530i - Nikasil issues?

[sam303]

Hi,

I'm thinking of selling my beloved Alpina B3S in order to raise cash for a house deposit and am looking at this (or similar):

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1268354.htm

I'm dimly aware of issues around cylinder linings with some older Beemers - can anyone tell me if this will be affected?

I'm also looking at this rather nice shed:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1280102.htm

Same question about Nikasil really, plus - is the 4 wheel drive a reason to avoid?

Thanks for any advice.

Sam

[Huff]

I wouldn't be too worried about Nikasil these days - if it hasn't already gone pop it'll probably be OK. UK fuel became ultra-low sulphur by default about 9-10yrs ago, and high sulphur content was the cause of Nikasil problems (along with short journeys, ie engines not being run hot enough to burn-off sulphur content properly). I have to say, a 540 is probably no more expensive to buy or run - the 530 has a rep for the thirst of the 540 (about 24-25mpg long term average) with barely more power than the previous 530. Sounds nice though! Lovely engines IMO, the M60B30/40, very free-revving too. Grab yourself a bargain! I bought a nikasil 540... and have had no problems whatsoever. It's lovely.

The 525ix - very nice. Just be aware that some of the running-gear bits are quite different, e.g the wheels have a totally different offset from other E34s, so no cheap style alteration by swapping-on other E34 wheels if that's your thing.

Edited by Huff on Thursday 8th October 16:17