e36 328i

[needtogofaster]

hi i am really stuck here trying to work out if the late e36 328(s-reg onwards has the bore lining problem, and does it use the double vanos system or just single vanos, i have read that the only 328i to buy is the one with double vanos is this correct and is the bore lining problem as big of an issue as is made out to be on the early single vanos setups, i think basicly the question i,m asking is did they even put the m52 b28tu double vanos setup in the e36 328i coupe? thanks in advance.

[Brianmoooore]

There is nothing inherently wrong with Nikasil bore linings. The problem was caused by the poor spec. of UK fuel; in particular, the sulphur content.
A content of up to 1000 ppm was allowed in 1993, reducing to 500ppm in 1995, 150ppm in 1999, and right down to 10ppm in 2005.
In short, any nikasil engine that has survived this far, won't be a problem from now on.

[needtogofaster]

thankyou thankyou thankyou, i've been researching for many many hours now and was sure that i needed an s reg onwards to be onto a good 328i but with your wisdom i can now rest on the fact that a compression test b4 buying should show that the engine is a not so affected one, again thankyou.

[bss325i]

No E36 had the twin vanos M52B28tu.

I think from build date april '98 single vannos M52B28 have the steel liner block.

Easiest way to check if its a steel liner block is just below the starter motor. If there is a pear shaped metal tag held on with a small bolt then its a steel liner block.

[mrLEE30]

moved to correct secition

[George]

hi i am really stuck here trying to work out if the late e36 328(s-reg onwards has the bore lining problem, and does it use the double vanos system or just single vanos, i have read that the only 328i to buy is the one with double vanos is this correct and is the bore lining problem as big of an issue as is made out to be on the early single vanos setups, i think basicly the question i,m asking is did they even put the m52 b28tu double vanos setup in the e36 328i coupe? thanks in advance.

Later double vanos engine was only available in the E46 iirc.

In short, any nikasil engine that has survived this far, won't be a problem from now on.

Agree with this.

Check the car you are planning to buy is actually running well. If the damage is already done, failure may be on the cards.

[bss325i]

Later double vanos engine was only available in the E46 iirc.

And the E38,E39 and Z3.