Nikasil

Guys, this seems to be something that crops up from time to time when checking through the cars of sale columns in magazines. It seems like every second pre-1998 e39 or other models with 6 cylinder engines has had the engine replaced due to this problem. I've heard that frequent stop/starting or certain fuel types can cause this problem. Is it inevitable that every engine will have this problem, or can it be prevented ?.

A 96 reg 523i I saw in autotrader had a replacement engine fitted @ 97k miles because of the nikasil issue. Don't know if it was a warranty job though.

As Eamo says - open the drivers door & start the engine. If the door is shaking then the engine is ********.

Edited to remove objectionable language, please read the forum guidelines

kbannon wrote: Dave, did you have a full BMW service history? Was this all with the same dealer who replaced the engine?

Hi Killian,

The car had done 86000 miles had Maine dealer service up to 60,000 (first 3 year rep car) then the rest over the next 4 year at a local none BMW garage with no history.

 I had owned the car for 3months (3^rd owner) when I took it to the dealers (it had been there once in its early years, but not purchased there) to get it looked at for excessive use of oil (I knew what it probably was the Nikosil but had been told this dealers “Benhams” are very helpful with this issue by my local Independent specialist ). I left the car all day when I picked it up the same night they said it was "bore wear" have been in touch with BMW UK and for me not to worry as BMW USUALLY contribute to the cost but could say no more until they are faxed back (no mention of service or anything). The main dealer got back in touch to say BMW will contribute 100% to parts and labour (don’t you love BMW) I only had to pay for consumables (oil, Antifreeze etc)  £80  

AHEALY wrote: That sounds very promising. It's likely so that BMW Ireland are aware of the problem through BMW UK and are replacing the clapped out engines free of charge provided they haven't been abused. Incidentally, what would be the list price, and standard fitting cost of a new 6 cylinder engine, say 2500cc. Does anyone know whether being a Club member helps in any way when dealing with BMW ?. Would using high octane fuel, say 98, help slow down the wear on an engine or is this open to debate. Have proper studies been done on this problem.

I asked if it was ok if I see the paper work, £2600 all in. If I remember rightly (don’t quote me though) it was less than £700 for the short engine (I think they called it that).

Eamo wrote: You can tell if a car has this problem by starting the car from cold and if the car starts to vibrate then it has the nickasil issue.

I checked this the other day.  I opened the drivers door and started from cold.  Sure enough the door shaked on startup...I think you'd expect that just from the vibration caused by the engine starting, but after 3-4 seconds it was solid as a rock.  Should I be concerned.  98k miles and about 9k miles since last oil change and only burned a very small amount.  No more than normal.