1988 BMW M5 Repair Question
Topics covered: Compression, Engine, Abs.
Mileage: No information provided.
Mileage: No information provided.
Asked on March 25, 2010
1988 BMW M5 compression
Engine Performance problem
1988 BMW M5 6 cyl Two Wheel Drive Manual 115,00 miles
I am trying to figure out what kind of results (psi) I should get if I do a compression test on my car. A lead BMW technician I talked to said 130-140 is good. Yet many other people I have talked to said they consistently get between 190-210 across all cylinders. Why the discrepancy? Should I be more concerned with higher numbers or just general consistency? (For what it's worth, BMW states this engine to be 9.8:1 compression). Thanks for your help.
1988 BMW M5 6 cyl Two Wheel Drive Manual 115,00 miles
I am trying to figure out what kind of results (psi) I should get if I do a compression test on my car. A lead BMW technician I talked to said 130-140 is good. Yet many other people I have talked to said they consistently get between 190-210 across all cylinders. Why the discrepancy? Should I be more concerned with higher numbers or just general consistency? (For what it's worth, BMW states this engine to be 9.8:1 compression). Thanks for your help.
Asked by nomadakAnswer
Replied on March 26, 2010
I would be more concerned with consistant numbers.
If one cylinder is 20% less/more, that you have another problem.
Replied on March 27, 2010
I agree, consistency is more important. Also know that the S-88 motor, if unmodified (read: absolutely stock) and at that mileage, can have some issues. An inspection with a bore scope or camera inside each combustion chamber can be quite revealing. I have seen several with broken pistons still running. I am not ringing the alarm bell, I am just wanting to be sure you are an informed consumer. Especially considering the rebuilding and balancing costs for that motor. ♥
