[SBSD]

Hi there lads and lasses, just about to (hopefully) buy another BM after a short break from them.

I've had nothing but beemers since i was 19 and am now 30, about 18 months ago i decided to have a change and bought a 98 R plate Merc C240 V6, lovely car, but its just not me..... i'm doing a deal on an S-plate e36 328i M-tech saloon at the moment and would like some advice on the purchase before i go ahead and part with £££.

the car is very clean inside and out, 70k on the clock and the condition and documents seem to support that too, one thing though, there is a slight tap from the top end of the engine.

The guy selling it says its something to do with the timing chain and is going to get it looked at, now the car does feel a little slugish for a 328i, starts and revs fine though, could these two things be connected?
Anything ringing alarm bells with any of the experts on board?

I'm taking a mechanic friend over to view the car with me again at weekend but any pointers, advice or what to look for would be greatly appreciated.
Also could anyone jog my memory on the Nikasil issue and how to check it out please? (sorry i've been away from beemers for a bit and i forget in my old age?) :rofl

Thanks in advance for any help, cheers. :thumbsup

 

[mentalnerve]

Hi mate, if its an s reg, the issues re: nicasil lined bores wont be an issue. i think all cars manufactured after 1998 didnt have nicasil lined bores.

 

[SBSD]

Cheers fella, yes i've been sat scowering the nwt for info since i posted last and found that one out.

Now what has also caught my attention is the vanos rattle, i'm thinking this could be the issue rather than the timing chain as i was originally led to believe.

The motor idles fast, right on the 1,000 line, ticks a bit, i did think tappets at first but having seen the rattly vanos video's it could well be that.
I will listen more carefully when i go back to view the car again.
If it is the vanos it also explains the slugish performance, does this all add up to you guys as well?

Any ideas on how much its likely to cost to put right please? or perhaps other sugestions as to what the prob could be?
I will also post this in the tech section now.

thanks again. :cool

 

[xXNealXx]

Hello and welcome :thumbsup

 

[Ian-Mac]

Welcome from a fello newbee :hihi

 

[SBSD]

Cheers chaps

Had confirmation it is the vanos thats making the racket and responsable for sluggishness, the seller is looking into quotes to get it sorted as am I.

I spoke to an indy who said its rare for the M52 328i vanos to pack up completely, more usually its the seals that need replacing, anyone confirm this please?

Also does anyone have suggestions of where best to take the vehicle to have the work done (Oldham / Gt Manchester) and a rough idea as to cost?

Subject to a decent quote to get this sorted I am hoping to get the car on saturday....

Thanks again. :thumbsup

 

[Kevin Whittaker]

Welcome to the forum buddy:thumbsup

 

[Ronnie]

Hi and welcome along to Bimmerforums UK, good to have you here :cool