Using oil and coolant

[Walttack]

My 2005 325i has 185,000 miles and runs great. However, lately it has begun using both oil and coolant. About 1 quart per 2000 to 3000 miles and about a quart of coolant per 5000 miles. About 4 months ago I had to replace the coolant reservoir after it split. I have been told this usually means that the head gasket is going. A new head gasket is more than the car is worth. Are there other potential causes that are simpler too fix, or do I just run it to the head blows?

[AdamBath]

The M54 will start using oil as the rings wear down. It's a byproduct of the square piston rings wearing, and happens to all high mileage M54s. I would look for a leak before suspecting head gasket, and maybe do a leakdown test.