Re: M5 compression question (archive)

Before buying any car, have a complete inspection done by a ///M expert. You should get a compression test done, perhaps both with the trhottles open and closed. Additionally, you should have a leakdown test done to verify / expand on the results of the compression test.

For the S38B35 (E28 M5) motor, the compression should be at least 160psi in each cylinder, and there should be no more than 10psi deviation from the min to the max. Seeing 100psi on one cylinder and 130 on a different sounds like a very very abused engine to me. If you do not see nearly uniform compression (and up closer to 175 psi would be my guess, but the S38B36 may be different), run, do not walk, away from the car.

I am considering purchase of an E34 M5 and I just found out that a previous compression check yielded #2 cylinder at 100psi, then a compression check several months later yielded #2 cylinder at 130psi. Car is hardly driven

All other cylinders seem OK. I read that the minimum compression for this engine should be 140psi.

Mechanic says the car does not exhibit any other symptoms, idles fine and does not blow smoke, etc.

What do you think, am I asking for trouble if I buy this car?

Thanks

Follow Ups:

Re: M5 compression question Ed Smith 16:44 1/08/2002 (0)

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