328 Nikasil problem

Hi Matt,

Well it failed the compression test, the ball is in thier court now so i suppose you'll have news early next week. Just remember that it's not the first request they've had, and you have Service History and the car's mileage isn't huge. So in comparison to others I've read about on the forums, you have as good a chance as anyone else.

Fingers Crossed, hope it goes your way

Mac.

Well i had the compression test today and it failed on number 4 cylinder :( I didnt ask for the figures they just told me it would need a new engine (which i knew). I've asked that they put in a good will request to BMW GB so they have taken a copy of my service history. The lady ont he service desk wasnt very confident after seeing that the last service (inspection 2 3k miles ago - just befor ei bought the car) was done by an independant. Hopefully BMW are feeling generous seeing as the car has done 73k miles out of 77k through their dealers not to mention full warrenty upto summer 2004.

We shall see i guess :( 

Mac wrote: Ì would agree with the above comments regarding smoke. The only symptom I had was excessive oil consumption. The BMW dealer where I bought the car thought I was insane when I suggested that a BMW might have a manufacturing fault. They wanted an oil consumption test carried out over 3000 miles. The first thousand used 1.2 L, the second thousand 1.5L and 3L over the last 1200 miles.

If the car is using that much oil because of blow through, then it burns. No matter what kind of car, it burns with the petrol in the cylinders therefore causing smoke.  I still don't understand how it can be that bad and not have some form of symptom that every other vehicle does when it has worn bores/rings

Matt,

The UK Dealers have proceedure to follow if a BMW of a certain age and criteria has a potential Bore wear problem.

A compression test and/or leak down test is performed and if the car fails and if the dealer is up to speed on his technical know how, he should know what to do. BTW, make sure the engine is cold going in, as I've noticed that the Nikasil symptoms seem to improve once the engine is warmed up. Then near normal compression is restored and you have a service manager telling you "There's nothing wrong with it sir, now please go away.."

I'd say to go with the dealer on this, BMW GB are still carrying out replacements but they're unlikely to do it for just about anyone who rings up and complains about oil consumption.  Even if you do approach them, the first thing they'll advise is to have the tests carried out by one of thier Dealers. I spoke to them when I was unsuccessful with my dealer but they said that they could do nothing until a dealer submitted a request for a goodwill gesture. (Sorry to rain on your parade....)

Hope this helps,

Mac

I'd agree with Dergside, it looks the same as before from the top but there are shiney new parts down below..

Driving well, MPG getting a bit better all the time, and no oil issues..

Mac

Ì would agree with the above comments regarding smoke. The only symptom I had was excessive oil consumption.

The BMW dealer where I bought the car thought I was insane when I suggested that a BMW might have a manufacturing fault. They wanted an oil consumption test carried out over 3000 miles. The first thousand used 1.2 L, the second thousand 1.5L and 3L over the last 1200 miles.