540i engine problems

[GIBSON]

I've read in several posts that my 95 540 may develop engine problems. Was there a point where they fixed these problems, i.e. a serial number beyond which they are ok? My wife heard about this and now she wants to sell a perfectly good car in favor of a new 330. I like the V8 but she wants a new car. Any ideas on when this was fixed, if it was, and will all of these engines develop problems. My car has only 34K miles on it.
Thanks.

[Bob540iA]

This problem is well documented on the www.koalamotorsport.com web site. This explains how to determine if the block has been replaced.

This was covered under BMW's warranty policy. I do not know what the current policy is, if the motor hasn't been already replaced.

If the motor is original, I would take it to your BMW dealer and let them diagnose it for this issue.

[GIBSON]

Bob, thanks for that link, very informative. I've got to get under the car and check for the block info.
I've owned it since 97 or 98 when it had mileage in high 20's, now it's 34.5K. No idle problems whatsoever. I just wonder if all of these nikasil engines will fail or only some....

[Bob540iA]

I have a 1995 540i with the Alusil block, replaced at 35K my BMW under warranty to previous owner.

So my info is from what I read on various BMW Forums. One thought is if the engine is ok after 8 or so years it probably is not going to have this problem. I've seen some posts claiming the gas in Ca. has lower sulfur than on the east coast so its less likely to be a problem. I have no idea if this is true.

Of course there is the doom and gloom bunch who believe if it can fail it will. But this can be said about any engine.

Pesonally i would take it to a reputable mechanic or dealer and have the leak down test done for my peace of mind.

This is a great car so drive and enjoy!!

[GIBSON]

Thanks Bob, good advice. I have access to a Snap-On leak down testor so I may just test it myself. Seems like that's the only way to tell for sure. I could also get a print-out on the service history from a friend at the local dealership. That would tell the story as well.
My wife is pushing to sell the car because she wants a 330. I like the V8 myself, we'll see who wins....

[bavarian]

Any one doubt the reliability of a Bimmer?
Only if BMW would fit in their research with reliability this would be the greatest car in the world.
Any clues why does BMW performance come at such a high cost?
I have a E55 and it runs like a rocket.
My cousins M5 fuel pump broke down on the Vegas freeway, cant believe it! Screwed our chances of winning any money!
I plan to get a new Bimmer but the garage time is scaring me.

[GIBSON]

I've had several 3 series cars going back to 79, one hit 300K miles
when I sold it, service was pretty normal on it, nothing major.
My current 540 has only been in the shop for regular service in the last 5 years. I'd like to see a real-world comparison on BMW serice costs and down-time vs GM,Ford etc. I think on the whole BMW's are a good bet. The local dealerships have been fair to me, costs were not cheap but things were done right. So I'd say you could do a lot worse.
What new car are you thinking of getting?