Hey Guys,
So as the title says I have a blown head and am in need of a new one, now I would like to know how to go about this. I'm from north jersey and I am looking for a mechanic that does good work and is reputable. Additionally, I want to know what you guys think I should do. The car definitely needs a new head and I'm just trying to figure out if it would be worth it to redo the head as the car has 150k+ miles on it and I'm not looking to spend more than the car may be worth in the end. Thanks in advance for your input!
Is your head gasket bad or are there issues with the head, valves, etc?
04M3 TiAg 69k slick-top 3 pedal
99M3 Cosmos 61k S50B32 euro 6Spd
88M3 AW 43k miles Project FS
WTB: 3.5" Eurosport/Conforti CAI
There is an issue with the head itself, it definitely needs to be replaced.
That won’t be cheap! You’ve got a few options:
- buy a new head ($$$$$) and build it with new valves, springs, etc. ($$$$$$$$)
- buy a used head ($$) with the risk that it’s damaged
- buy a used engine.
How was the head damaged? How badly damaged is the head. Is there damage to the engine?
Chris Powell
Racer and Instructor since, well. decades, ok?
Master Auto Tech, owner of German Motors of Aberdeen
BMWCCA 274412
German Motors is hiring ! https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...1#post30831471
put a used motor in it cheaper quicker
If the head actually needs replacement, consider that you do not need an 'M3 head'' as the M52 and S52 heads are the same, besides springs and cams. Retainers, valves, trays and the head itself are the same. Check the E36 M3 sub forum for verification.
The headache I see is sourcing a used head and find it to be warped or damaged as bad if not worse than the OP has now. It would be helpful to know the type and extent of damage to the existing head.
Last edited by MauiM3Mania; 08-18-2018 at 01:09 PM. Reason: spellerr
04M3 TiAg 69k slick-top 3 pedal
99M3 Cosmos 61k S50B32 euro 6Spd
88M3 AW 43k miles Project FS
WTB: 3.5" Eurosport/Conforti CAI
I'm pretty sure I need to replace my head as well (98M3/4/5). I was looking around the e36 M3 sub-forum and found someone recommending http://www.autoheadperformance.com. According to their website, you can pick up a rebuilt head including a rebuilt VANOS unit for $815 + $100 core.
I haven't done much research other than on BF.c, but i'm only reading good things. I'm likely going to source my replacement head from them or use them to repair mine. If you choose to look into them before I do, let me know how it works out!
Hope that helps
-edited for typo-
Last edited by Proteus; 11-08-2018 at 07:47 PM.
Swap the whole engine out
Bookmarks