HG failure. Fix it or replace engine?

[osdecar]

Hello guys,

I own an E46 330ci and the head gasket has failed. The mechanic (supposed to be good, but not BMW specialist) is quoting £1300 for replacing it.

I could change the engine myself after a lots of swear and pain. But I'm not very keen on doing it.

Apart from all the swearing and effort of changing the engine myself, then it's the unknown factor of buying a spare engine. Do you guys know a reliable source for these?

Do you think for that price it's a good deal to change the head gasket and keep an, otherwise, good engine?

Thanks

[helix402]

I wouldn’t bother doing an M54 head gasket as the threads tend to pull out of the block.

[gooner1]

helix402 said:

I wouldn’t bother doing an M54 head gasket as the threads tend to pull out of the block.

Car/engine condition dependent , helicoils?

[osdecar]

helix402 said:

I wouldn’t bother doing an M54 head gasket as the threads tend to pull out of the block.

I am aware of that, and I imagine, the mechanic who quote me is also aware.

However, if the alternative is replacing the engine. Where could I find a decent one?


Scrapping the car is not an option in theory, as it's a track day car with many £££ in upgrades.

[g3org3y]

osdecar said:

helix402 said:

I wouldn’t bother doing an M54 head gasket as the threads tend to pull out of the block.

I am aware of that, and I imagine, the mechanic who quote me is also aware.

However, if the alternative is replacing the engine. Where could I find a decent one?


Scrapping the car is not an option in theory, as it's a track day car with many £££ in upgrades.

If you're going to replace the engine, is there the option to upgrade to an S54?

[helix402]

osdecar said:

I am aware of that, and I imagine, the mechanic who quote me is also aware.

However, if the alternative is replacing the engine. Where could I find a decent one?


Scrapping the car is not an option in theory, as it's a track day car with many £££ in upgrades.

Try Quarry Motors or one of the other reputable BMW breakers

[Andy70]

I'm sorry if I'm talking crap, I usually do, but if you can change an engine yourself, wouldn't a head gasket be relatively easy? if not, surely its worth a go yourself as you clearly have decent mechanical knowledge and if you bugger it up, what have you lost? then just swear and change the engine :-)

[steve_bmw]

A descent used m54 can’t be much these days, I wouldn’t bother rebuilding yours, just put another engine in.
If you take the head off you may strip the threads in the block, you need the head skimming ect, timing tools, where do you stop,?

[Thats What She Said]

If the engine is in otherwise good health, I'd get the head off and do it myself. Getting the head skimmed is only a little over 100 quid. If you bugger the head bolts, nothing ventured, nothing gained.

If you source another M54, whats to say the head gasket on that wont go pop?

[Touring442]

It's the threads in the block that pull out when angle tightening the stretch bolts. Helicoils, TimeSerts (better), all a massive PITA. Then you find the block has 'dipped' between the cylinders. bks to that, just fit a good used engine.

[Zener]

Touring442 said:

It's the threads in the block that pull out when angle tightening the stretch bolts. Helicoils, TimeSerts (better), all a massive PITA. Then you find the block has 'dipped' between the cylinders. bks to that, just fit a good used engine.

This ^ they are not head gasket prone anyway (unless cooked of course) or history of getting very hot , just fit a good used engine like suggested easier than doing the HG and all the associated head aches pulled threads etc