1993 BMW 325is how hard is it to do head gasket?

[bmw2stang]

I have the chance to by a 1993 boston green 325is with a blown head gasket for 500 dollars. First off is it woth it? I work at oreilly autoparts so I can get a head gasket set for 150 dollars. But I cant seem to find head bolts in our catalog though so I'd prolly have to reuse the old ones. I have $1500 total to both buy and complete the job with. I'd really like to get back into a bmw again an I'm saying good bye to my Mustang this week. Anyone with experience or advice please chime in. I'm not sure if I can do this myself so keep a shop doing it in your thoughts on my price range.

[drk777]

First off, it's recommended that you change head bolts after every gasket change. Second, you have to be very careful when removing the head because you have to remove the cams to get to the head bolts and that requires removing the tension on the followers. The BMW techs have a special $3000 factory tool for properly removing the tension before removing the head.
If you are mechanically inclined, go to pelican parts' website. They have a really good how-to on almost everything related to the BMW.

Good Luck!

[thedude60126]

I did the same with my first e36. Buy the bently. Read up on the DIY's and you will be good to go. You can do it.

[maharaj1]

First off, it's recommended that you change head bolts after every gasket change. Second, you have to be very careful when removing the head because you have to remove the cams to get to the head bolts and that requires removing the tension on the followers. The BMW techs have a special $3000 factory tool for properly removing the tension before removing the head.
If you are mechanically inclined, go to pelican parts' website. They have a really good how-to on almost everything related to the BMW.

Good Luck!

Yea the head bolts are one time use stretch bolts so you will need a new set. If I remember correctly when I was taking apart an M52 to be rebuilt I did not have to pull the cams in order to remove the head, I did remove the timing set etc. but not the cams, I did however turn the cams and lock them before pulling it. Is the M50 different on that regard?

[flyfishvt]

First off, it's recommended that you change head bolts after every gasket change. Second, you have to be very careful when removing the head because you have to remove the cams to get to the head bolts and that requires removing the tension on the followers. The BMW techs have a special $3000 factory tool for properly removing the tension before removing the head.
If you are mechanically inclined, go to pelican parts' website. They have a really good how-to on almost everything related to the BMW.

Good Luck!

Head bolts on an m50 absolutely cannot be reused. I got mine from Autoparts International. About $40. It is very possible to do a head gasket job on that car with no special tools except a torque wrench. The cam locking tool and the vanos tools make it much easier but I did it on my 318 with no special tools at all. The only difference with your engine is a few more head bolts. The cams do not have to be removed to get the head off but they will probably need to be removed before you bring it to be serviced. All the shops around here want the cams OFF before you bring it in.

There is a great DIY on Pelican Parts for replacing the headgasket and removing the cams without special tools. It deals with a m42 engine but it certainly isnt any different on an m50. Just read the article on the Besian.com website on replacing the vanos seals. It goes into excellent detail on how to deal with the vanos.

I say go for it. Headgasket is not technically difficult as long as you are meticulous about labeling stuff.

[ECSTuning]

We have complete replacement gaskets sets available below to help...

Click HERE for more information. ( http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E36-325is-M50_2.5L/Engine/Gasket/?salesrep=JHorak&utm_source=bimmerforums&utm_medium=forum&utm_content=JHorak&utm_campaign=postreply)
http://c1552172.cdn.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/134045_x600.jpg ( http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E36-325is-M50_2.5L/Engine/Gasket/?salesrep=JHorak&utm_source=bimmerforums&utm_medium=forum&utm_content=JHorak&utm_campaign=postreply)

Please let us know if you have any questions! Feel free to shoot me a PM or email.

Best,
Joe

[TuonoTom]

Nice, but - no bolts?



We have complete replacement gaskets sets available below to help...

Click HERE for more information. (http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E36-325is-M50_2.5L/Engine/Gasket/?salesrep=JHorak&utm_source=bimmerforums&utm_medium=forum&utm_content=JHorak&utm_campaign=postreply)
http://c1552172.cdn.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/134045_x600.jpg (http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E36-325is-M50_2.5L/Engine/Gasket/?salesrep=JHorak&utm_source=bimmerforums&utm_medium=forum&utm_content=JHorak&utm_campaign=postreply)

Please let us know if you have any questions! Feel free to shoot me a PM or email.

Best,
Joe

[Curlicus]

I have a PDF of the Bentley Manual for E36s. Very useful. Let me know if you want it.

[Saloon]

I have a PDF of the Bentley Manual for E36s. Very useful. Let me know if you want it.

^ yes please!

[Dinny805]

heres where u can get it the bently that is

http://www.mikerophonerecords.com/bimmer/