I just purchased a '94 540i. It has the M60 engine with the Nikasil
issues. Mileage is 83,000. Seems to be running fine.

Does anyone have any experience with the Nikasil M60 at this mileage?
Should I be prepared to have it just up and die someday? Soon?

Anything that can be done to prevent/delay problems with the engine,
short of replacing the engine block (which is probably more than the
value of the car)? Thanks

The Nikasil problem developed as a result of fuel with a high sulfer
content. Today's fuels don't ordinarily have a high fuel content. If your
engine hasn't suffered the "Nikasil" damage by now, its not likely to do so.
Do a Google search for Nikasil and BMW for a lot of detailed information.

LMcD


"sfred" <scfredericks (AT) gmail (DOT) com> wrote

"sfred" <scfredericks (AT) gmail (DOT) com> wrote

I just purchased a '94 540i. It has the M60 engine with the Nikasil
issues. Mileage is 83,000. Seems to be running fine.

Does anyone have any experience with the Nikasil M60 at this mileage?
Should I be prepared to have it just up and die someday? Soon?

Anything that can be done to prevent/delay problems with the engine,
short of replacing the engine block (which is probably more than the
value of the car)? Thanks
-----

All things being equal, if it has 83k miles and the cylinder compression is
good across
all 8, then you should be OK. I have some links or you can search Google
for
"nikasil BMW" and get some scoops. However, most of the problems from that
time
have been rectified (since it was a sulfur content in the gasoline problem).

OTOH, if there is a compression problem and you're not mechanically inclined
or thick
in the wallet, you may have some issues. BUT... if the car made it this far
there is a good
chance it is OK. I understand (along with most of this group's members) how
severe the
problem can be. I personally believe that some folks tended to blow the
widespreadness (?)
of the situation out of proportion. BMW was lacking in response, but there
have been the
rare case of V8s showing up with the problem after the recall/hush program
was completed.

Bill in Omaha
'86 535i

"Larry" <mcdtus (AT) comcast (DOT) net> wrote

Er the fuel content is given by the RON number, I think you meant sulphur.

If it does go wrong the onset is gradual.

Thanks for the info. Any warning signs for this gradual onset?

On Jan 10, 8:39 am, "R. Mark Clayton" <nospamclay... (AT) btinternet (DOT) com>
wrote:

In article <1168472055.568502.20080 (AT) k58g2000hse (DOT) googlegroups.com>,
sfred <scfredericks (AT) gmail (DOT) com> wrote:
First signs are an uneven idle. On a V-8, more uneven than usual.

--
*Why is 'abbreviation' such a long word?

Dave Plowman dave (AT) davenoise (DOT) co.uk London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.