e36 328i engine blocks

[Raybimmer]

The e36 328i had cast iron or aluminium engine blocks in its life time . Which is better ? If both were in cars with FSH would there be no real difference ? From when did ally blocks get used ? Any problems to look for ?

 

[zaleonardz]

I prefer cast iron over alloy blocks simply because a cast iron block can be fixed (in some to most cases).

alloy with a bit of heat = done, alloy with a crack of some nature = done, resleaving an alloy can be done but hardly ever works....

Perhaps silly logic, but thats my personal view.

 

[LPM320]

Hi ray.

I faced the same dilemma a few months ago when purchasing my 328i. had a choice of 2, a 96 model (which i ended up buying) and a 98 model.

Apparently models from 1995 up to ??/1997 (i know the change from alloy to cast iron occured in 1997, not too sure which month though) had aluminium blocks, while models produced thereafter has cast iron blocks. From what i heard the amount of sulphur in our sub grade fuel (at the time) was reacting negativley with the nikasil bore liners that were used in the alloy blocks, therefore causing pre mature wear, so BMW started using cast iron blocks, introduced as a running change.

I was told that if the alloy block was still fine at this point, then it shouldnt be much of an issue, as the quality our fuel improved a great deal since then.

Apart from slight smoking now and again (still trying to figure out why), I dont have any other issues with the alloy block in my 328i.

Hope this helps

Cheers

 

[P1000]

I'm with LZ on this one. The cast-iron blocks are especially much better for the e36, but I also prefer them in all other cases. You can usually also not boost an alloy block as much, because you cannot use the stronger rings safely...

 

[Doomsdaya]

LPM320 is spot on :thumbsup: however the cast iron block is a better option should any major problem occur

I also recently bought a 96" E36 328i with FSH and so far no signs of any problems :thumb:

 

[PRAVEEN M]

You can change the alloy block to cast iron if you have a problem,get a 325 block and transfer the internals.The 328 is a very strong engine,we got 380000km before we done the engine.

 

[Raybimmer]

Thanks guys . My logic is cast iron is better -also heard about nikasil issue . Many 96 models with service history with 200000 to 300000 km for sale . I start wondering if R45K is worth it then , if engine life is less than 100000 to go .

 

[Wick-ed]

Cast Iron block. Much better.

 

[rick540]

Cast iron block is better. My 96 328 had an aluminium block with no issues at all though.

 

[Doomsdaya]

Just a little curious though, did the E46 328i come with cast iron or alloy block and does it have single or double vanos

 

[sidewayz]

i actually think both blocks are actually very good.
they each have their own advantages

 

[fanatic_e36M]

alloy block spell trouble

 

[Doomsdaya]

 

[kilrone]

i was under the impression that all m52 motors were ally the early ally blocks had nickersil, i believe that bmw steel lined the bores on later motors to overcome the nickersil issues. to the best of my knowledge all the last of the m52 motors and current motors are alusil which is a far superior process to nickersil. i far prefer the ally blocks to the cast iron block exept for forced induction. but each to there own

 

[gerald5ive]

How can i tell which block mine has?

 

[kilrone]

bmw should be able to tell you from the vin number