Head gasket on 328i (96)?

[aigel]

Man, the BMW side of Pelican is pretty desolate. Let me try my luck here ...

What's involved with a cylinder head gasket repair on one of these engines:

- How many hours for the DIYer?
- Are there many, if any, special tools needed?
- What is the cost of parts?
- Gasket set
- Used head (if required)
- What are the common while you are in there things that must be added at over 150k miles?

Thanks,

George

[TerryH]

http://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/techarticles/101-Projects-17-Head-Gasket/101-Projects-17-Head-Gasket.htm

[aigel]

Terry,

Thanks a bunch. Looks straight forward. I have a machine shop that resurfaces heads with cams in place. No need to take them off - looks like removing the cams took a lot of effort in Wayne's repair / write up.

I will check the parts prices and see if it makes sense to get into this (buying a car with a blown head gasket). I have not had a car project for a long time and I am itching to do some wrenching past the usual brake pad and oil changes. These cars are hitting rock bottom in running condition, so they can be had for a song if the head gasket is out.

George

[ruf-porsche]

more info at www.bimmerforums.com or www.bimmerfest.com

[the]

I did one on my 88 535i a couple of years ago.

On that car, with the single overhead cam "big 6," it was a really straightforward job.

My head gasket was bad, but the head was still fine. I just put a new head gasket on, and it was good to go. Started in the morning, was done by dinner.

These cars are pretty durable, but they're not worth a whole lot, I'd be careful about too much "while you are there" stuff. If a new head gasket is all it needs to get another 50K out of the engine, I'd consider not dumping significant money into other things.

[the]

One critical thing, before putting the head bolts back, make sure the holes are very, very clean. You need compressed air to blow them out, use some brake cleaner in them. If there is oil in them, you will crack the block when you torque down the head bolts.

[turbo6bar]

Thanks for the link, TerryH. Day before yesterday, something broke in the shifter linkage on my M3, and I didn't know what would be involved. Looks like Master Wayne's articles have me covered.

[fastfredracing]

I am not sure that a machine shop can surface the head with the cams in place, The cams will hold the valves open which will hang down below the deck.