Im looking at buying one of these and was wondering what to look for

looking at this one http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=6008&item=4539812256&rd=1

You know there's a 5-series forum, right? :confused

Get a 96+, the 95 and under 4.0 engines have nikasil in them, and the block will spontaniously die. Then, once you find that 96+ make sure the cooling system has been replaced.

Get a 96+, the 95 and under 4.0 engines have nikasil in them, and the block will spontaniously combust. Then, once you find that 96+ make sure the cooling system has been replaced.The cooling system issue is with E39s, not E34s as far as I know. A lot of the V8 E34s already had the engine block replaced with the alusil version, especially if the mileage is that high. I would ask to see if that's been done.

The cooling system issue is with E39s, not E34s as far as I know. A lot of the V8 E34s already had the engine block replaced with the alusil version, especially if the mileage is that high. I would ask to see if that's been done.

Definate issue with the E39, taken out our 2000 twice now, but I had the whole system go on my E38 as well.

ok cool i forgot about the nikasil issue

ok cool i forgot about the nikasil issue

It's only an issue if the damage was already done... check the block numbers to see if it was replaced with an alusil block. If it wasn't check the fluids carefully, check what's coming out the exhaust, and thoroughly monitor the idle... cold, hot, anything.

If a nikasil block is running smooth and clean right now, there is little to no chance of it becoming an issue later because no one puts enough sulfur (if any at all) in fuel to cause the problem.

Most fuel on the west coast had very little sulphur in it even when these cars were new.