E38 what is the real story ?

Message Topic Search Topic Options Post Reply Create New Topic Printable Version Translate Topic

   Don't let the Nikasil story put you off, m8. Virtually all the engines which were going to go wrong have either been replaced or scrapped long ago.
UK petrol has been low sulphur for quite some years now so no longer a worry. My '94 M60 has 122k on it, never been replaced, and smooth as silk. It will definitely pass the door test  !! If in doubt though, a compression test, and a bleeddown test, will tell the story. On the 7seriesregister forum we haven't seen any genuine Nikasil failure in memory.
You won't see much difference between the M60 and the M62 on the street. Down at Santa Pod for the Ultimate BMW day last month, I did a best of 15.82 secs., and a couple of the guys with M62s were about 2 tenths quicker than me. The extra torque of the 400 extra cc s makes that difference.
Go for the 7. You will have performance aplenty along with comfort and style for cheap money.
JP

Author	Message Topic Search Topic Options Post Reply Create New Topic Printable Version Translate Topic
greylag Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Groupie Joined: 23-April-2006 Location: Bridge of Canny Status: Offline Points: 43	Post Options Post Reply Quote greylag Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: E38 what is the real story ? Posted: 30-October-2007 at 17:58
	Don't let the Nikasil story put you off, m8. Virtually all the engines which were going to go wrong have either been replaced or scrapped long ago. UK petrol has been low sulphur for quite some years now so no longer a worry. My '94 M60 has 122k on it, never been replaced, and smooth as silk. It will definitely pass the door test !! If in doubt though, a compression test, and a bleeddown test, will tell the story. On the 7seriesregister forum we haven't seen any genuine Nikasil failure in memory. You won't see much difference between the M60 and the M62 on the street. Down at Santa Pod for the Ultimate BMW day last month, I did a best of 15.82 secs., and a couple of the guys with M62s were about 2 tenths quicker than me. The extra torque of the 400 extra cc s makes that difference. Go for the 7. You will have performance aplenty along with comfort and style for cheap money. JP
	GREYLAG E32 740i E32 750i

Sponsored Links

kbannon Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Visit Members Homepage Add to Buddy List Admin Group E39 525i Sport Individual Joined: 09-October-2002 Location: 64 Zoo Lane Status: Offline Points: 15508	Post Options Post Reply Quote kbannon Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 27-October-2007 at 11:08
	I took a copy of the Lestac Nikasil page: http://www.bavarian-board.co.uk/nikasil.htm
	Current: 2009 E60 520d "Sport" tractor Previous: 1989 E30 320i SE 1997 E39 523i 2003 E39 525i Sport Individual

Rhys Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Moderator Group Coffee addict... Joined: 02-February-2003 Location: from the Latin locātiō Status: Offline Points: 10053	Post Options Post Reply Quote Rhys Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 27-October-2007 at 10:45
	The info links don't work - well not for me anyway
	V reg Rustbucket Merc C220 Cdi estate J Reg Saab 900i 16v '63 Ford Anglia 105e deluxe R reg Honda PC50 moped.. No BMW as yet...

Jack735 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Bavarian-Board Contributor Joined: 14-September-2005 Location: Edinburgh Status: Offline Points: 1055	Post Options Post Reply Quote Jack735 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 27-October-2007 at 10:37
	Derin, a member here who beautifully restores BIG Beemers, wrote this on his website. As he's only a pert timer on these threads I'm sure he wont mind me plagiarizing his words. For potential buyers of BMWs of the mid to late-90's an understanding of the potential problem is absolutely crucial. 'Nikasil' was a material used to line the bores of alloy cylinder blocks of certain engines. Specifically, these are the engines designated M52 and M60 by BMW's engine coding system. In short, the problem was/is that premature bore wear can occur when engines fitted with these liners were/are run on fuel containing high levels of sulphur. This problem became fairly quickly manifest in the USA, U.K and certain other markets around the globe where sulphur contents were high especially prior the introduction of Ultra Low Sulphur (ULS) fuels in the U.K. It would appear that the problem did not occur in other markets such as mainland Europe where ULS was already the norm. The symptoms of excessive bore wear may manifest as the following: poor/rough idle, excessive oil consumption, loss of power and ultimately in severe cases a failure of the engine to even start! Whilst BMW were not the only manufacturer to use Nikasil it is safe to say it cost them a great deal of money in replacement engine blocks under warranty and under 'goodwill gestures'. It is however important to be aware that not all 'replacement blocks' were of the 'Alusil' type (ie. not afflicted by excessive bore wear). Initially, some blocks were merely replaced with a further Nikasil block! You have been warned and you need to check even when there is documentary evidence of the statement'New BMW engine fitted at XXXXX miles under warranty'!!! In simple terms, the afflicted V8's are the earlier 'M60'engine equipped cars eg. 4.0 litre engine. The later 4.4 litre V8 'M62' engine was 'Alusil' lined (for certain markets...see later!) and hence does not have the 'Nikasil' cloud hanging over it. I say "certain markets" because BMW did continue to use 'Nikasil' even in the M62 except for certain countries...examples of the exceptions being the USA, Mexico, South Africa and (reassuringly) the U.K! For further information on the 'Nikasil Issue' the following article is clear, well-written, comprehensive and will answer most questions with links to further articles: The BMW Nikasil issue by Lestac Ltd (Rhys you're right. Sorry dead link) and from Bimmernut.org (Rhys you're right. Sorry dead link) And if you want to drool beyond want is reasonable have a look at his cars on his web site. http://www.bmwclassics.co.uk/articles/index.html Edited by Jack735
	Oooh, The machine of a dream, such a clean machine With the pistons a pumpin', and the alloys all gleam, When I'm holding your wheel, All I hear is your gear, With my hand on your grease gun, Mmm it's like a disease son, I'm in love with my car, gotta feel for my automobile, Get a grip on my .......

Rhys Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Moderator Group Coffee addict... Joined: 02-February-2003 Location: from the Latin locātiō Status: Offline Points: 10053	Post Options Post Reply Quote Rhys Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 26-October-2007 at 21:06
	I test drove a '95 plated one some years ago which had the Nikasil block and found it to be a very nice car to drive. I was told of one test to perform when viewing a Nikasil car.. From cold, turn off the electrics (heaters, lights etc.) open the drivers door fully and start the engine. If the door vibrates up and down when ticking over then the car has a problem. This settles down as the car warms up so it has to be done from cold. Get a compression test done on the engine. If it turns out ok - then the car should be fine as modern fuels don't carry as much sulphur, if any. Trouble is I reckon you'd be looking at rocket miles (as one dealer put it when I went to see another car with 120k+) and was warned off by a mate that keeping it up to scratch could turn expensive. From what I know there is little between the two engines, I think the torque is very slightly up on the 4.4 but at that age I doubt any engine will perform as it did from new with ware and tear etc. They do have a bit of grunt, I didn't really have a chance to open the one up I drove but it did pull and for a big car it didn't feel big to drive. Also look out for the electrics going - I know of one instance of a car who's electric seats had a mind of their own.. I'm sure E38 owners will be able to cough up more on these beasts..
	V reg Rustbucket Merc C220 Cdi estate J Reg Saab 900i 16v '63 Ford Anglia 105e deluxe R reg Honda PC50 moped.. No BMW as yet...

stheaney2007 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Groupie Joined: 02-August-2007 Location: East London Status: Offline Points: 85	Post Options Post Reply Quote stheaney2007 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 26-October-2007 at 15:57
	I am going to get an e38 7 series probably 740i v8. So i know im bang in the middle of the Nikasil problem! What is the real story here. has the UK got the sulphur in the fuel? or did it ever have in the past? I heard the 740i from 1994-1997 had the nikasil issue. Then the newer 740i with the 4.4 from 1997 onwards was ok as it had alusil! Is this true! i have a budget of about 3 grand. this means it will probably be a 1994-1997 e38. which has the m60. What are the m60 engine really like? Its a big car, are they quick off the mark? What is the difference in power between the 740i and the newer 740i e38 with the 4.4, on paper they have the same stats! thank you