V8 owners Poll Nikisil/Alusil

[632 Regal]

180 something K and no probs at all besides the stupid intake gaskets and O2 sensor codes from that problem.

My Mileage is in my signature that changes regularly.

[Eric Clark]

My "failing" nikasil turned out to be the valve cover gaskets.

[angrypancake]

add an option for "i don't care if its nikasil, i want a 540, dammit"
(yes i realize the two that have voted so far have 530's but people bitch a lot more when it comes to the 540s)

[632 Regal]

based on V8s which is either of the engines.

[gsotis]

I only have had problems with my o2 sensors so far

[Boom n Zoom]

Only 95,000Kms though and an Australian Delivery Sept '93 Build Date.

In fact, just a question: Is the '93 E34 540i VANOS Equipped? I ask as the power definately changes at about 3500RPM and from there it sings to redline.

Boom n Zoom.

[scott540]

86008 miles. no problems

[onewhippedpuppy]

137k, still going strong. Replaced the O2 sensors, cleaned the ICV, MAF, TB, took out the K&N and haven't got a CEL since.

[Tiger]

that's normal.

[dternst]

150K with normal maintenance and upkeep issues.

[FWinNH]

Ok?

[632 Regal]

uhhh.... these are actually almost like racing engines, they are over cammed so it doesnt produce clean power under throttle untill its working smooth, such as 3500rpms, then it starts getting efficient at them rpms and sings along up and through redline.


Only 95,000Kms though and an Australian Delivery Sept '93 Build Date.

In fact, just a question: Is the '93 E34 540i VANOS Equipped? I ask as the power definately changes at about 3500RPM and from there it sings to redline.

Boom n Zoom.

[stx133]

i have nfi which block, but not having problems and loving the 4k+

[swenpro]

The EPA's Tier 2 Vehicle & Gasoline Sulfur Program is set to be completely phased in by the beginning of this year. It requires that all gasoline in America have low sulfur levels, NOT just BP's Ultimate and a few select gasolines. You will see here (http://www.epa.gov/tier2/420f04002.pdf)that the new regulation requires that no more than 30 ppm be allowed in gasoline. I believe 5-10 years ago, sulfur levels of up to 500 ppm were being reached in some areas of the country.

Sulfur, the cause of breakdown of an otherwise good nikasil engine, now has a very low concentration in our gasoline. If your nikasil block made it this far, chances are that what damage has been done is done and it should continue to run the same as today.

[Boom n Zoom]

632Regal,

Thanks for the clarification on that, I wasn't sure if they were Vanos or not. So Is the Vanos system specific to the I6's?
My apologies for my ignorance, I wanted to be sure is all as my Bro was mighty impressed with my 540i as he has an '84 Auto and now an '82 Manual 928 Porsche. He seems to think that the E34 is more than a match for his '82 LandShark :D

Once we have both cars sorted (Him a gearbox rebuild and me getting the upper and lower control arms replaced as she wanders and follows the contours of the road and possibly new shock absorbers) we plan to have a meeting at a track day to find out. Should be interesting :)

Boom n Zoom.

Not meaning to hijack the thread here. Sorry if I have.

[Nzimiro]

Nikasil. 180K Kilometres. No engine probles at all. Electrical gremlins mainly

[onewhippedpuppy]

The M62 in the E39 got Vanos, I think it was '98 or '99. The ones with Vanos are the M62TU, I think it stands for Technical Update, or something like that.

[Bill R.]

a maximum of 90ppm at the pump for most areas, however for a number of areas in transition they are only required to have an average of 326ppm
5 years ago gas in excess of 800ppm was frequently found. As of a couple of months ago gas in excess of 500ppm was made available using the Katrina damage as the excuse to relax requirements on sulfur levels and fuel quality. California has limited levels to 30ppm for at least 10 years and they still had nikasil failures . The new limit at the pump will be 95 , 3 times the california limit. Here's a more current source of info than your epa listing, read further down about gasoline sulfur levels... This also doesn't take into account the 7 refinerys that aren't restricted to low sulfur levels due to the hardship allowance for them
(http://pmaa.org/htm/hot/wr_curr.htm)



The EPA's Tier 2 Vehicle & Gasoline Sulfur Program is set to be completely phased in by the beginning of this year. It requires that all gasoline in America have low sulfur levels, NOT just BP's Ultimate and a few select gasolines. You will see here (http://www.epa.gov/tier2/420f04002.pdf)that the new regulation requires that no more than 30 ppm be allowed in gasoline. I believe 5-10 years ago, sulfur levels of up to 500 ppm were being reached in some areas of the country.

Sulfur, the cause of breakdown of an otherwise good nikasil engine, now has a very low concentration in our gasoline. If your nikasil block made it this far, chances are that what damage has been done is done and it should continue to run the same as today.

[swenpro]

a maximum of 90ppm at the pump for most areas, however for a number of areas in transition they are only required to have an average of 326ppm
5 years ago gas in excess of 800ppm was frequently found. As of a couple of months ago gas in excess of 500ppm was made available using the Katrina damage as the excuse to relax requirements on sulfur levels and fuel quality. California has limited levels to 30ppm for at least 10 years and they still had nikasil failures . The new limit at the pump will be 95 , 3 times the california limit. Here's a more current source of info than your epa listing, read further down about gasoline sulfur levels... This also doesn't take into account the 7 refinerys that aren't restricted to low sulfur levels due to the hardship allowance for them
(http://pmaa.org/htm/hot/wr_curr.htm)

That's interesting, Bill... I wasn't aware that the sulfur regulations were being relaxed in wake of the Katrina disaster. I wonder when they will return to the 30ppm limit again then...

I do remember reading that California has had the 30ppm sulfur limit for quite a while now. I'm surprised to hear that they have still had nikasil failures, but surely the failure rate must still be much lower in California than say Chicago where I am and sulfur levels have been historically much higher.

Before I confirmed that I have an alusil block, I was being very careful about what gasoline I put in the car. When searching a few months ago I found that BP's highest-end "Ultimate" gasoline is the only one to openly market their product as having a max. of 30ppm. Assuming that this still holds true, it would be smart for a nikasil owner to only fill up with BP Ultimate.

[Traian]

I'm not sure what I have...and I'm scared to look.

[Paul in NZ]

i want the i dont care i want a 540 choice too :(

[632 Regal]

go look right now...i'll wait!
I'm not sure what I have...and I'm scared to look.

[540i/6 rob]

with no worries.

[stargazer_61]

Alusil. Just replaced intake gaskets & PCV Plate. Preparing to do engine & tranny mounts.

[digitaldragon03]

Nikasil with a tad over 100K miles. I just need gaskets and o2 sensors. (Money)

[spitfire]

with no worries.
180,000 kms on my 540/6. Transmission seems to be getting a tad tired, but the engine idles smooth.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Mine is an original Cali car, and was in Cali until March of '05. Supposedly Cali cars had a much lower failure rate, I can't confirm that with facts though.

[genphreak]

180 something K and no probs at all besides the stupid intake gaskets and O2 sensor codes from that problem.

My Mileage is in my signature that changes regularly.Jeff, for a good poll you need to have an option for the click-happy amongst us that don't own a V8 (don't worry- I didn't vote ;)

Next time, may I suggest the option;

# I've NFI, all those V8 owners should have been sensible and bought tried and tested 6s instead... they are a little easier to work on!
Only in jest, :) nick

[DueyT]

180,000km still going strong...really strong...dang these 6-speed V8's are fun! Woo-hoo!

p.s. Boom n zoom, no, not VANOS equipped, that's just a smoking hot V8 coming on line. If you get an E.A.T. chip, it all starts happening at 2000-2500!

Cheers,
Duey

[paul p (chi-town)]

It needs the option of ‘need gaskets, blame alusil’.........err.
Or maybe, ‘hack replacement work’.
When not stumblin and throwing lambda codes left/right (directly related to ambient temperature, <34°F, and it IS an exact science) she’s a rocket. Engine went in @ 100K miles

Now i need to post over on the trans fluid poll. All good there.

Just so you guys know, there’s at least a couple more Alusils floating out there that haven’t posted. DrewZ for instance.


”Hang up & Drive!” (http://homepage.interaccess.com/~motria/pablosgarage.html)
94 530iT&A 125K, ‘Helga’ (for sale? *confused* )
92 325i 120K, ‘Rolf’ (blown clutch and 3 doors that don’t latch *rolleyes* )
91 Volvo 745T 191K, ‘Thor’ (13 psi beater, eats batteries *smirk* )
93 NX2000 160K ‘Carla’ (alive and thumping....daily *grin* )
"Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." -- Benjamin Franklin.
Kinda makes the ‘Patriot Act’ an oxymoron, eh.......

[paul p (chi-town)]

uhhh.... these are actually almost like racing engines, they are over cammedA trait shared by all the early mass market bimmer DOHC engines it seems. The non-V M50 has a similar comming on cam feel. Dunno if it’s just a heavy flywheel in the 3er but the M60 does seem to spin up a bit faster of the two. Wonder what the M40’s like.

”Hang up & Drive!” (http://homepage.interaccess.com/~motria/pablosgarage.html)

[Boom n Zoom]

Comes on earlier you say..........

Where should I begin to look for one in Oz? Any ideas?

Will it give me an increase in torque?

BnZ

[DueyT]

Comes on earlier you say..........

Where should I begin to look for one in Oz? Any ideas?

Will it give me an increase in torque?

BnZ

BnZ, look here for info on Mark D'Sylva's E.A.T. chips (http://www.dsylva-tech.ca/). Smoother, better mileage and they kick in at lower RPM, quite noticable, so yes, there is technically more torque from the engine...

Cheers
Duey

[brodee]

My new (to me) 540/6 has 92k and the alusil block. Car was originally purchased here in Houston and then taken to LA. Engine was reaplaced in Beverly Hills at 30k with the alusil block. Brought back to Houston shortly after and now mine and running pretty good. Slightly rough feel just up from idle, going to put the smoke machine on it and check for vacuum leaks.

[Elekta]

all nik and loving it.

still under a 100k

cheers

[saj3n]

I must have horrible luck! the only 1 who replaced a failed nikasil.

[MantecaBMW]

Replaced short block at 96k.....now 256k total....still keeps going, and going, and going.....

[ILoveMPower]

I love seeing guys that bought their bimmer YEARS ago, and still keep the E34 around cuz it's such a great car.

[Loppy]

95 540/6 w/nik motor. 145K miles and purrs like a sleeping tiger at idle.

[Evan]

1994 540ia with ~ 175K and no problems... knock on wood

[Hal]

First 37k miles by the first owner in Florida with possible high sulfur. Last 113k in CA with that fine low sulfur gas. My blood pressure couldn't tolerate a bad result from a leak down test, so I haven't had one performed. Can't say that the idle is perfectly smooth, but OK for me.

Hal

1994 530iT 150k all Nikasil miles
1999 528iT 88k non-Nikasil miles

[632 Regal]

the V8s dont idle perfectly smooth anyways, kinda lopey with a slight vibration off idle to about 2k rpms.
First 37k miles by the first owner in Florida with possible high sulfur. Last 113k in CA with that fine low sulfur gas. My blood pressure couldn't tolerate a bad result from a leak down test, so I haven't had one performed. Can't say that the idle is perfectly smooth, but OK for me.

Hal

1994 530iT 150k all Nikasil miles
1999 528iT 88k non-Nikasil miles

[Loppy]

the V8s dont idle perfectly smooth anyways, kinda lopey with a slight vibration off idle to about 2k rpms.

Mine does. It's amazing. Soon as she warms up I could not even tell the motor was on in the car. And that was with broken motor mounts. Maybe thats why... (thread comming :eek:)

It does lope a bit off idle up to 2000, then smooths right out again, so that's fairly normal?

[DueyT]

Yes, everybody's M60 has a slight rumble at about 2000-rpm...someone once said it was the cams, not sure of that but it's there...on mine it is at 2075rpm or thereabout... ;)

Cheers,
Duey

[Traian]

Nikasil has been in my closet since 1998. I have to keep my clean shirts and knickers besides my bed now :(

[Oxford5er]

I've got a 1995 530i with 110k miles on it. The production date was 4/95, and I have not replaced the block. According to Mike Miller from the BMWCCA, my car already has the Alusil block, and I just made the cutoff date. Here's what he said:

According to BMW, the production date cutoff for the nikasil cylinder bore premature wear defect is 03/95 on automatic transmission cars; 05/95 for manual gearbox cars. So, the answer is, it depends on your production date, which is located on a sticker in the left front door jamb. The nikasil cylinder bore premature wear defect seemed to be rare on the 3.0-liter V8 for some reason.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Oxford, I hope for your sake that is correct, but that disagrees with everything that I have ever seen about Nikasil. From what I have heard and read, all M60s were Nikasil from the factory. When they began having failures, the factory began replacing the original Nikasil with replacement Nikasil, and equipping the engines with higher temp thermostats. Initially they thought the failures were related to low operating temps, hence the thermostat. After the true nature of issue was discovered, they began replacing with Alusil. I've never heard dates as to when this all occured, but I would think it was after E34 production ceased. Some people have had several blocks, as their replacement Nikasil also went bad. I would encourage you to check the numbers on your block, I would be very curious to know.

[brodee]

My 540 has a production date of 7/95 and came with a Nikasil block. I know this because I have the receipt for when it was changed to an Alusil block at 30k miles.

[PAUL_ANDERSON123@TISCALI.]

My "failing" nikasil turned out to be the valve cover gaskets.
My 540i seems to leak oil from the same place, not much, but stinks as it gets on the exhaust. What did the job entail?

[Oxford5er]

I would encourage you to check the numbers on your block, I would be very curious to know.

Well, I hope Mike Miller's correct, too, but in any case, where do I find the engine number, and is there a database or something to verify which material it is made of? Also, I have heard from several sources that the 3.0L tended to have less problems regarding the Nikasil block than the 4.0L. What have you 530i owners experienced?

[onewhippedpuppy]

http://www.e38.org/koalamotorsport/v8shortblock.htm

The numbers are on the right side of the block (from behind the car), by the #3 exhaust port. You can see it from below if you're lucky, or get an inspection mirror with an extending handle. Stick it down by the manifold from above and look around, you'll see a plate riveted to the block. Check the numbers and you're done. Easy.

[632 Regal]

the engine number...

slide under the front of the car while it's on ramps. take a dope light or flashlight and paper and pencil. put your head directly under but infront of the starter (pass side US) look straight up, theres the number. Write it down, slide out and throw the paper away and wonder forever...lol.

seriously thats where the numbers at.



Well, I hope Mike Miller's correct, too, but in any case, where do I find the engine number, and is there a database or something to verify which material it is made of? Also, I have heard from several sources that the 3.0L tended to have less problems regarding the Nikasil block than the 4.0L. What have you 530i owners experienced?

[onewhippedpuppy]

Just FYI, my starter has a heat shield that made it impossible to see from below.

[632 Regal]

wonder why mine dont have one...?
Just FYI, my starter has a heat shield that made it impossible to see from below.

[brodee]

wonder why mine dont have one...?
Probably had the starter replaced at some point and they didn't put the shield back on.

[Oxford5er]

My 540i seems to leak oil from the same place, not much, but stinks as it gets on the exhaust. What did the job entail?

YES!!! I just had that happen to me, too! And I didn't catch it because my dad's Passat had a major oil leak, and he parked the Bimmer in its place, and I thought that the big oil spill was from the VW. They replaced the head gaskets and had to steam clean the underside of the engine thrice (I don't think I've ever used that word, but I like it) in order to get all of the oil off. I never noticed a bad smell probably because it was a slow leak.

On a similar note, has anyone had a leak in the rear main seal btw the engine block and the transmission bell? I've got a minor leak, but want to know if it will get worse. My technician says to just monitor it....

[Oxford5er]

My 540i seems to leak oil from the same place, not much, but stinks as it gets on the exhaust. What did the job entail?

YES!!! I just had that happen to me, too! And I didn't catch it because my dad's Passat had a major oil leak, and he parked the Bimmer in its place, and I thought that the big oil spill was from the VW. They replaced the head gaskets and had to steam clean the underside of the engine thrice (I don't think I've ever used that word, but I like it) in order to get all of the oil off. I never noticed a bad smell probably because it was a slow leak.

On a similar note, has anyone had a leak in the rear main seal btw the engine block and the transmission bell? I've got a minor leak, but want to know if it will get worse. My technician says to just monitor it....

[FiveOJester]

Getting close to 133k miles here. Original Nikasil block. Engine had good compression (165-175 psi across all cylinders) at 120k miles when I bought it. Idles a bit rough, but the intake gaskets and PCV plate smoothed that out quite a bit. Doesn't burn a drop of oil and after 4k miles the oil still looks clean so I'm not too worried.

[632 Regal]

yes theres a fluxuation off idle but usually smothes out before 2500,,, a smoth idle is a bad sign...lol
Mine does. It's amazing. Soon as she warms up I could not even tell the motor was on in the car. And that was with broken motor mounts. Maybe thats why... (thread comming :eek:)

It does lope a bit off idle up to 2000, then smooths right out again, so that's fairly normal?

[632 Regal]

no offence but it probably wasnt failes, most likely other intake leaks as we presented in yout prior posts.
I must have horrible luck! the only 1 who replaced a failed nikasil.

[632 Regal]

[Hijackin threads is cool lately since the board is slow.... as for following contours of the road theres a bunch of stuff worn out in your steering you should have it inspected as steering componants are maintenance items and usually you replace all at one...good for another 10 years or so. Yes vanos is a 6 cyl thing. QUOTE=Boom n Zoom]632Regal,

Thanks for the clarification on that, I wasn't sure if they were Vanos or not. So Is the Vanos system specific to the I6's?
My apologies for my ignorance, I wanted to be sure is all as my Bro was mighty impressed with my 540i as he has an '84 Auto and now an '82 Manual 928 Porsche. He seems to think that the E34 is more than a match for his '82 LandShark :D

Once we have both cars sorted (Him a gearbox rebuild and me getting the upper and lower control arms replaced as she wanders and follows the contours of the road and possibly new shock absorbers) we plan to have a meeting at a track day to find out. Should be interesting :)

Boom n Zoom.

Not meaning to hijack the thread here. Sorry if I have.[/QUOTE]

[Mike-AZ]

I replaced all of the intake manifold gaskets (lower, front, rear, and new pvc plate) back in November and now my 540i is running smooth again with a steady idle. -- Mike

[Bean]

133,000 Alusil. No probs aside from O2 sensor and valve gasket covers.

[Oxford5er]

What are the symptoms of a bad O2 sensor? I just had the head gaskets replaced a couple of weeks ago, and the technician noted that the Check Engine light came on a couple of times. Since I got it back, the Check Engine light has come on a few times when I'm idling in traffic, but as soon as I get the car moving, it turns off. My 530i has 110k miles on it...and passed the leakdown test at about 70k miles.

[dacoyote]

Where is the "I wish I had a V8 to complain about" choice

[632 Regal]

right here
http://www.bimmer.info/forum/showthread.php?p=136864

Where is the "I wish I had a V8 to complain about" choice

[bmcdanold]

My 530i has 230,000 miles on it (120,000 after Nikasil was replaced) but now it has a leaky head gasket. So 110,000 so far on the replacement Alusil block.

[mamilapon]

My "failing" nikasil turned out to be the valve cover gaskets.
Hi guys, I'm not very regular on the forum (permanent night shift) I'm really keen on a '95 530i with 160000km but dealer serviced all its life. Looks a million bucks and owned privately.Just looking at the Nikasil poll gives me a little confidence but i'm not sure whether i'll ever sleep peacefully after buying it. What do you guys(particularly you Aussies) reckon about the chances of the engine failing due to Nikasil?I'm in Sydney. Cheers

[Sweetwater]

My '95 530ia is presumably a Nik which spent it's life in the Bay area till April 2004. Came to me with 59K miles and now running smoothly at 71K miles.


What's up with the gaskets and O2 sensors and when do I need to get concerned......?

[632 Regal]

when you keep getting codes that the reboot dont help. the gaskets dry and shrink when old especially in the cold.

[New Owner 95 E34]

... on a Nik engine (just found out it was a nik today... only owned it a few months, and only knew about the engine issues since I signed up on the forum a week or so ago). No issues as of yet, but I just rescued the car from a California owner, so I guess I'd better look up the nearest BP station and figure their primo prices into my budget!

The number was a BI*%# to see, but even with a starter plate or heat shield or whatever it was installed that was mentioned earlier, the skilled (and female, btw) mechanic who was helping me managed to spot it. Not a data plate on mine... just "714 212D" directly molded in to the engine block. (I'm assuming there was a "1" in front of it, but a hose or electrical conduit of some sort was blocking the view.) Is that normal?

[632 Regal]

cant believe you found this poll, your going to be a dedicated Bimmernut too. My number was cast also, no dinky tags to switch around and play like it was swapped. I have whatever my sig pic says as of mileage.

[Macv]

Mine was cast as well. I was unaware that they came in another form.

[Johntee540]

The American Petroleum Institute representitive I challenged on a call in radio show says that the Katrina Waivers have long been rescinded and were a one time grant. Additionally - the Waivers given to refineries for relaxed sulphur standards were not fully utililized. And once the relaxed standards were rescinded the Refineries no longer have the right to produce higher sulphur fuels. eg they were not allowed to bank the Waivers.

The Topic of discussion was E10 Fuels and car compatibility on Pat Goss's Goss's Garage in Washington DC. The API guy claimed that ALL manufacturers approved E10 fuels without reservation. I called in to correct him and show them both the BMW web site discussing how they are concerned.

Then I engaged the API guy in the discussion about how high sulphur fuels ruined BMW engines and that we cant afford a repeat performance with E10 fuels. I told him that I felt he was being dis-ingenous as recently as Katrina there were refineries producing high sulpher fuels today. That's when he launched into his explanation of the current state of regulation with the Katrina Sulphur Waiver. Hope this clarifies what I have heard from Industry people with a definite bias. - JT

[Johntee540]

Hey evan - and it will be going long after you finally sell it too! You did the right thing! How much was the paint? JT

[Mike-AZ]

I met a guy here in town that showed me his beautiful nikasil 840Ci from California that had over 248,000 miles on it. The tranny was not original, but the engine was. Wow. That gave me more confidence than ever about my 540i from Cali. -- Mike

[saj3n]

:( I wish my nikasil was taken care of before i bought it... :(