Discussion
Dr KT said:
Also some the blocks with eat themselves- something to do with the block material.
Nikasil problem. 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.
It's only a problem for cars over a couple of years. Stop for cars built around early summer 1998 (can't remember the build week off the top of my head).
There is a good guide on www.e36coupe.com (down this very moment) on how to spot if the block has been replaced. There is a little tab present on the non-nikasil blocks. Be warned though, a nikasil car replaced early in its lie (some were done with 10k or less on the clock) may have had a nikasil block fitted again!
My own 328 went at 73k miles 4 years ago having been in the UK for 6 months! Cars still regularly fail now with a variety of mileages. Compression test is the only way to spot it. Then it's just down to luck. I'd pay a lot less for a nikasil engined car personally. Then you can buy a replacement engine when/if it happens and be nicely up
There is a good guide on www.e36coupe.com (down this very moment) on how to spot if the block has been replaced. There is a little tab present on the non-nikasil blocks. Be warned though, a nikasil car replaced early in its lie (some were done with 10k or less on the clock) may have had a nikasil block fitted again!
My own 328 went at 73k miles 4 years ago having been in the UK for 6 months! Cars still regularly fail now with a variety of mileages. Compression test is the only way to spot it. Then it's just down to luck. I'd pay a lot less for a nikasil engined car personally. Then you can buy a replacement engine when/if it happens and be nicely up
IforB said:
e36coupe.net is now at www.bmwowner.com
Indeed it is! Despite booking club stands in the new name I still can't help myself!Gassing Station | BMW General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff