6 Cylinder Engine Failures

[Jeff Katcher <JeffKatcher@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

This will not affect an E39 528i.  In the U.S., the sulfur problem
affects only the earlier 5-, 7- and 8-series cars with the M60 engine.
That engine used a nickel alloy (nikasil) that reacts with sulfur in
fuel, causing etching of the cylinder walls and excessive leakdown.  The
engine in your 528i contains no nickel.

It is not true that gasoline in the U.S. has a lower sulfur content than
fuel in Great Britain.  In some parts of the U.S., the sulfur level is
quite high, which is why a substantial number of cars with the M60
engine have had their short blocks replaced.

Jeff Katcher
'95 530i stick (still going strong with a nikasil block)
BMW CCA #150941   

> Barnie Barnick wrote:

I read with horror in the latest issue of Roundel about hundreds of new
6 cylinder engines in late model BMWs failing in Britain.  Apparently
the failure is due to the high sulfer content in British gasoline which
is reacting adversely with the nickel cylinder liners.  Well this poses
a very interesting (and worrisome) question for non British owners which
could go something like, "Even though my gasoline has lower sulfer
levels, is it merely a matter of time before my engine fails too?"

If anyone has any good info on this potentially ugly issue, all of us
new 6 cylinder owners would like to hear.
Thanks.
Barnie Barnick  CCA# ??
97 528i

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