Engine recall

[Hellrotten]

Alright I have to apologize ahead of time, but I havent done much research on this yet.

I recently bought a 94 530i, and I was skimming through some stuff on my phones browser and came across something about an engine recall? If this applies to mine, I seriously doubt it's been replaced. My question though, is whether or not the recall still applies. Is BMW still replacing E34 engines? And, what was the issue?

[jehu]

I urge you to take it to your nearest BMW Dealer and ask for a new engine.. ask them to make it an M60B40 while they're at it..

[Hellrotten]

And it's as simple as that, seriously?

I guess I'm asking, whether or not the recall has any conditions.

[David325e]

Google search it. Some 3rd party website has a great summary. All M60 E34s left the factory with a nikasil M60 block. Crappy gas would rot the nickel causing low compression and all the things that go with it. Dealers that serviced the cars often adjusted the DME to make it run better, like with my car, but didn't want to play for the block replacedment. If a car had a bad nik within 60k miles (I believe thats the #) then it was replaced. Crawl under your car and find the casting number on the block. That'll tell you which one it is.

Have a compression and leakdown test done. Theres 2 schools of thought here. First is people who will never touch a nik. Second is people like me (180k on mine) who figure if it hasn't happened yet, it likely won't if I take care of it and run quality gas.

BMW might still replace it, for an insane amount of money. No way you're getting a recall replacement now.

[jehu]

My 1995 540's was replaced at 98,000 in 1999... I was under the impression this was waaaaaaay looooong over..

[Hellrotten]

ahh that's...what I kind of figured.

My car makes funny noises sometimes at idle, this odd whining noise. Also, when I crank it in the mornings before I pull out of the driveway, it seems to shake in idle. It makes the whole car, kind of wobble side to side. It's not knocking or anything, its really quiet. Hmm. Also there's an occasional high pitch whistling. It's not loud, but its high. Any clues?

[T444E]

Call the dealer and say you just bought a 95 540i and want to know if the engine was replaced under the Nikasil recall. I did that and they just asked me for the last seven digits of my VIN. They will either confirm it was or say it wasn't. Not much to lose.

[jehu]

The shaking could be magnified by a broken motor mount but to actually shake like that it sound like more is at work.. compression test will reveal the truth.. FWIW I see M60's on ebay frequently. if you can do an engine swap yourself I've seen them averaging around $1,200

[m60b30530i]

check your oil pump bolts , sadly i believe the oil pump bolts were why all the nikasils prematurely failed, low oil pressure is a no no

[Hellrotten]

great advice, thanks alot

[David325e]

You're going to miss that M20 a ton when you start working on the M60. Check for all sorts of vaccuum leaks and idle problems. And do the comp/leakdown as we've all said.

[Hellrotten]

Oh I still have the E30

[Binjammin]

check your oil pump bolts , sadly i believe the oil pump bolts were why all the nikasils prematurely failed, low oil pressure is a no no


The nikasil recall had nothing to do with oiling. The problem is that the engines required premium, low sulfur fuel. A lot of US owners just poured regular fuel in, with high sulfur content, and that sulfur ate the cylinder lining. That led to a lack of proper sealing, and a corresponding lack of compression.

[jehu]

with that in mind have I, in your opinion been wasting my money using only 93 us octane gas from Mobile or Shell exclusively for the last three and a half years?

[m60b30530i]

The nikasil recall had nothing to do with oiling. The problem is that the engines required premium, low sulfur fuel. A lot of US owners just poured regular fuel in, with high sulfur content, and that sulfur ate the cylinder lining. That led to a lack of proper sealing, and a corresponding lack of compression.


that i know but with the issue of the oil pump bolts backing out wouldn't you think that some would of failed do to constant low oil pressure, i know that on the 530i the valve train was replaced at 90,000 miles while the whole motor was replaced at 70,000 miles , now wouldn't low oil pressure or a big drop in oil pressure destroy the top end of the motor , including the bottom end but im just saying , constant low oil pressure does cause premature wear on valves and there surrounding components.

the main reason for Nikasil to fail is high sulfer content ,but i was just saying i found my oil pump bolts out and its a good thing to check on the M60 :cool

[teufel530]

ahh that's...what I kind of figured.

My car makes funny noises sometimes at idle, this odd whining noise. Also, when I crank it in the mornings before I pull out of the driveway, it seems to shake in idle. It makes the whole car, kind of wobble side to side. It's not knocking or anything, its really quiet. Hmm. Also there's an occasional high pitch whistling. It's not loud, but its high. Any clues?

the whining noise you here is the air pump forcing air into the intake. its an emmissions system thing. someone with more energy than me can explain cause Im going to bed.

[KyleCleveland]

that i know but with the issue of the oil pump bolts backing out wouldn't you think that some would of failed do to constant low oil pressure, i know that on the 530i the valve train was replaced at 90,000 miles while the whole motor was replaced at 70,000 miles , now wouldn't low oil pressure or a big drop in oil pressure destroy the top end of the motor , including the bottom end but im just saying , constant low oil pressure does cause premature wear on valves and there surrounding components.

the main reason for Nikasil to fail is high sulfer content ,but i was just saying i found my oil pump bolts out and its a good thing to check on the M60 :cool

Your M60 has a sensor for low oil pressure. The oil pump bolts have nothing to do with the Nikasil problem in these cars.

Pope

[zubbie]

Ironically nikasil coatings are a superior way to line aluminum cylinder bores. Still used in F1 racing and porsche 911's. If it wern't for bad, high sulfur gas we'd still see it in our cars.

From wikipedia:

Engines using Nikasil:
Aprilia RS125 And Aprilia SX/RX 125
Armstrong MT500 - Rotax engine cylinder lining
Chevrolet LT5 engine, designed by Lotus and used exclusively in the Corvette ZR-1
Chevrolet Vega 2.3l, and 2.0l Cosworth fours
Citroën Visa twin
Citroën GS birotor wankel engine made by Comotor
BMW M52 I6, except exports to North America
BMW M60 V8
BMW R80GS, as measure to reduce weight over cast-iron lined cylinders
BMW S1000RR, scheduled for early 2010 release.
Ferrari F50 V12
Ford RS200
Honda RS125R [2] - cylinder lining
Honda RS250R [3] - cylinder lining
Honda NSR 150SP
Honda XR650R
Jaguar AJ-V8, 1997 - 2000 (XK series VIN range 001036-042775, XJ V8 series VIN 812256-878717) [2]
KTM LC4
Lambretta TS1
Lotus Esprit Turbo 2.2
Maserati Biturbo 2.0 V6 Engines
Moto Guzzi 850 T3 and derived engines
NSU Ro80
Porsche 912 engine ( engine in 917 car, not to be confused with the Porsche 912 car )
Porsche 911 1973+ (excluding some 1975-1978 911S)
Suzuki LTR450
Suzuki RGV250
Vespa T5
Sonex AeroVee Aircraft Engine
Ford Puma

[ross1]

Ironically nikasil coatings are a superior way to line aluminum cylinder bores. Still used in F1 racing and porsche 911's. If it wern't for bad, high sulfur gas we'd still see it in our cars.

From wikipedia:

Engines using Nikasil:
Aprilia RS125 And Aprilia SX/RX 125
Armstrong MT500 - Rotax engine cylinder lining
Chevrolet LT5 engine, designed by Lotus and used exclusively in the Corvette ZR-1
Chevrolet Vega 2.3l, and 2.0l Cosworth fours
Citroën Visa twin
Citroën GS birotor wankel engine made by Comotor
BMW M52 I6, except exports to North America
BMW M60 V8
BMW R80GS, as measure to reduce weight over cast-iron lined cylinders
BMW S1000RR, scheduled for early 2010 release.
Ferrari F50 V12
Ford RS200
Honda RS125R [2] - cylinder lining
Honda RS250R [3] - cylinder lining
Honda NSR 150SP
Honda XR650R
Jaguar AJ-V8, 1997 - 2000 (XK series VIN range 001036-042775, XJ V8 series VIN 812256-878717) [2]
KTM LC4
Lambretta TS1
Lotus Esprit Turbo 2.2
Maserati Biturbo 2.0 V6 Engines
Moto Guzzi 850 T3 and derived engines
NSU Ro80
Porsche 912 engine ( engine in 917 car, not to be confused with the Porsche 912 car )
Porsche 911 1973+ (excluding some 1975-1978 911S)
Suzuki LTR450
Suzuki RGV250
Vespa T5
Sonex AeroVee Aircraft Engine
Ford Puma


Great list Zubbie
I knew the Vega* was nik but had no idea on the others.
I don't think the sulfur content was a premium/regular issue but more of regional blend issue. Someone please correct me?

Our OP's symptoms; rough idle, poor cold running and a whistling noise all point to a vacuum leak, another notorious M60 characteristic.
* most of these quickly became oil burners but I don't remember any correlation ever being made to fuels used, sulfur was WAY higher than now. GM's answer was to sell you another car and nobody seemed to care much. Perhaps because the Vega bodies corroded even faster than the nikasil cylinders.

[Binjammin]

with that in mind have I, in your opinion been wasting my money using only 93 us octane gas from Mobile or Shell exclusively for the last three and a half years?

No, the higher octane is for the higher compression of the engine. The knock sensors will keep you safe, but you'll lose power when the ecu dials timing out.


that i know but with the issue of the oil pump bolts backing out wouldn't you think that some would of failed do to constant low oil pressure, i know that on the 530i the valve train was replaced at 90,000 miles while the whole motor was replaced at 70,000 miles , now wouldn't low oil pressure or a big drop in oil pressure destroy the top end of the motor , including the bottom end but im just saying , constant low oil pressure does cause premature wear on valves and there surrounding components.

the main reason for Nikasil to fail is high sulfer content ,but i was just saying i found my oil pump bolts out and its a good thing to check on the M60 :cool


The oiling issue would manifest itself as a knock before the walls degraded.

[David325e]

Great list Zubbie
I knew the Vega* was nik but had no idea on the others.
I don't think the sulfur content was a premium/regular issue but more of regional blend issue. Someone please correct me?

Our OP's symptoms; rough idle, poor cold running and a whistling noise all point to a vacuum leak, another notorious M60 characteristic.
* most of these quickly became oil burners but I don't remember any correlation ever being made to fuels used, sulfur was WAY higher than now. GM's answer was to sell you another car and nobody seemed to care much. Perhaps because the Vega bodies corroded even faster than the nikasil cylinders.

triple-rofl. Oh, the vega. My mom has some great stories/driving skills from the vega. Had it as a first car in college, $24/mo car payments. She was coming down a mountain one night when the overheating got even worse than usual. Engine was struggling, brakes were starting to boil. Basically about a mile freefall using engine braking. Slid into a garage on the side of the road and called my dad (then boyfriend) for a ride. While she was waiting she talked the guy in the shop into giving her $100 for it on the condition that she could take 5 swings with a sledge before she left.

[m60b30530i]

No, the higher octane is for the higher compression of the engine. The knock sensors will keep you safe, but you'll lose power when the ecu dials timing out.




The oiling issue would manifest itself as a knock before the walls degraded.

true you know more than me lol , damn college frying my brain :stickoutt

[zubbie]

triple-rofl. Oh, the vega. My mom has some great stories/driving skills from the vega. Had it as a first car in college, $24/mo car payments. She was coming down a mountain one night when the overheating got even worse than usual. Engine was struggling, brakes were starting to boil. Basically about a mile freefall using engine braking. Slid into a garage on the side of the road and called my dad (then boyfriend) for a ride. While she was waiting she talked the guy in the shop into giving her $100 for it on the condition that she could take 5 swings with a sledge before she left.


Now you are really making me feel old. I had friends in high school that drove vega's. Mind you they had SBC conversions....

http://image.internetautoguide.com/f/auto-news/the-worst-american-well-general-motors-cars-in-recent-decades/11382258+cr1+re0+ar1/chevy-vega-70s.jpg

[David325e]

HAha I wish you and some of the other old school (to me at least, maybe middle-school in the car world ?) guys would put together an ebook of stories for us.

And I forgot to post my other response to ross's post. I'm confused on the regional relation of the failure too. I live in an area that I've read was an ishy gas area, and my cars had 89 run in it throughout. On 180k and going strong...

[m60b30530i]

Your M60 has a sensor for low oil pressure. The oil pump bolts have nothing to do with the Nikasil problem in these cars.

Pope


i know that but you should still check them, it a good precaution

[robmpulse]

What is the last 7 of your vin?

If the recall has not been performed, it still can be. There is no time limit to recalls. We still get e30's in here from time to time with the cooling system recall to be performed.

I doubt that it has not been performed, though.....

But give me the vin and i can tell you...

[Sneezy]

What is the last 7 of your vin?

If the recall has not been performed, it still can be. There is no time limit to recalls. We still get e30's in here from time to time with the cooling system recall to be performed.

I doubt that it has not been performed, though.....

But give me the vin and i can tell you...

BMW is going to send out a ninja hit man for you.

[Hellrotten]

What is the last 7 of your vin?

If the recall has not been performed, it still can be. There is no time limit to recalls. We still get e30's in here from time to time with the cooling system recall to be performed.

I doubt that it has not been performed, though.....

But give me the vin and i can tell you...

Its pouring right now, but as soon as it lets up I'm gonna go get it.

[zubbie]

What is the last 7 of your vin?

If the recall has not been performed, it still can be. There is no time limit to recalls. We still get e30's in here from time to time with the cooling system recall to be performed.

I doubt that it has not been performed, though.....

But give me the vin and i can tell you...

Heh... It's all caps Rob (JK) Long time no see.. wazup

[Hellrotten]

Okay so my VIN is WBAHE1320RGE53823

[T444E]

Woah my 540i/6 was never replaced, I want a free motor so hook me up

[zubbie]

Okay so my VIN is WBAHE1320RGE53823

I'd PM him

[ShapeShifter]

At least you quoted it....
Lol.

[Hellrotten]

I'd PM him

duly noted

[acepilot]

Forget about the engine guys. Don't they just replace the short block and keep your heads and other items? I highly doubt that:

1) BMW will replace anything at this time
2) BMW will replace the heads for you since that's not the recall
3) You'll be responsible for other labor/parts charges that's involved in doing other things "while you're in there"

Ace

[4500 RPM]

kalevera has written quite a bit on this. Long story short, the goodwill replacements ended in 2002 or so.

[ross1]

What is the last 7 of your vin?

If the recall has not been performed, it still can be. There is no time limit to recalls. We still get e30's in here from time to time with the cooling system recall to be performed.

I doubt that it has not been performed, though.....

But give me the vin and i can tell you...

It wasn't a "recall". BMW did it in selected cases when they felt it in their best interest. Some cars were just quietly bought back by offering trade-in incentives.