Nikasil

Mac wrote: Hey Tom, There are a few signs of the Nickasil problem, the driver's door is one, significant increase in oil consumption is another and also from my experience, mine would not start in cold weather. That has something to do with the fact that the cylinder(s) is wearing away and the cold air has an affect on the compression in the engine. I was advised to take mine to a BMW dealer where they would do a compression test and/or a leak down test to confirm the problem. Hope this helps. Mac.

Thanks Mac.  Looks like I'm safe for now.  SO far none of the above and always starts first time in cold weather. 

Went to look @ a 1996 523i just now (didn't have air con or leather so knew I didn't want it but Im getting desperate)

Anyway
a) didn't like the car - too many scratches, etc.
b) when dealer started the car, the drivers door started taking a fit, so I just said 'no way'.

So if you are looking for an E39, save yourself a wasted journey!

Great News Andy

One question , was the car in any type of Warranty.

I like Mac am in Ireland and this Nikasil issue has my worried.

I have a 1997 520i...I have a warranty until next March and want to make sure that if i need work done on the head that I get it done before the warranty is expired.

Jumbo,

Just wondering where in Ireland are you based. I've heard of Nikasil cases mainly in the Dublin area, just wondering if there are any more cases any where else ??

Mac..

When I suspected Nikasil, My local main BMW dealer did a compression test. They told me an hour later that the engine was on the way out.  I took it back to where I bought it (Still within warranty) and was  told that any investigation into this was going to be at my expense until a manufacturing fault (Premature Bore Wear AKA Nikasil) was proven. It passed the compression test and we are currently monitoring the oil consumption for the next 3000 miles. 1 K done and it has gone through 1.25 liters in 1000 miles.

On another matter, the BMW used car warranty booklet has a line that more or less states that condition and mileage has a lot to do with warranty claims. I brought the oil consumption to the dealer’s attention and I was told that I could not expect the same sort of reliability out of a 97 car as a 04 model. I respect that opinion but 1.25 liters per thousand miles is, I think excessive.

Hi

Watched a few threads where this has come up and wanted to share $0.02 worth.

BMW updated the engines from week 10 production of 1998.  Its important to verify build date either on build plate under bonnet or BMW Customer Service in UK (don't have the number to hand) will tell you if its in the Nikasil range if you give them the chassis number.  The link attached gives the best analysis I have found.

Its not a foregone conclusion that all will have it, or get it.  Made the checks I could when I bought my 44k mile fsh '97 523i in UK and all seemed fine.  In the 18 months since then I've added about 30k and it doesn't use a drop of oil between services (main dealer).  The precautions I take are to dip it regularly and buy good brands of fuel.

A couple of years ago I looked at a '96 323i Coupe from a well known "high end" dealer in D4.  Dip stick was practically dry.  18 months later I happened on the same car for sale again.  Seller said the engine had blown during his ownership (he didn't know I'd seen it before) and that BMW had paid for the parts and he paid for the labour.  So there are cases of BMW Irl making an effort.  Would think that the chances of a gesture is stronger now that BMW GB are distributing here - since they seem to accept that it is a relatively common issue in UK, but reckon a main dealer history would make the arm twisting easier.

The problem seems to affect 320i's as well, you don't see references to it in the UK because there were no e36 320's sold once the 323 and 328's were introduced in 1995.  Not sure at what point the 320 switched from M50 to M52 engine.  M3's not affected, nor e34 5's (except V8's) or 4 cylinder cars.  All 3.0 and 4.0 V8's potentially affected, 3.5's and 4.4's are OK - all e39 V8's were all 3.5 and 4.4.

http://www.lestac.co.uk/bmw/nikasil.htm#what_is