School Me On The Nikasil Problem

[wishihad50k]

I am looking at buying a 95 540i 6spd with 79k miles on it. Can you guys give me some advice on what to look for during the pre purchase inspection regarding this issue? Was this a problem in every e34 540i? Anything else I should look for? Thanks!

[yaofeng]

I'd at least do compression on the engine and/or leak down. Current sulfur content in gasoline sold in the US is between 15 to 50 ppm, as opposed to at least 350 ppm in the 90's. If the car do not have a problem now, it will likely not have a problem due to Nikasil.

[Sweetwater]

My '95 530i is at 76K and has no issues. It was a Kali car until 3 years ago when I brought it east.

Depending on your compulsive/anal streak, you could trust your ears, open the doors, do a compression test or a leakdown test.

My most recent encounter with a well known local indy revealed that they've never seen a Nikasil issue on any car here in Utah and they've serviced thousands. But I got a 42 out of my speed sensors and my cruise control is not working correctly......


Anybody got solutions to a real problem...............?

[wishihad50k]

I'd at least do compression on the engine and/or leak down. Current sulfur content in gasoline sold in the US is between 15 to 50 ppm, as opposed to at least 350 ppm in the 90's. If the car do not have a problem now, it will likely not have a problem due to Nikasil.

Leak down? So can I assume that if the compression is great, that the Nikasil lining is still good? What range should I look for when doing a compression test?

[Zeuk in Oz]

May I suggest that you do a search.

This topic is well represented.

[BillionPa]

check for the casting ID number on the block. the alusil blocks have different numbers than the nikasil blocks.

its on the right side of the block, above the coolant drain plug.


1 725 963 or 1 742 998 are nikail castings for the 540, if the casting ID is NOT one of those, the block was replaced under warranty.

[Evan]

DO NOT BUY this car... what's the seller's phone number?

[yaofeng]

Leak down? So can I assume that if the compression is great, that the Nikasil lining is still good? What range should I look for when doing a compression test?

175 psi to 200 psi with less than 10% variation across cylinders. Nikasil casting # below.

[Ross]

i also believe #s 1 725 970 & 1 741 212 to be nikasil
#s endind 871,872,873 are alusil and prefered.

[markus]

id get a compression test done. my car has a nikasil block and has 124k on it. runs liek a champ. and idles fine.