530i sometimes won't strart due to low compression? Any thoughts?

[sbrookins]

Example: I back it out of the garage and shut it down. Soon after I pull it back into the garage and shut it down. The next time I try to start the engine... no luck. My mechanic say's it too low of compression to start. He removes the spark plugs and adds transmission fluid to the spark plug holes to start the engine again. What's up with this?
He say's it's a engine problem BMW is aware of but not willing to admit. He mentions a faulty series of engine block numbers. Anyone heard of this?
I could sure use some advice!
Scott

[#98]

lol, there must be no one on AF who has any clue about BMWs. The E34 V8 is incredibly famous for their nikasil block problem...and BMW did acknowledge the problem. Essentially, sulphur in American fuel critically degraded the nikasil lined blocks and they lose all compression. They replace all V8 blocks if you brought it in within 100k miles or 6 years. So at this point you're basically screwed. The engine will only get worse. Sorry to lay the bad news on yuh.

Link with more info:

http://www.koalamotorsport.com/tech/...shortblock.htm

[sandyK]

Originally Posted by #98

lol, there must be no one on AF who has any clue about BMWs. The E34 V8 is incredibly famous for their nikasil block problem...and BMW did acknowledge the problem. Essentially, sulphur in American fuel critically degraded the nikasil lined blocks and they lose all compression. They replace all V8 blocks if you brought it in within 100k miles or 6 years. So at this point you're basically screwed. The engine will only get worse. Sorry to lay the bad news on yuh.

Link with more info:

http://www.koalamotorsport.com/tech/...shortblock.htm

Yeah. I don't have a a clue about BMW's.

Actually blocks were only replaced if they fail a leakdown test, which would only be performed after a cylinder balance test, which was performed after an idle quality test.

And despite common wisdom, not all blocks failed, and in fact the ones that did not have problems years ago are unlikely to have that problem now.


2000 323iA E46
199 528IT E39
1995 530i/5 E34 ( 120Kmiles, Nikasil)
1986 325es E30
1984 533i/Hartge E28
1977 530i E12
1973 E-3

[#98]

chuckles at someone who joined three days ago being offended by that comment...

Anyway, I meant all blocks that came in within the eligibile period with compression failure were replaced.

lol, there is no common wisdom that all blocks failed. I have a nikasil block with 97k miles on it...and California nikasil blocks are much more likely to survive due to the low-sulphur content of their fuel. Reduced sulphur in all states' fuel is the reason why surviving blocks aren't having much trouble.

[sandyK]

Originally Posted by #98

chuckles at someone who joined three days ago being offended by that comment...

Anyway, I meant all blocks that came in within the eligibile period with compression failure were replaced.

lol, there is no common wisdom that all blocks failed. I have a nikasil block with 97k miles on it...and California nikasil blocks are much more likely to survive due to the low-sulphur content of their fuel. Reduced sulphur in all states' fuel is the reason why surviving blocks aren't having much trouble.

Guffaws at someone who "joined" in March chuckling at someone who "joined" in March. BTW, I don't "join", I just de-lurk.

Yeah, maybe common wisdom is overstatement-the update on Brett's site is much more accurate than the usual "if it hasn't failed, then it will fail", offered, IIRC, by Mike Miller, crusty, opinionated, and IMO, overdue for replacement tech editior of the Roundel

[#98]

Guffaws, I like that. lol, what I meant was that you almost joined after I made the comment so it was ludicrous for you to take the comment as if it was directed at you.

I'm unfamiliar with Brett.

I avoid Roundel like the plague...

[sandyK]

Originally Posted by #98

Guffaws, I like that. lol, what I meant was that you almost joined after I made the comment so it was ludicrous for you to take the comment as if it was directed at you.

I'm unfamiliar with Brett.

I avoid Roundel like the plague...

Brett Anderson, owner of the koala motorsport link that you provided above.

[robbie60]

I certainly don't want to offend any of you BMW owners by comparing this fine machine to a Mazda, but all cars share some common issues. I use to own an RX7 and there was a manufacturing problem that has always plagued the rotary engine with fuel injection which results in starting problems. When the engine is shut down prior to ever reaching normal operating temperature the fuel injectors will leak down and wash all the residual oil off the cylinder walls thereby reducing compression. This would happen virtually every time the engine was shut down before normal temp was reached and the car wasallowed to set for more than a few minutes before attempting to restart. It never occurred if the engine warmed up completely. I would suggest that you make it a habit of always warming the engine completely prior to shutting it down. Try it I think you will see it works.