Magnesium engine

[wirelessjunkie]

Is it true that there are many instances of the E60 525i magnesium engine going kaboom? Need to gather info before taking the plunge

 

[KL2DC]

haven't heard of it...you realize the whole block is not magnesium. Everybody knows magnesium is combustible, that's why they have aluminum liners for the cylinders.

 

[wirelessjunkie]

It's a magnesium alloy of course. what I was referring to was blown engines and cracked blocks. Heard that there were quite a few cases of that. wonder if it's a heat dispersion problem?

 

[KL2DC]

It's a magnesium alloy of course. what I was referring to was blown engines and cracked blocks. Heard that there were quite a few cases of that. wonder if it's a heat dispersion problem?

I have not heard much about N52 engine block failures. Its definitely news to me. Where are you getting your news/info from?

The N52 is a versatile engine used in various lines. It has aluminum cylinder liners aside from the magnesium/aluminum alloy block. I don't think heat dispersion will be a major issue with them, certainly not to a point where widespread failure is occuring. BMW depends on these engines a lot and have engineered them as such.

 

[fabianyee]

The hot and humid climate here in Malaysia can definitely be a huge stress test for the engine to endure.

Have not heard about any failure so far but I won't be surprised there are. It's a new technology and countless of testing in controlled environments can't replace real-life test in the long run.

 

[wirelessjunkie]

do know of 3 live cases. Wonder if there are more?

 

[E46Fanatic]

The 3 cases you know of could be hydrolock related.. due to the rains and floods we are seeing here lately.

Otherwise, the N52 has had a clean record in terms of major problems as far as I know.

 

[ALBundy]

Never heard of anything like that so far, except happy owners

I think BMW has tested the engine extensively, in the desert and such. To manufacture this block, a new whole production process is employed. The only thing could be the quality control when the block is casted. As we know, magnesium as a metal is brittle, perhaps even with the inclusion of some other metals, its still brittle and prone to cracks??

 

[pussy]

wow.. blown engines.. better be careful, dun buy one, then kaboom..

 

[flash]

wow.. blown engines.. better be careful, dun buy one, then kaboom..

Puss in the boots - Speaking from experience, izzit?

WJ - Nope, have not come across any news of N52 engines going kaboom, yet. The 3 cases you know of, are they fellow forummers?

 

[wirelessjunkie]

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