Bmw Question?
- Thread starter 83Fjwagon
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If there is anything wrong with it, it is a pretty penny to fix those things. My wife's thermostat went out and it was $400 part alone not including labor. Oil changes were $160 w/ castrol synthetic and the oil filters only cost $8.
our bmw was a great car it was a 2001 325i.
our bmw was a great car it was a 2001 325i.
These early V8s had a problem with their engines be sure this has been resolved:
http://www.madabout-kitcars.com/kitcar/kb.php?aid=235
Cars with this engine:
* 1993-1995 E34 530i
* 1992-1994 E32 730i
* 1994-1996 E38 730i
* 1993-1995 E34 540i
* 1992-1994 E32 740i
* 1994-1996 E38 740i
* 1992-1996 E31 840i
The M60 was on the Ward's 10 Best Engines list for 1995 and 1996.
In 1996 the M60 was replaced with the M62 series engines.
The Nikasil problem
BMW used Nikasil, an aluminium, nickel, and silicon alloy, to line the cylinders of the M60 engines. The cross-hatched Nikasil linings react with the high sulfur content found in lower-quality gasoline, such as that used in parts of the United States. This reaction causes damage to the very top of the cylinder bore, where there is the most contact of the burning mixture and the cylinder lining. The damage prevents a good seal from forming between the piston and the cylinder wall, causing a loss of compression in the combustion chamber. This "leak down" will cause M60s with worn linings to exhibit a rough idle, and if the problem continues unchecked, the engine will not start.
The only permanent fix for this problem is the replacement of the short block with the equivalent block using Alusil linings, which do not exhibit this corrosion problem. After the problem was found, BMW issued an extended six-year, 100,000-mile (160,000 km) warranty to cover these engines at no cost to the owner.
The composition of the engine can be found by checking the serial number stamped into the engine block:
M60B30:
* 1 725 970 - Nikasil
* 1 741 212 - Nikasil
* 1 745 871 - Alusil
http://www.madabout-kitcars.com/kitcar/kb.php?aid=235
Cars with this engine:
* 1993-1995 E34 530i
* 1992-1994 E32 730i
* 1994-1996 E38 730i
* 1993-1995 E34 540i
* 1992-1994 E32 740i
* 1994-1996 E38 740i
* 1992-1996 E31 840i
The M60 was on the Ward's 10 Best Engines list for 1995 and 1996.
In 1996 the M60 was replaced with the M62 series engines.
The Nikasil problem
BMW used Nikasil, an aluminium, nickel, and silicon alloy, to line the cylinders of the M60 engines. The cross-hatched Nikasil linings react with the high sulfur content found in lower-quality gasoline, such as that used in parts of the United States. This reaction causes damage to the very top of the cylinder bore, where there is the most contact of the burning mixture and the cylinder lining. The damage prevents a good seal from forming between the piston and the cylinder wall, causing a loss of compression in the combustion chamber. This "leak down" will cause M60s with worn linings to exhibit a rough idle, and if the problem continues unchecked, the engine will not start.
The only permanent fix for this problem is the replacement of the short block with the equivalent block using Alusil linings, which do not exhibit this corrosion problem. After the problem was found, BMW issued an extended six-year, 100,000-mile (160,000 km) warranty to cover these engines at no cost to the owner.
The composition of the engine can be found by checking the serial number stamped into the engine block:
M60B30:
* 1 725 970 - Nikasil
* 1 741 212 - Nikasil
* 1 745 871 - Alusil
My friend has 1993-4? 530i,3.0 V8,at 175K.Runs and drives nice.Nice body.BBS wheels....$1,800-Wife wants it!I like it too.Does anyone know about these cars?Thanks
BMW=Break My Wallet. Make sure it is a good one, they sure are no Toyota.
I have a 90 325ic & a 2005 M3 I love them both Parts for the 90 are cheaper than parts for the 80. I don't want to think what parts for the M are.
After a stint with one that is supposed to be better than that one, an 89 535i, I wouldn't touch one of those things with a ten foot pole. It makes me very sad, because I appreciate the engineering, but it was one problem after another.
It was a lot like my BMW motorcycle only a lot worse - you better have the money, time and expectation for keeping it up or it will be a endless problem.
It was a lot like my BMW motorcycle only a lot worse - you better have the money, time and expectation for keeping it up or it will be a endless problem.
Unreliable leaky and expensive to fix. PITA to work on. Imagine pulling an orange out of a toaster with out scraping the peel. yeah. its that fun to work on these cars.
If status is what shes after, (cause BMW's are worthless in all perspectives otherwise) then wash your cruiser.
If status is what shes after, (cause BMW's are worthless in all perspectives otherwise) then wash your cruiser.
If you want the e34 bodystyle (1989-1995 5 series) you will be much happier with a well maintained 525i. With BMW's you can break them down into two categories v-8 = major expenses and high parts costs and the I-6 engine cars = less expensive and more reliable, but still not a Toyota.
If you want any BMW the best thing to do is buy a service manual with the car and do as many repairs as you can yourself, if you are able. There are quite a few BMW Forums with how to sections. i've managed to avoid over $3500.00 in labor charges on fairly simple stuff like CV boots, Power window regulators, and some rotten PCV hoses on the back of the engine. I'm not giving any dealer that kind of cash without at least trying to fix the problem myself. Parts are not expensive, at least on my wifes X5.
Anyway, all the BMWs i've been around drive and handle really great, but everyone is correct... be prepared to do some wrenching or pay the dealer dearly. For as much as they cost you would think they could use better quailty hardware, power windows are a particular issue. If you're used to a Toyota, especially a landcruiser's reliability it can get old real quick. There are those that argue that its worth it.
Anyway, all the BMWs i've been around drive and handle really great, but everyone is correct... be prepared to do some wrenching or pay the dealer dearly. For as much as they cost you would think they could use better quailty hardware, power windows are a particular issue. If you're used to a Toyota, especially a landcruiser's reliability it can get old real quick. There are those that argue that its worth it.
BMW's are great looking cars. What is incredible to me is how they have managed to retain their reputation as fantastic cars when what they do best is break down at inopportune moments. I have plenty of friends who have had it with various BMW's. Almost all of them have gone to Lexus or Infiniti.
BMW
Bring Money Willingly
Nice cars when everything is working...need deep pockets when things aren't. BMWs are a mechanic's dream, (i'm one of them,) because everytime one rolls in, even for an oil change, you'll find something wrong with it.
caveat emptor
Bring Money Willingly
Nice cars when everything is working...need deep pockets when things aren't. BMWs are a mechanic's dream, (i'm one of them,) because everytime one rolls in, even for an oil change, you'll find something wrong with it.
caveat emptor
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This car had the rough idle problem so i passed.I've had some nice late "80's-early "90's 300E's in the past.I might get another.I've bought LIKE NEW ones for $1,000,$1,500 at auctions.They were very reliable,except for windo parts.
I still think BMW's make just about the best looking sedans in the world. But can you tolerate the frustration of unexpected breakdowns? Dunno; like I said many people I know have swapped for Lexus or Infiniti. That G35 is a GREAT looking car. I'm afraid to drive one. May want one too much. And now I see Nissan is coming out with an Altima Couple that looks like the G35. Might be worth a look.
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