Stunning quotes for head gasket replacement on 323i

[unpolire]

Apparently due to a bad radiator cap, I am looking at $4-5,300 to replace the head gasket and time-cert the block on a 2000 323iC-A with 103K miles. My normal mechanics, who have professionally maintained my multiple other vehicles for many years, do not have the specialized tools for reinstalling the head. They have not done an E46 head job before. I have no qualms about doing my own mechanical work, but is the whole VANOS complication enough that this job needs to be professionally done? Or should I just invest in the required tools for the job for my shop? I have several other BMWs but none have 4-valve heads. I have bought specialized tools from Alfa Romeo and Porsche before for multiple use. This is a one-time occurrence. Advice please from those who have done this repair.

[pbonsalb]

Read these threads before you do the DIY. Might not be worthwhile if you have to time-sert the block, but if you love your car it is doable for less than the shop price if you want a hard DIY:

https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...ight=time+sert

https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...ght=headgasket

[ChuckDizzle]

Apparently due to a bad radiator cap, I am looking at $4-5,300 to replace the head gasket and time-cert the block on a 2000 323iC-A with 103K miles. My normal mechanics, who have professionally maintained my multiple other vehicles for many years, do not have the specialized tools for reinstalling the head. They have not done an E46 head job before. I have no qualms about doing my own mechanical work, but is the whole VANOS complication enough that this job needs to be professionally done? Or should I just invest in the required tools for the job for my shop? I have several other BMWs but none have 4-valve heads. I have bought specialized tools from Alfa Romeo and Porsche before for multiple use. This is a one-time occurrence. Advice please from those who have done this repair.

The special tools for the VANOS aren't expensive. I bought the set for $180 from Baum Tools on eBay. I've rented the tools to others and they paid themselves off after a few uses.
If the shop doesn't have the special tools, then avoid them. There are ways around the tools but they take more time and can potentially lead to damage, granted I've used the DIY tools before and thankfully nothing went wrong. I wouldn't even consider it again now that I have the tools.

[djb2]

The VANOS timing tools are as little as $120. That's expensive for a one-time use for a hobbyist, but a shop wouldn't hesitate if they occasionally do involved work on BMWs.

The Time-Sert installation kit for a BMW block is about $500. (The standard $100 kit apparently doesn't handle the recessed threads on the block.) That's expensive for a shop that doesn't specialize in overheated BMWs.

[Eaglesail]

I hope I never have to DIY this! If I ever have to, I will...but with regret! ......VANOS kinda worry me after buying this, a used 03-three series!

[dhurley34]

Replace the engine.

[legoman67]

replace the entire engine with a good used one, cheaper and may as well upgrade with a 328 motor.

I Refuse to even do headgaskets on these motors. Way to many variables that can make the job stupid expensive. Motor replacement i can quote nearly to the dollar before i even see car.

[Jackson42]

Legoman is getting at an awkward truth about these cars - if you've got to replace the head gasket, it's likely that either the head, the block, or both will look like a potato chip at the head/block interface due to overheating. Problem there is, how do you know you're getting a good used engine? It doesn't take a lot for an E46 to be dismantled for parts these days.

[jclausen]

Clearly if the head gasket was blown a used engine would be simpler. Try lkq for used engines.

[legoman67]

Legoman is getting at an awkward truth about these cars - if you've got to replace the head gasket, it's likely that either the head, the block, or both will look like a potato chip at the head/block interface due to overheating. Problem there is, how do you know you're getting a good used engine? It doesn't take a lot for an E46 to be dismantled for parts these days.

You buy it from a reputable autowrecker that also warranties it. Ive replaced more then i can count andhave neverhad an issue.