Re: sulfer attack on 4.0 litre v-8's

[Cookies@xxxxxxx]

In a message dated 11/9/98 7:53:27 PM !!!First Boot!!!, owner-bmw-
digest@domain.elided writes:

<< Randy wrote:
 >If you are like Mercedes-Benz and want to go very esoteric, you cast your
 >alluminum block WITH pure silicon, "etch" your cylinder walls with chemicals
 >to leave a exposed layer of pure silicon (which is the most dirable of
 >reciprocating parts surfaces) and then do final machining.
 
 It's apparent there aren't many left on this list who've owned a BMW for
 more than two years, but the Alusil (aluminum/silicon alloy block bored
 then etched to expose silicon surface) has been used by BMW in all
 12-cylinder cars since '88.  Porsche used it in since '77 in all V8s and,
 I'm told, Chevy used it in the Vega. ('71?)  Now since BMW has also been
 using the Galnikal/Nikasil coated bores on motorcycles since the K-bike was
 intro'd in '84 and the process has been used in aero motors for quite some
 time, what more research should have been necessary?  A BMW K-bike motor is
 good for 1/2 million miles.  Those torn down with minor valve problems at
 near 300k had perfect bores.  And I've never had a need for Techron in a
 2002 either, but new technology and new pollutants of all sorts will effect
 many different things in the future.  Maybe the fuel is to blame.
 
 I'm not defending BMWs practices.  It is obvious that coated bores cost
 less than alusil casting process and they maybe should have considered
 spending more in the first place, but to say the process is unique to BMW
 V8s is not accurate.  Maybe the change in crude oil sulphur content is the
 real problem, maybe it's something else.  I'm not sure the real cause is
 known yet.
 
 - -Phil
 
~~~~~ Mercedes was first to introduce the technology that BMW later introduced
into the V-12's. My question is, with this outstanding technology in use in
BMW V-12's, (and M-Benz using it in ALL V-8's & V-12's), WHY didn't BMW just
do it right from the BEGINNING on their 4.0's and not start this problem in
the first place?? IMO, it's not like it's on a INexpensive car.

Randy
cookies@domain.elided

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