Would you rather Do Timing guides or blown head gasket

[zohaibrose]

Hello all I haven't posted in a while mainly because my e46 was reliable suprisingly for the time being but am wanting to purchase another car to drive

I'm debating between a e46 330ci with a blown head gasket(clean body) or a E39 540i that needs timing guides, I am willing to do either one but wanting to know which one you guys would rather do, personally am feeling torwards the 540 because their worth more and the v8 has good power so I like that one but I always wanted a 330 coupe, both are manual cars.

And both have around 150k miles. I'm afraid if I take the 330 the head may be cracked and the threads for the block k may be stripped, so Its prob going to be a engine replacement or a timing guides job, both jobs are quite difficult and I want something to do while my main car is up. Each being sold for about 1k each. Will post pics l8r

[MarcoZandrini]

An M54 engine with a blown head gasket is not the way to go unless you swap the engine with a used engine. Why? Typically the damage to the engine caused by overheating (that’s usually why the head gasket is bad) requires a lot of work and $ to fix it properly. That includes installing thread inserts for the 14 head bolts, having the head resurfaced to get rid of the usual warp, having the head tested for cracks, etc. The E39 with timing chain guides likely has a V8 engine. Those engines of that era leak oil like crazy.

[zohaibrose]

An M54 engine with a blown head gasket is not the way to go unless you swap the engine with a used engine. Why? Typically the damage to the engine caused by overheating (that’s usually why the head gasket is bad) requires a lot of work and $ to fix it properly. That includes installing thread inserts for the 14 head bolts, having the head resurfaced to get rid of the usual warp, having the head tested for cracks, etc. The E39 with timing chain guides likely has a V8 engine. Those engines of that era leak oil like crazy.

Well yea i was wondering which job you would rather do

[bmw440]

Me personally would stay away from the 540.alot of problems with that engine.i have done a few cylinder head swaps on e46 & e36 so ill go with the coupe.like i said my personal choice.

[nonturbodan]

In my opinion both prospects suck. I would rather hold out for something else than bite on either option.

The 540 surely needs more than just the timing chain guides. May have bent valves too. The 330 essentially needs an engine replacement and all of the while you're in there stuff.

[zohaibrose]

Well yeah I know those 2 jobs are ones to avoid but for the price and considering their both manuals in good condition wouldn't it be worth it? After all fixed up their worth 3-5k. Wondering why no1 else thinks the same

[legoman67]

Id rather swap the 330 motor for a good used one. Better motor in the end, and much better on fuel then the 540.

There are way to many variables in tackling a headgasket on the M54 motors that i dont even attempt them anymore. They always end up being way to cost prohibitive, costing much more then a good used drop in motor would have.

[jclausen]

I would not buy either car I would buy a car that ran and was in good shape.

[Raddee]

Keep looking for a car in better condition, neither of them are worth it.