BMW & Nikasil

Anan1

Can anyone tell me whether the 94-95 BMW 2.0 6 cyl engines suffered from Nikasil-related bore wear? I think it was only the 2.8 & V8s, but I'd like to be sure.

Fey!

I know that that the e39 520i up to April 1998 suffered from nikosil issues, but I can't remember if the e34 (5 series up to 1996) had the same problem.

This thread covers the e34 525-540. http://www.bmwcarclubforum.co.uk/forum_posts.asp?TID=31666&PN=1

Nikosil coated engines suffered problems mainly where there was a high sulphur content in the petrol, IIRC.

Some more advice on buying an e34 518-520 here.
http://www.bmwcarclubforum.co.uk/forum_posts.asp?TID=20519&KW=nikasil+520

Hope this helps.

Fey!

Just had another look on the site - the 2.0 6 pots were only effected, from what I can find, on '96 to '98 cars, which would all be e39 m50's if I'm reading it right.

Anan1

Thanks for that Fey, very informative. I did some more googling, and I'm getting the impression that, whereas the E34 520i had the M50 non-Nikasil engine, the 96-98 E39 520i had the Nikasil-lined M52. This makes the car I'm looking at (a 95 E34 520i) look OK, or I wonder am I missing something?

Seth Brundle

The M52 was used in the E39 520i, 523i and 528i up to March 1998. After this manufacture date, the M52TU was used and this used Alusil linings which were fine.
The M52 was not used in the E34 which i guess the you are looking at. These used the m50 engine which never used nikasil linings.
If possible get a 525i - better all round, including for fuel consumption!

unkel

Anan1 wrote:

Can anyone tell me whether the 94-95 BMW 2.0 6 cyl engines suffered from Nikasil-related bore wear?

No they didn't. The only pre-96 cars to suffer were the ones with the '93-'96 M60 V8 engine, i.e. 530i / 540i / 730i / 740i / 840i

My last car was above 530i but it was originally Irish so I had no problems

Anan1

That's great, thanks again everyone.