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

I had my 323i engine replaced by BMW last year “as a good will gesture” The only symptoms mine had was excessive use of oil (1litre every 1000 miles) apart from that it was sweet.

Robbie, well I think it was 22bhp extra actually, but 200 was a nice round number. An 17bhp from the chip re-mapping with Logic Automotive in Rathcoole (€400), and 5bhp from the k&n filter (€70), which I had to order from the States. Not on the market in Uk or Europe.

I also have a performance manifold and exhaust system on order from Super sprint, which incidentally is going to set me back a whopping €1,800. Think of me, when its my round at the bar. Anyways, the new system is supposed to add a further 15-20bhp.

Will I ever learn. My family think i'm mental spending that amount of money on a car. Do you have the same problem.

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.

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.

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. 

Guys, looking for advice. Just bought my first BMW - a 98 June (R) 323iSE, 89k . Starts fine in cold weather, ticks over evenly and passes the open door test. Also, says manufactured May 1998 next to the VIN Number under the bonnet.

I've got my fingers crossed but am taking it into Autotech Warwick soon for a full service and check up (engine has a funny tinkling vibration - timing chain?, and get vibration in brake pedal and steering wheel on braking).

Any views on whether mine is at risk of the Nikasil problem in the future.

cheers

Went to look @ a 1996  http://search.autotrader.ie/cgi-bin/advert_detail.php?page_num=1&record_id=1439632&class=cars&pos=10&locale=atie.cars.1&distance=&SearchID=e31a092aeb142acae92d6f0c3854a0dc&did=3000036 - 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!

Hey All

NIKASIL??

My car just been for an engine check regarding the Nikasil issue,it needs a new engine,Wollaston BMW gonna apply for Goodwill payment for cost,328i se  saloon ,70,000 on the clock,last 2 years non BMW dealer history,fingers crossed for replacement.BMW Head Office seem sure it will be OK but will let you know the result!!!

Thanks

Andy

Update!! NIKASIL ISSUE

Hey All Again

Good and Bad News

Been told today by Dealer that BMW Uk will pay for the engine about £3,500 but not the labour which is about £900.00

As I was told by Customer servivces at Head Office last week that a regional manager would agree 100% parts and labour on only learning of the cars nikasil issue and 70,000 miles without knowing any other details of the car you could say I'm disapointed to say the least.

I won't be leaving it there will be on the phone to BMW UK Head Office again tomorrow as this regional manager is coincidentally the regional manager for Wollaston in Northampton so cannot understand why he did not agree to cover labour aswell.

Surely if they agree to replace the engine (As there was clearly a Nikasil issue)they cannot expect labour to not be included.

Any Ideas why they would do this????

Will let you know the outcome   

Thanks

Andy

Hey Andy,

What were your symptoms. I think I have a Nikasil problem, I spoke to my dealer, they did a compression test and said everything was fine, topped up the oil and said monitor it for every 1000 Miles. Took it back yesterday after the first 1000 and it was down by 1.25 liters. I'm going back after another 1000. I know that it uses this much oil, but they want to see for themselves.  I need to find out what's wrong quickly as my warranty expires in 2 months. Nikasil isn't very common over here in Ireland. My car is a 97 320I by the way...

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.

Brian,

BMW will only carry out the work, which incidentally is a replacement engine block, if the car is showing symtoms of bore wear. If you are concerned then get a compression check done, however if it isn't showing any of the other symptoms, ie high oil consumpsion, uneven idle, poor starting from cold etc then don't worry about it.

If it shows up after your warranty has expired there is still a good chance that BMW will fix it free of charge. They have done so for many people even when the vehicle has previously been serviced by non BMW garages.

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..

Further to the Irish Qs about nikasil - does anyone know of situations whereby an engine was replaced within the 32 counties? Were there any costs - labour, fluids, etc.?

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.

AHEALY wrote: Definetly not changing to a 518. Any v12's on the market ( Ha Ha). I guess i'll just have to start praying that bit more. Maybe devine intervention will save my motor.

If your car is irish and has always been running on irish sold fuel you should be ok. This issue effected 6 pot cars run on low grade fuel in the UK mainly think was in the northwest. As far as I'm aware irish cars are fine. My 328iS is English but its fine and purrs like a kitten on idle

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

Hey All
Dropped the car off before I went on holiday ,picked it up yesterday,
engine replaced and all sorted for the price of 3 litres of anti-freeze,running well me sooooo pleased

Andy T

Hi all,

Got my 1997 E39 in Manchester 3 years ago, it has now got 130K miles and an oil usage of 3 litres/1000miles. Local dealer in Limerick has never heard of nikasil problem. €1800+VAT for new short block. I do all my own repairs so am not sure how BMW Ireland will react when I contact them on Monday.

Padraic

Padraig,

I too suspect I might have a Nickasil Engine, I live in Limerick, send a PM and we can compare notes...

Mac

Guys

I'm based close to Limerick and use Keogh's for servicing, including my '97 523i.  I have a bunch of links and magazine articles covering the issue and can copy/share if it helps. 

It might help to describe your issue as being about bore wear and if I recall correctly Mike is the name of the service manager.  The service receptionist is helpful but has the mechanical know how of a gnat.

PM me if I can help.

Is there another Dealer you can go to? I went to Benham's in Stockport (mainland UK) I was advised to go here by the specialist who services my car as the other 2 main dealers near me would not be anywhere as helpful.

Dave

I will go to my local dealer in Ireland on Tuesday and relate to them what was said in the phonecall to customer service then hopefully my options will be clearer. I normally only go there for parts.

Padraic

KBannon

Regarding your question ,the service advisor said it would be a 1 years warranty,still running smoothly and still got about 7-800 miles to run in yet (too much work not enough play)

Andy T

Hey Padraic

check out this link ,may help you in this matter ,especially what happened regarding my car with the help of this forum

  http://www.bmwcarclubgb.co.uk/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5681&KW=Andy+T&PN=0&TPN=1 - http://www.bmwcarclubgb.co.uk/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5681&KW=Andy+T&PN=0&TPN=1

Good Luck

Andy T

Rhys

Both 3.0 and 4.0 V8 engines were affected.  I think door check needs to be done from cold as the engine electronics can compensate to some degree once the engine has warmed up.

Its worth taking a note of the VIN number and ringing BMW Customer Service to see if the engine was replaced.  Be creful though, the V8's started having this problem long before BMW realized what the problem was, so many original engines were replaced with new Nikasil lined engines rather than the steel liners.

Also, the 3.5 and 4.4 V8's have steel lined bores, so its worth looking out for an early one of these if you can stretch to it.

Rhys

The 6cyl engines are expensive if they have to be replaced.  V8's are horrendous (I've heard stg£3.5k parts and labour mentioned).  Doesn't surprise me that the dealer "hasn't heard" of the problem, its not in his interest to acknowledge it, and if he genuinely hasn't heard of it then this motor is out of his league.

My advice would be not to touch it at least until you've had a reasonable chance to make the necessary checks yourself (verify service history, cold start, check the dipstick, check with BMW Customer service) AND get it inspected, make sure that the inspector can do a compression test.  The margin for error is huge on these, relative to the purchase price.

Hi Guys

A bit more update, BMW will not contribute at all to my repair but I have found out through dealers in Dublin that there is a short block kit specifically for repairing nikasil affected engines available for under €1000, the P/N is 11111438624, you can expect 8 hrs labour. This is for the 2 litre unit, YMMV!

Padraic

Interested to hear more about the short block kit, if you can share the details.

@ BMMad - that kinda story boils my blood. How can BMW Irl justify such a stance??? Fair enough it was a problem that, arguably, effected UK cars predominantly. But a load of BMWs in the IRL are UK imports. In fact, I've never owned a BMW that has been an Irish-registered car from day one. So for BMW Irl to wash their hands of it is a total disgrace. If BMW UK are still making provisions for warranty repair, why aren't BMW IRL? Are they just to lazy to go find out if there is provision made by the powers-that-be? We still have alot to learn about customer service here....

Hi BMMAD,

With regard to your brother's car, he obviously tried his case with the dealers in the Republic. Any idea what were the grounds for refusal?

I called BMW GB yesterday and I was put onto a very helpful gentleman who explained that the goodwill contributions are still being done in the UK according to certain criteria, mainly being Service History and Mileage.

I'd be interested to hear the full story, if you could spare the time.

Thanks.

Mac.