Low mileage M52 motor - bad idea??
Discussion
Viewing a '94 E36 328i on Sunday, nikasil motor on 33k miles. Car looks clean but not cheap. Is this a bad idea? Perhaps any damage done by high sulphur fuel pre-2000 may not have manifested due to low miles?
I've been looking for a good 328 to replace my 325 for a while now and this looks better than most...
I've been looking for a good 328 to replace my 325 for a while now and this looks better than most...
BGarside said:
Viewing a '94 E36 328i on Sunday, nikasil motor on 33k miles. Car looks clean but not cheap. Is this a bad idea? Perhaps any damage done by high sulphur fuel pre-2000 may not have manifested due to low miles?
I've been looking for a good 328 to replace my 325 for a while now and this looks better than most...
If its got this far it will probably be be fine.I've been looking for a good 328 to replace my 325 for a while now and this looks better than most...
From memory it was mostly Shell Petrol (Shellmax I think) that caused the problem and the failure rate varied across the country, BMW believed the issue was only caused by petrol from certain fuel dumps, the Midlands and North West being the worst.
From 2008-2014 I stuck over 70K miles on a nikasil 4.0 V8 in a E34 540 and it was smooth, smooth sailing I'd love to do again.
Basically, nikasil issues arose from the sulphur content in some fuels (far worse in some US states than here) and, especially, cars not being driven far enough to get fully-warmed: the excess sulphur burns to SO2 = sulphuric acid condensing in a cool engine = etched cylinder walls leading to excess wear.
The bandaid for some was a software revision to run the coolant hotter (hold thermostat closed longer to reduce such condensation), but if the car was actually used for decent runs unlikely an issue in the first place. ALL UK/EU petrol went ultra-low-sulphur in 2000; if it has survived this long, it'll be fine.
If the prospect still worries you, but want the car, and its not 'impulse buy' funds level, it could be worth doing a compression test - either during viewing or say agree to pay a local garage. Might cost you £100, but then you'll know exacty what you are looking at.
Good luck, the 328 remains a fine car
Basically, nikasil issues arose from the sulphur content in some fuels (far worse in some US states than here) and, especially, cars not being driven far enough to get fully-warmed: the excess sulphur burns to SO2 = sulphuric acid condensing in a cool engine = etched cylinder walls leading to excess wear.
The bandaid for some was a software revision to run the coolant hotter (hold thermostat closed longer to reduce such condensation), but if the car was actually used for decent runs unlikely an issue in the first place. ALL UK/EU petrol went ultra-low-sulphur in 2000; if it has survived this long, it'll be fine.
If the prospect still worries you, but want the car, and its not 'impulse buy' funds level, it could be worth doing a compression test - either during viewing or say agree to pay a local garage. Might cost you £100, but then you'll know exacty what you are looking at.
Good luck, the 328 remains a fine car
Edited by Huff on Friday 6th May 22:51
A '94 328, that's very early! I was under the impression the 328 wasn't released until 95/96?
My only slight concern would be that with such low mileage, the 'damage' has already been done but it hasn't covered enough miles for it to become obviously symptomatic. I'd be more confident of saying it'll be fine if the car had covered 133k tbh.
Excessive oil usage should be a massive red flag. IME the M52 does not burn oil excessively and should not require top ups.
As mentioned in the OP, at 33k miles and with decent 328s hard to find, I expect this isn't going to be a cheap car. Given that, as Huff suggests it may be prudent to get a compression test to put your mind at ease.
Best of luck and let us know how you get on.
Huff said:
The bandaid for some was a software revision to run the coolant hotter (hold thermostat closed longer to reduce such condensation), but if the car was actually used for decent runs unlikely an issue in the first place. ALL UK/EU petrol went ultra-low-sulphur in 2000; if it has survived this long, it'll be fine.
I'm generally in agreement with this opinion. In fact my 328 is on the original Nikasil engine and that didn't put me off buying it at all.My only slight concern would be that with such low mileage, the 'damage' has already been done but it hasn't covered enough miles for it to become obviously symptomatic. I'd be more confident of saying it'll be fine if the car had covered 133k tbh.
Excessive oil usage should be a massive red flag. IME the M52 does not burn oil excessively and should not require top ups.
As mentioned in the OP, at 33k miles and with decent 328s hard to find, I expect this isn't going to be a cheap car. Given that, as Huff suggests it may be prudent to get a compression test to put your mind at ease.
Best of luck and let us know how you get on.
Edited by g3org3y on Saturday 7th May 22:06
Edited by g3org3y on Saturday 7th May 22:14
Well, bought the car, so I hope the engine is OK or I'll be in for another £2k bill!! Yes, it's the green/blue one on carandclassic.
Will be going to my local BMW specialist for a compression check and leak-down test (if they can do it) to check all is well.
Then I'll need to sell my 325 coupe, a decision I hopefully won't regret.....
Will be going to my local BMW specialist for a compression check and leak-down test (if they can do it) to check all is well.
Then I'll need to sell my 325 coupe, a decision I hopefully won't regret.....
BGarside said:
Well, bought the car, so I hope the engine is OK or I'll be in for another £2k bill!! Yes, it's the green/blue one on carandclassic.
Will be going to my local BMW specialist for a compression check and leak-down test (if they can do it) to check all is well.
Then I'll need to sell my 325 coupe, a decision I hopefully won't regret.....
I've sent a PM but just in case it doesn't arrive Could you pm me details of the 325 pleaseWill be going to my local BMW specialist for a compression check and leak-down test (if they can do it) to check all is well.
Then I'll need to sell my 325 coupe, a decision I hopefully won't regret.....
Cheers.
Edited by 528Sport on Tuesday 10th May 22:11
Gassing Station | BMW General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff