323i Nikasil - not worth worrying about?

[DanielJames]

Hi,
I know this has been done to death, but my friend isn't going to even look at this E36 due to it having a Nikasil block. He's said it's the perfect car for him, but is scared the engine will st itself.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1998-BMW-323I-SE-BLUE-FU...

Would you discard a car due to the Nikasil issue? Or do you believe that these days if it hasn't happened yet it wont happen?

I want him to get the car, I know he will buy some nail if he doesn't...


dan

[jebus]

I think the general feeling now is that if it was going to blow up, it would of done by now at lest this is what i found when i was looking at getting a similar car

[bozmandb9]

Pretty difficult to cause 'premature' bore wear on a 10 -15 year old car!

As you say, it's just not an issue now!

[*Al*]

Almost certainly had a replacement block, i wouldn't worry.

[DanielJames]

*Al* said:

Almost certainly had a replacement block, i wouldn't worry.

What what makes you think that buddy?

[m444ttb]

While it could still be a problem it isn't one I'd worry about. It's FAR more likely that something else will cause engine death now. I say this as someone who has had a nikasil engine failure too!

[Shadow R1]

That wont because it hasent got a nikasil block, the 328 had the nikasil issue's, the 325 never did, which is what the 323 is.

[Gooly]

Only the 328s had nikasil issues (out of the E36s that is), and the high sulphur fuel that caused the issues isn't really around anymore so even an original block wouldn't have an issue.

[Liquid Knight]

Expensive for what it is.

If it's your cup of tea then go for it but it's a £800-£900 car in my opinion.

[M3333]

Is that really all these are worth now? WTF

So much car for so little, as has been said check the Block and see if it has been replaced, it will have a tag near the starter motor. I have owned 2 x e36 328i's with nikasil engines and had no problems, the fuel has now been changed and if the problem has not reared it probably never will.

[PainTrain]

I wouldn't buy it because it is over priced.

[corvus]

I wouldn't worry about the nicasil issue. I had an early 98 323i Touring. Rang BMW and the guy said it would have had a replacement steel liner block. I sold it at 165000 and the engine was still fantastic. I'd worry more about the service history as these engines don't like neglect of the cooling system. One overheat is enough to render it scrap. Look after it though and they go on for years.

Replacement of the valve lifters and vanos unit. Hmm, wonder why?

Edited by corvus on Wednesday 28th December 19:50

[*Al*]

DanielJames said:

*Al* said:

Almost certainly had a replacement block, i wouldn't worry.

What what makes you think that buddy?

If it was the original it would have died by now. BMW changed thousands of blocks and managed to keep this nikasil 'issue' largely hush hush. The only problem with Nikasil liners was the high sulphur level fuel that was around at the time. If you had a new nikasil block now it would probably be fine as sulphur levels now are alot lower. I seem to remember BMW changed to the Alusil block around 1998 or 1999 (S reg)which solved the issue. There is a way of checking if you have the newer alusil block by a quick check under the bonnet with a torch.

[m444ttb]

Shadow R1 said:

That wont because it hasent got a nikasil block, the 328 had the nikasil issue's, the 325 never did, which is what the 323 is.

The 325 had an M50 engine while both 323 and 328 had M52 engines with the nikasil liners pre-early 98.

Gooly said:

Only the 328s had nikasil issues (out of the E36s that is), and the high sulphur fuel that caused the issues isn't really around anymore so even an original block wouldn't have an issue.

Again this isnt correct. See above. You're correct on the fuel however that is what starts the premature wear. However I'd be surprised if it hadn't shown up by now given how long ago it would have started.

I believe there is no such thing as an Alusil M52 either. They are simply steel lined. Alusil was for the V8's I think.

[Futuramic]

It is hideously over priced though. I wouldn't entertain it.

[s m]

Shadow R1 said:

That wont because it hasent got a nikasil block, the 328 had the nikasil issue's, the 325 never did, which is what the 323 is.

You're confused

The 323 is a 2.5 litre but is not an M50 iron block like the earlier E36 325i

[*Al*]

s m said:

Shadow R1 said:

That wont because it hasent got a nikasil block, the 328 had the nikasil issue's, the 325 never did, which is what the 323 is.

You're confused

The 323 is a 2.5 litre but is not an M50 iron block like the earlier E36 325i

100%

[DanielJames]

Thanks for all the replies

How the hell is it overpriced though, try finding a better for the dollar

[diddles]

I wouldn't say its over priced. Decent looking motor for only £1400 if you ask me.

[DanielJames]

Im driving 400 miles in my 320d tomorrow to get it! Can't wait