BMW Engine >> CYLINDER BLOCK IDENTIFICATION ON M60 ENGINE
BMW Engine >> CYLINDER BLOCK IDENTIFICATION ON M60 ENGINE
Cylinder Block Identification On
BMW 4.0L DOHC M60 Engines
The AERA Technical Committee offers the following information cylinder block identification on BMW 4.0L DOHC M60 Engines. BMW used two different cylinder wall-finishing processes during production, which are called Nikasil and Alusil. Each block is fit with pistons and piston rings especially for the cylinder bore finish and never should be interchanged.
Nikasil is an aluminum alloy block with nickel dispersion-coated cylinder bores and was used on the M60 engines and replacement blocks. Nikasil version incorporates crosshatch hone marks in the bore finish. Alusil is an aluminum silicon alloy used in M60 replacements and M62, M70 and M73 engines. Alusil version has smooth gray cylinder bore finish without cross hatch marks.
A quick way to know what type of cylinder block you have is by the casting number. Block casting numbers are located on the right side of the block next to the coolant drain bolt.
Casting Number Cylinder Block Version
1725970-1714212 M60 B30 Nikasil
1745871 M60 B30 Alusil
1725963-1742998 M60 B40 Nikasil
1745872 M60 B40 Alusil
1745873 M62 B44 Alusil
The AERA Technical Committee
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