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M35 Vq20Det Engine Reliability

shaneg

By shaneg,
in Four Door Family & Wagoneers

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shaneg Rookie

shaneg

Posted
Posted

So, I've been looking at getting a wagon, and currently interested in a 01 rs4.

I come from a BMW, and a many BMWs before that, so I'm used to having them drive reliably into 200,000 and even 300,000 km. The inline 6 BMWs go forever and make decent power.

The stag I'm looking at has been looked after and recently has new suspension, driveline belts, AFM, coils, oil/coolant, trans flush and new brakes and pads.

Starts first pop, literally fired up as soon as the key hit the on position.

Down side is its at 200,000km and I don't see many of them for sale in that high km area.

Any advice? Are they ok to keep chugging along that high?

I'm getting it checked out tomorrow by a vehicle testing station thoroughly.

Anyone here have a high km stag?

What are things to look out for at that stage?

What's going to be on its last legs by now and should I ask to see if certain things have been fixed/swapped out?

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scotty nm35 Grand Master

scotty nm35

Posted
Posted

I think Cam had almost 300,000k's before his m35 got smashed. I am pretty confident it would be back on the road again by now too, most likely with a wound back odo. :P

The VQ25det is a good strong engine, and should run for many more years if serviced regularly, just like anything mechanical. Sensor issues can be common faults, like the AFM and cam/crank sensors.

There are a few issues that can arise with high K cars, mainly failing turbos and suspension bushes. I would be checking out the car thoroughly on a hoist if you can, making sure you check for rust in the rails, and the usual things you would do with a Jap import with unknown K's.

shaneg Rookie

shaneg

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I'm sure most cars are capable given that they've been looked after with regular oil changes.

I'm just not familiar with them, and especially the vq25det being turbo thought it may put strain on certain things. And of course "the just don't build them like they used to" haha.

I'll chat to the guy as he has all service records since being imported in 07 and look at a turbo rebuild/replacement.

What km should the turbo need work if it hasn't already?

There are a couple of wrecked cars with working engines I could probably buy the turbo off and rebuild as a back up swap?

Not sure about oz, but wreckers buy uncompliant/damaged cars to use parts off here, small market the stagea but enough parts around to not import any myself.

scotty nm35 Grand Master

scotty nm35

Posted
Posted

I'm just not familiar with them, and especially the vq25det being turbo thought it may put strain on certain things. And of course "the just don't build them like they used to" haha.

You are in NZ? I guess considering a complied car here is going for 8k, you are looking at a 4-6k car? And you are worried about it's longevity and service history?

These engines are built and designed fairly well considering it's a French design. Could have been much worse in that department. :PMost Nissan turbo engines are built stout, and the VQ25det is no exception. I am pushing 3 times the wheel KW on a stock engine. Try 30psi force fed into a 202 Holden 6 and see how far you get around a track.

There is no set amount of K's the turbo will explode, although I think Nissan recommend 100,000k replacement. Many have gone much further. A simple $800 highflow service should give it another 100,000k's, the hassle is getting to the turbo, it's in an awkward spot to say the least.

Parts aren't a problem for me, I have my second wreck in the driveway. :P

shaneg Rookie

shaneg

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Yeah nz, its actually in the 7-8k price.

250's are in the 6-7k, 300rx are sitting between 7-10k.The later models up to 12k

The price has pretty much hit a plateau...

Subaru's on the other hand are a lot cheaper, however besides the small boot, I'm no fan of the hard to work on boxer.

scotty nm35 Grand Master

scotty nm35

Posted
Posted

We can only import the turbo M35's, luckily they are the best bang for buck power wise. The direct injection motors have much better economy, but they also need extensive internal engine cleaning regularly due to their EGR and direct injection design, plus the power is fairly low for such a heavy car. I would probably go for the 3.5na if you want long term reliability.

shaneg Rookie

shaneg

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Cool, my inspection report came back ok, inspector noted its in very good condition mechanically and structurally for its age, no sign of rust structurally or otherwise.

I'm not looking for a long term car, probably a year max, and something that'll hold its price somewhat for that long, not too many rs4's around so its more sought after compared to its other models.

My next car/project is going to be an ex military land rover lwb soft top, 109".

Going to put the body on an early discovery chassis so I can have the coil springs and disc brakes, as well as the newer v8. The are the same chassis pretty much.

So this is to tie me over until then hopefully.

Cheers for your input, and all your other old posts ive read.

Reprieve Community Regular

Reprieve

Posted
Posted

Had it for a few years now still going strong never had any problems despite the constant abuse i give it lol.Coming up to the big 200 000ks, slowly putting bits a pieces on as i get spare cash .The vq25det is a little beast

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