E36 M52 & Nikasil issue

[Kinky]

A friend of mine went to test drive a '96 E36 328 today.

She's aware of the Nikasil issues on the M52s.

She asked the dealer if the car still had the original engine, which she was told that 'of course it does'. To which she then asked if it had been checked if there were any concerns with the nikasil issue.

The dealer (been at that location for 30 years) denied there was any such issue - or at least that he was aware of.

It struck me as very odd. So I guess my question is - would you expect a dealer of long standing, and of these types of cars, to be aware of nikasil?

K

[Kinky]

From how the dealer was described to me, he did sound genuinely honest in that he's never heard of it. But with 30+ years in the trade (not a Beemer specialist), I'd expect him to at least know of the nikasil issues, and other marques issues like the HG on the MGF, etc, etc.

It just struck me as odd. Sure - I'd understand a young lad; but not a middle-aged chappie.

As for buying from a dealer ..... it's the EXACT spec that my mate is after; the price is right; has the option of a warranty; takes the hassle out of getting rid of her current car; the dealers been there for 30 years; so is established and well known; does servicing, MOTs, etc; and is about 2 minutes from her house.

It's a huge convenience and trust factor for a young female.

And that's not to say she will buy it. There's others out there, and she's in no rush to buy.

K

[Kinky]

Michael,

I'm not sure what you're issue is; as you're making lots of assumptions.

Let me clarify some points; as I suspect our definitions of young may be varying somewhat.

She's got 15 years NCB; has done her IAM training; and is a very confident and competent driver. Plus, you have no idea what she's driven before; so I guess are assuming that all young females should not drive cars over 950cc, or somesuch.

Naturally I'm touched that you're concerned for my mate; but I hope that I've now helped clarify any concerns you might have.

And thank you for your opinions on the very specific and only question I've asked.

K

[Kinky]

chrisr29 said:

Ring BMW customer services with the reg/chassis number and they'll tell you whether it's had an engine change.

Cheers Chris - I'll ask her to do that

[Kinky]

Jeremy,

Thanks for the advice.

And I do agree with you 100% that the Nikasil issue has not gone away, and will continue to exist. Hence my whole concern to begin with, and my astonishment that said dealer had never hard of it.

Fortunately, it's not a BMW dealer (main, nor indie); and I do agree that the mantra 'better safe than sorry'.

I shall pass the messages on.

Thank you all very much. Believe you me - invaluable.

Regards,

K

[Kinky]

blackburnbmw said:

Fox- said:

How suitable a car is a 328i for a young female? I'd not want my girlfriend in a reasonably powerful RWD car thats for sure.

Edited by Fox- on Monday 24th November 00:54

Blimey, that's a bit sexist! My wife is 100% trustworthy on "our" RWD 330ci and 3.2s Boxster and not afraid to err, excercise them.

Richard - I thought the same, but could not be arsed to react to it.

Although I know that some our PH resident young ladies who happen to own and drive on a daily basis such exotica as a koenigsegg, some lambos, a viper, cerberas and many other Tivs, etc, etc, would be quite interested in that comment