M3 E46 head gasket failed

[AngryApples]

Well,

can't say I'm overly surprised

Done 116k so if I'm honest I'd say I should've had it done around 100k as a prevention measure

When I pulled in my drive Thursday night, the gauges were rising (oil - a little,water - right to the start of the red)

Only had yards to the drive, so coasted and switched off

Went out about 10pm to look at it, started up and all seemed well whilst sitting at tickover for 5 minutes or so

Took her out for a very steady, short spin (next motorway junction and back) without any issues

Had her booked in at the Indy specialist next day for brakes so drove to work then took her in to the Indy

Over the phone he had suggested possibly fan, water pump (think he was trying not to scare me) but when I got there he did a head test and I got the bad news



Cost of the HG change wasnt as bad as I expected and I trust Stu at Forza West to do a great job as he is always so knowledgable and you dont get any bull from him (lets you know if your brakes will do another 5k rather than sucking air through his teeth and just saying "discs and pads all round!")

Should get her back Friday, by which time I'm sure it will be very welcome after a week in ashiotty hire car

[Ford 2]

That has been the first time I've heard of an S54 needing a head gasket. Did the car heat up in the red for any period of time ? Is your tech doing a pressure tests ?

[Great Pretender]

Ford 2 said:

That has been the first time I've heard of an S54 needing a head gasket. Did the car heat up in the red for any period of time ? Is your tech doing a pressure tests ?

HG failure is more common in the CSL, but not totally unheard of on the 'normal' M3.

[Toilet Duck]

Out of curiosity, do you mind sharing how much it will cost for a new head gasket and fitting?

[BenGismo]

Unlucky mate!

At least when its been done you will have a perfectly good engine that will last you for for a long time!

Must admit, its rare to see a head gasket failure on an M3 E46. I guess they are getting to that age (millage) when we will see some.

[shim]

HG on S54 lump is not uncommon and will be more common on higher mile cars and especially on ones that have had high temps frequently on track. The HG are very thin between cylinders and the heat soak after a hot drive deteriorates them over time.

Edited by shim on Tuesday 15th February 09:38

[AngryApples]

Hi,

yup, pressure test was done and the weird blue chemical test ("Block Test" branded - blue chemical turns yellow when theres an issue)

13.9 hours labour + parts = justover £900 with VAT

(not bad, could of been a whole lot worse!)

[AngryApples]

Ford 2 said:

That has been the first time I've heard of an S54 needing a head gasket. Did the car heat up in the red for any period of time ? Is your tech doing a pressure tests ?

Yup, overheated when stood still (didnt allow it to get right to the red although it was heading that way), almost normal temp when travelling, but not totally

[n boost]

HG issue is more common than u may think and i work in the motortrade and am also a member om m3cutters and have had at least 9 e46 m3 HG's replaced for friends and forum members.

[neiljohnson]

AngryApples said:

Hi,

yup, pressure test was done and the weird blue chemical test ("Block Test" branded - blue chemical turns yellow when theres an issue)

13.9 hours labour + parts = justover £900 with VAT

(not bad, could of been a whole lot worse!)

That is a very reasonable price for that job

[AngryApples]

Well,

it couldnt be simple, could it

Just heard from the garage and it appears the head is leaking exhaust gases that have burnt the head gasket, so they are going to have to send the cylinder head for testing

I take it worst case is a new cyclinder head, so what that likely to cost folks?

(literally just heard by email so havent been able tpo contact them yet)

[AngryApples]

Phew!

Head is getting skimmed, cost not so scary now

[Bumble SV]

Had to have a new HG at 50k on my E46 M3. All connected to a failing Vanos which was also changed.

[AngryApples]

Bumble SV said:

Had to have a new HG at 50k on my E46 M3. All connected to a failing Vanos which was also changed.

Take it you had a warranty claim on that one?

[Bumble SV]

AngryApples said:

Bumble SV said:

Had to have a new HG at 50k on my E46 M3. All connected to a failing Vanos which was also changed.

Take it you had a warranty claim on that one?

Indeed, thankfully!

[AngryApples]

All is well

Picked her up yesterday (shame the weather was quite so crap - looking forward to a blast!)

Definitely feels smoother, nore responsive after the work and after the rear discs and pads being fitted when I press the middle pedal, the car actually slows! (actually quite sharp!)

Big thanks to Stu and the guys at Forza West for a great job at a reasonable price