead of heavier steel liners. UK fuel in some parts of the country contained too much sulpher around the mid 90's, this reacted with the nikasil coating and it would wear away. The result would be compression loss and a replacement engine would be required.
Since the late 90's UK fuel has been ultra low sulpher and if the engine wasn't damaged before then it is extremely unlikely to ever develop a problem. Most engines at the time that did were replaced under warrenty by BMW. If you want to be absolutely sure the engine is fine, do a compression test.
I personaly see no reason to walk away from a car simply because it has a nikasil block, as long as I can have or can do a compression test to make sure before buying.
anonymous said:
[redacted]
that was my initial thought, but as per this thread, i did find conflicting reports. On the law of averages and me being a dreadfully unlucky git, a new linered/ revised car would be the choice... However i was going to steer away completely but i did know that the problem could be solved and indeed on some cars has been solved. Sorry to keep beating the drum but i would like the question answered as there are many pro's for this car but this is the main con...
dougc said:
Interesting stuff.In the absence of a search function, can anyone else divulge any useful hints and tips on what to look for on a potential purchase?
A feeling of warped discs may just be front wishbone balljoints/bushes worn
If the car feels floaty/imprecise/wandery ask when the rear trailing arm bushes were last done - they need attention quite regularly to keep the car feeling sharp
A knocking from the back over bumps could be rear damper top mounts.
Check the rear springs if you can get under the car - the bottom coil often snaps off ( and is not easy to see without putting your hand down by the bottom spring cup to feel ) and will lead to woolly handling.
Lots of other things as well but those are just a few away from the engine bay/interior
dougc said:
Interesting stuff.In the absence of a search function, can anyone else divulge any useful hints and tips on what to look for on a potential purchase?
http://www.unitedbimmer.com/kb-e36-common-faults-f...
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