'97 BMW V8 engine longevity
Discussion
ChouMeiWang said:
Anyone heard of these V8's doing monster miles without major catastrophe at all?
Thanks,
Chou.
Early engines (I think Pre 1997 4.0) are Nicasil Bore (google it)Thanks,
Chou.
Later engines 4.4 is Alusil replacement (plus many early cars got engines replaced under warrenty)
The vanos system starts to rattle on cold start up
PCV valves have a limited lifespan (not really an engine issue but gives all the symptoms of Nickasil issue - rough idle and rocking engine)
The engine operating temperture is 118 Deg C so a coolant/cooling issue can be catastrophic (especialy as the guage gets to operating temp at 75deg C and stays there but will dive into the red at 120 Deg C and then it's probably too late)
Since UK fuel went ultra-low sulphur in 2000, any Nikasil V8 blocks still existing may well likely last forever . IOW, its a great bargaining tool on buying, but nothing to worry about . I know, I have a 95 E34 540, and its as-new at 96K
Otherwise, the ingredients for meagmiles are there. Chain-driven cams (the 4.0 uses duplex chain, and known to be ultra reliable; the 4.4s all simplex chain - do check tensioners). HYdraulic tappets - like fresh oil, no wear/adjustment issues. Only minor kwon issues a surf of BMW forums will highlight : check the oil pump bolts in the sump of the 4.0 M60s (easy, little harm done even if all 3 drop out, it only sounds bad). PCVs can get gummed-up. 95%+ of poor running problems reported are simply vacuum leaks, very easly fixed ( even the worst of the lot would be to lift the intake manifold and replace the intake gaskets - requires a 10mm socket and not much more. Parts are not expensive)
After that you are at the mercy of preventative maintenance, and frankly there's no excuse for not doing regular oil/filter changes on these - the filter is the easiest element swap ever, and cheap, and you can do the whole thing with no skill in under 10mins.
Buy on condition, and enjoy
Otherwise, the ingredients for meagmiles are there. Chain-driven cams (the 4.0 uses duplex chain, and known to be ultra reliable; the 4.4s all simplex chain - do check tensioners). HYdraulic tappets - like fresh oil, no wear/adjustment issues. Only minor kwon issues a surf of BMW forums will highlight : check the oil pump bolts in the sump of the 4.0 M60s (easy, little harm done even if all 3 drop out, it only sounds bad). PCVs can get gummed-up. 95%+ of poor running problems reported are simply vacuum leaks, very easly fixed ( even the worst of the lot would be to lift the intake manifold and replace the intake gaskets - requires a 10mm socket and not much more. Parts are not expensive)
After that you are at the mercy of preventative maintenance, and frankly there's no excuse for not doing regular oil/filter changes on these - the filter is the easiest element swap ever, and cheap, and you can do the whole thing with no skill in under 10mins.
Buy on condition, and enjoy
1999 740 (4400 cc) @ 170k, no issues, quite as a mouse, uses no oil & still flies along nicely. Everything is original (engine, gearbox, exhaust,etc) when I asked the BMW specialist that I use, what will be the potential expenses
1: CAT's potentially and can be expensive
2: They have seen a few that needed new fuel tanks (tank alone is £500+)
3: Suspension bushes
4: Shocks (sport ones are £200, self leveling considerably more) use Sachs / boge.
1: CAT's potentially and can be expensive
2: They have seen a few that needed new fuel tanks (tank alone is £500+)
3: Suspension bushes
4: Shocks (sport ones are £200, self leveling considerably more) use Sachs / boge.
My 535i has done 160,000. I've owned it for nearly 4 years now.
The vanos makes it sound like a diesel on idle, every single plastic water pipe has gone brittle and has required replacement (one of them was unobtainable, from BMW, for a month the car was off the road pending this part
), the thermostat has needed replacement as the plug terminals burnt out (it's controlled by the ECU), the cam cover rubber seals all perished resulting in oil pissing everywhere.
Worst of all though is the plastic timing chain guides that disintegrated, resulting in a very slack chain and nearly catastrophic engine destruction
All the metal parts have been o.k though
Overall it's a great car and engine, but built to a budget.
The vanos makes it sound like a diesel on idle, every single plastic water pipe has gone brittle and has required replacement (one of them was unobtainable, from BMW, for a month the car was off the road pending this part
), the thermostat has needed replacement as the plug terminals burnt out (it's controlled by the ECU), the cam cover rubber seals all perished resulting in oil pissing everywhere. Worst of all though is the plastic timing chain guides that disintegrated, resulting in a very slack chain and nearly catastrophic engine destruction
All the metal parts have been o.k though
Overall it's a great car and engine, but built to a budget.
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