Re: 94'/95' 4.0 V-8's/sulfer problem

[Cookies@xxxxxxx]

In a message dated 11/3/98 6:14:44 AM Pacific Standard Time, owner-bmw-
digest@domain.elided writes:

<< From: "Tomas Perez" <tsperez@domain.elided>
 Subject: Old 4.0 L Engine Problems
 
 So how bad are the engines in the 1994-95 540i cars?  How many of these
 engines go bad due to the gasoline?  Does it depend on the state or region
 of the US (car is from Tx)?  I know the warranty has been extended to 6
 years and 100,000 miles.  The car I'm considering has 47,000 but should I
 pass it up due to the sulfur problem on the cylinder walls?  The car can be
 had for 6 or 7K below kbb retail.  What experiences have you guys had with
 these engines?  Any advise would be greatly appreciated.
 
 
 Tomas S. Perez
 tsperez@domain.elided
 
 ~~~~ Tomas, priced a 4.0 litre shortblock lately??? AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!!
Yup, thought that would be your repsonse to the price. The only engine I would
buy is the new 4.4 litre V-8, it has the same silicon impregnated block
(cylinder bores) as Mercedes-Benz has been using since 1991. With proper oil
changes, you can go
250K+ miles before having to even LOOK at the bottom end of the engine. My
personal recommendation would be to buy  a 1996, get the 4.4, and get it from
a BMW dealer who will work with you on price, and include the outstanding BMW
2 year pre-owned warranty. BUT, if you buy a 94'/95', I would not take any
chances- get it from a BMW dealer that will strap on the 2 yr. BMW pre-owned
warranty. That way you can see how the engine does for a couple of years, and
get it rebuilt/replaced if something goes awry.

PS. I think our gas sucks everywhere in the US, and the Nikasil cylinder wall
coating on the 94/95' (IMO) will not go down in history as one of BMW's
"greatest" engineering achievments. I'd get a 94'/95' with a I-6 before a V-8
of those years.

Randy
cookies@domain.elided
BMWCC member

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