[Dueller]

Buddy has a 2000 BMW 528. He began noticing small loss of coolant. replaced the waqter pump, radiator, all coolant lines (including ones under the intake that required removal of the intake manifold, but not before it overheated briefly (like less than 2 minutes before shiutting it down).

Things seemed fine for a few weeks, then temps began to climb above the dead center in normal temp range on the gauge. When car sits for a few days it seems to start rough as water apparently gets in a cylinder suggesting blown head gasket. Has not run it up to red zone since all the repairs but its clear it is beginning to overheat intermitently.

This week he noticed for the first time small amount of oil in the radiator so we think headgasket is the problem.

Question: Should he attempt to change head gasket? Some say once the head gasket blows you must deck the block and head to properly repair because the 528 motor will warp head at slightest overheating episode. Or worse crack the head or block. Others have said you'll likely run into problems with studs. A gasket kit is only $250 and figure another $250 for special tools needed. He can pic up a 3litre motor for $1600 frrom a reputable salvage yard. He doesn't want to throw $500+ at repairing head gasket to not fix the car.

Any sugestions?

thanks