Nikasil Question

[RZM E34]

Is it correct that Nikasil's after a certain build date actually don't have problems? The 540i that I'm checking out is a 1994. Is there a way I can check out if its aulisil or Nikasil without a lift? If there was a replacement of engine would it be on the car fax. Thanks.

[David325e]

Not correct. After a certain date M60s don't have problems because they went alusil. Check the casting number on the block to find out if it is N or A. And I don't think that would be on carfax, might be in the records of the previous owner.

General consensus is that if nikasil hasn't become a problem by now then it won't become one. I'm under that school of thought. However others will refuse to buy one, up to you.

Get a compression and leakdown test from a shop to test for nikasil wear.

[RZM E34]

Are there more than these casting numbers or are these the only ones that are aulisil or nikasil? Would I need to take over the engine cover to see this?

[David325e]

Those are the only numbers I've heard of. Not sure if you need to do that to check the casting #, never checked.

[xatlas0]

It is on the side of the block.

As was previously mentioned, if it isn't dead yet, it is likely fine. A leakdown and compression test will reveal the engine's actual condition. If the compression numbers are below ~170 or so, let it go.

[quick93]

As was previously mentioned, if it isn't dead yet, it is likely fine.
I've got 2 94's that have the original motors that run great, one has 105K and the other has 185K. They are both California cars though, I've read that makes a difference because of the fuel we run here..... guess our crappy clean air California gas was good for something.

[David325e]

I've got a 94 540 with 174k on it. Run on 89 from Virginia and Maryland, still purring.

[nmp411]

You can also call the dealer and they can look up what maintenance has been done under warranty.