E34 540i

[Roundal]

If I were to go and have a look see at a certain 540i, 1996 with 197 000km, how would I be able to tell if there was a nikasal problem?

I know if it aint broke by now, it should be ok, but are there any tell tail signs?

Ja Ja, it is V8 time...........:=):

 

[zaleonardz]

Frikken awesome.

The casing number of the block gives it away, cant remember the details but its freely available.

Check for smoke, tappet noise, other grinds, but I recon you have no issues.

Ask Rick540 to give it a listen.

 

[Sankekur]

If I am not mistaken wikipedia gives the info on how to tell from the engine number whether the block is alusil or nikasil. Have also read that if it hasn't given problems to date it should be fine.

Edit:
Some info I found:

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

M60B40:
1 725 963 - Nikasil
1 742 998 - Nikasil
1 745 872 - Alusil

 

[rick540]

With these V8's there is only one test.

If it idles smooth when the engine is HOT, then there is nothing wrong regardless of Alusil or Nikasil. These M60/62 V8's manifest any problem they care to have with a rough idle.

If it idles rough run away fast and don't look back.....ever.... don't ask just run. (if you don't you will end up spending 12 months testing all the sensors and replacing gaskets and hoping it's this or that till you realise it is actually the dreaded Nikasil)

Dont bother looking for smoke, these engines dont ever smoke even when they are totally wrecked.

LZ is right the dead ones are pretty much all dead by now if the car is still going and it passes the above test there's hope for it.

 

[Roundal]

Thanks guys. Will let you know.