Nikasil block question?

[Akhil]

Hi guys,

I am looking for a upgrade and have 740i or 740iL in my mind. Somthing newer than what I own now, may be between 95 to 2001. I have heard about the nikasil block issue on engine 95 and later. Can you guys tell me until which years 740's has nikasil block issure so that I can avoid them completly. I don't an expansive repair to pop-up right after buying my car. Regular metainance is ok.

I would post link to some cars when I have them in my mind for advice. I am not buy this cars without taking you guys expert advice.


Thanks a lot in advance.

Akhil

[swenpro]

I found this helpful when researching nikasil: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikasil.

If you click on the link about BMW you'll see:

1993-1995 E34 530i
1992-1994 E32 730i
1994-1996 E38 730i

and

1993-1995 E34 540i
1992-1994 E32 740i
1994-1996 E38 740i
1992-1996 E31 840i

were among the affected cars. I lucked out with my e34 and found out after the fact that the PO replaced my block with alusil. I agree with your logic in avoiding the problem, but if you can see the car in question, go underneath and check the casting number... it just might be one of the many that were replaced under warranty.

[Akhil]

Thanks a lot for the link and the list. I take this list and avoid them all togather. I just don't want to take any chance :)

Thanks.
Akhil

[angrypancake]

I wouldn't discount a car just becuase it fell into that year range. If you don't research it you might miss a great oppotunity for one that has already been upgraded to Alusil, and could have a twin turbo firebreathing ass kicker under the hood. A simple question to a seller never hurt anyone.

[Akhil]

Thats not bad idea. ;) I will ask seller or dealer, but can I trust their answer? Is there any way I can find whether block have been upgrader or not from VIN number?

Thanks
Akhil

[SharkmanBMW]

not from vin, unless the dealer goes thru it's history

[Akhil]

But does dealer has ability to do find the history?

[632 Regal]

not if it was replaces by an indi.... the Nikasil problem is blown beyond proportion anyways, I have one as does many other V8 owners, it makes the subject a great deal in the used car world for unknowing owners...deals made to be had.

[Eric Clark]

the Nikasil problem is blown beyond proportion anyways, I have one as does many other V8 owners


Well said.

[Akhil]

Thanks for all your comments. I will try find the car which best fit my need and budget. And then I will try to rule out the one which had Nikasil block at the time of manufacturing and has not been upgraded.

Can any tell me what is the best and easiest way to find out where its block has been upgraded Alusil or not?

Thanks
Akhil

[632 Regal]

The ONLY way to confirm is to crawel under the car from the front, the casting numbers are straight up infront of the starter as you are directly under that area. Take something to write with and a flashlight.


Thanks for all your comments. I will try find the car which best fit my need and budget. And then I will try to rule out the one which had Nikasil block at the time of manufacturing and has not been upgraded.

Can any tell me what is the best and easiest way to find out where its block has been upgraded Alusil or not?

Thanks
Akhil

[onewhippedpuppy]

The easiest way is reciepts. If there is no record, you can crawl under the car on the passenger side and look upwards by the #3 cylinder. There's a plate riveted on there with the casting numbers, compare them to those you can find online. Of course, not everybody likes to jack up their car and get dirty, and on mine there were heat shields in the way. I used an extendable inspection mirror, just put it down by the exhaust manifolds and look at the block for the plate. Easy......

[swenpro]

Unfortunately, I'm quite sure the only way to know if the engine is nikasil or alusil is to look at the casting number stamped into the block. I found that this requires you to go under the front of the car, remove the black plastic cover (about 1'x3') held in place by 4 plastic nuts, and then peer up with a flashlight to find the number stamped alongside one of the cylinders. For more details on my experience with this, you can look at this (http://www.bimmerwerkz.com/forum/5-series-e12-e28-e34-e39-e60/help-trying-find-engine-casting-41337.html?highlight=casting+number).

And here are the numbers to look for:

M60B30:

1 725 970 - Nikasil
1 741 212 - Nikasil
1 745 871 - Alusil

M60B40:

1 725 963 - Nikasil
1 742 998 - Nikasil
1 745 872 - Alusil

Happy hunting!

[632 Regal]

no plastic deal on my car, just have to be directly under the front of the starter to see them. Was a bit confusing til I actually saw them...im thinking "damn this was easy".