Head gasket repair question

[andrew1980]

Hi all,
I have recently bought a second hand BMW 318i (2002 model), and there are lots of receipts for work done on the car in the past.
One of these is for replacement of the water pump and also "head gasket repair" - total cost £750
I am assuming that the water pump failed which caused over heating and hence the head gasket went.
My question is, is it actually possible to repair a head gasket? Or does this receipt really mean head gasket replacement, rather than repair?
£750 seems cheap for head gasket replacement, so I am worried maybe they have done some sort of bodge instead... what do you think?
Thanks

[Krikkit]

£750 cheap? I'll do your head gasket again for the same.

At that money it'll be a full replacement, with a head skim etc.

[jimbob82]

you could ring the garage that did the repair and ask them what they did in total?

[andrew1980]

Krikkit said:

£750 cheap? I'll do your head gasket again for the same.

At that money it'll be a full replacement, with a head skim etc.

A couple of people I asked said it would probably be over a grand to do a head gasket replacement with head skimmed too. I am glad to hear you think it could be done for £750 (or actually less since this includes the water pump too).

The work was done over a year ago so it is unlikely the garage would have any recollection of what they did to it exactly.

Thanks for the replies.

[one eyed mick]

O yee of little faith, £750 I would think is about on the money for beeemer repair 4/5 hour bits and vat . The repairing garage should have records /job cards and parts details give them a ring or call and see them . Have you had previous bad dealings with garages?

[andrew1980]

one eyed mick said:

Have you had previous bad dealings with garages?

No, I just try to avoid them!
I do most things on my cars myself for economy's sake (although a head gasket replacement would be well outside my comfort zone).

Thanks for the replies, you have put my mind at rest. After seeing the receipt I started to get the feeling that the car had a sub-standard repair done which was likely to come back and haunt me at some point... but I feel better about it now so won't bother calling the garage. Cheers.

[PaulKemp]

I have never heard of a gasket being repaired only replaced.
The whole job maybe referred to as a repair
The reciept from the garage should show parts and there price
I don't know but would expect BMW to charge £200 to £300 for a gasket
A lot more than the £15 I pay for a Rheinz gasket on a Pinto

[Krikkit]

RealOEM has the repair gasket listed for sub-$100 on this engine, so it should be <£100 even from UK BMW.

At dealer prices £750 is good I'd say, or about right for an independent.

[andrew1980]

That's great thanks guys.

[adyady1066]

andrew1980 said:

That's great thanks guys.

Did they change the thermostat unit and gasket too? I'd look into it if I were you and if not, I'd spend the extra £50 or so to get it changed. It comes from the centre of the engine at the front and bends off at a 90 degree angle, adjoining the top hose to the engine. They are prone to breaking inside causing the thermostat to stick open / closed. For piece of mind I'd have it changed if they haven't already.