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V8 engine problems
Paul Krieger asked about engine problems with the new V8's. Here is what I
learned while shopping for a 95 540i 6-speed (which I decided not to buy):
The sulfur in U.S. gasoline causes the new alloy in the cylinder walls to
corrode. All V8 engines produced through the 1995 model year have this
problem. The dealer fix under a "campaign" is to replace the chip with one
that causes a hotter burn of the fuel and to replace the engine thermostat to
allow the engine to heat up quicker. These two modifications cause the
sulfur to burn off quicker. The factory started to put these modifications
into production around mid-95. Beginning in 1996, the factory went back to
the original cylinder wall alloy so that the sulfur sensitivity problem is
gone as of 1996.
The symptoms of cylinder wall corrosion is a rough idle and a feeling of
easier revving and more power as the cylinder walls start to go. For a brief
window, the engine feels like it has developed more power. As the corrosion
continues, the engine performance starts to drop.
The "campaign" at all BMW dealers to perform the modifications is free.
Anyone with a V8 engine produced before 1996 should have this done
immediately. BMW has extended the warranty on all V8's to 100,000 miles/5
years. What they will do if the engine craps out after that is unknown, but
they might possible cover the repairs anyway. I have heard of several V8
owners who have received new engines as a result of this problem.
By the way, the same V8 engines tend to develop gasket leaks in the front
timing case covers. Replacement of the timing cover gaskets with better
gaskets is also covered under a "campaign," so check the front of your engine
for oil leaks.
Regards,
Bob Stommel