'99 523 or '97 528?!

[B19GRR]

Hi all,

I'm having thoughts about downsizing the barge as fuel costs are getting a bit painful. I've got my eye on these two 5s. The '99 523 has 136k on the clock, the '97 528 has 106k, they're both up for just under £3k, both SE spec, so toys and leather, and both autos. I believe the 523 is out of the nikasil period but I'd need to check the 528 history. My research suggests there's bugger all difference in real world mpg between these two engines, I do mainly twisty B-roads and A-roads at the moment. In the 7 I'm lucky to be seeing low 20s average and not a whole lot more on longer runs.

Thoughts?

Cheers,
Rob

[fluffnik]

B19GRR said:

Thoughts?

The 528 will use more fuel if you use the extra grunt out of all the corners.

It might well cruise more economically if higher geared...

[[TW]Fox]

No brainer - has to be the 528. As you've correctly identified, there is nothing between them in terms of running costs.

[league67]

google nikasil

[Ravell]

Both the 523 and 328 had nikasil at one point. Doesn't mean the car should be avoided. Like its been said before, google for it.

[B19GRR]

Thanks guys.

I understand all about nikasil and appreciate that if a car is still running OK now with a nikasil engine then it's not the end of the world. However if you were presented with two identical cars, one with a nikasil block and one which had been replaced - all other matters being equal - you can't possibly tell me you'd choose the nikasil engined car over the other as there will always be that doubt at the back of your mind that there may be some bore damage.

Not that I am being presented with two identical cars of course Oh and it doesn't help that BMW customers services isn't open at the weekend, so you can't get any useful info just when you want it either!

Cheers,
Rob

[sniff petrol]

league67 said:

google nikasil

Will almost certainly be sorted now the car's 10 years old.

[Ravell]

B19GRR said:

Thanks guys.

I understand all about nikasil and appreciate that if a car is still running OK now with a nikasil engine then it's not the end of the world. However if you were presented with two identical cars, one with a nikasil block and one which had been replaced - all other matters being equal - you can't possibly tell me you'd choose the nikasil engined car over the other as there will always be that doubt at the back of your mind that there may be some bore damage.

Not that I am being presented with two identical cars of course Oh and it doesn't help that BMW customers services isn't open at the weekend, so you can't get any useful info just when you want it either!

Cheers,
Rob

Dunno, I know my car has its original nikasil engine. I knew it was fine when I bought it and it's not given me any trouble - engine or otherwise - in the 4 years I've had it.