Repalcing 325 Head Gasket

[alexe34]

Hi, I have a 1992 e36 325 and the head gasket is on its way out and needs to be replaced soon. I'm a university student and so am a little strapped for cash. I've decided that i will try and replace the head gasket myself as i cannot afford the garage bills. I'm in the position that i will have to try and fix my car myself, or get rid of it... and i dont really want to get rid of it.

I'm quite competant at carrying out maintainance on my car, such as fixing leaks, changing spark plugs, and radiator but have no mechanical experience as such. I was wondering if anyone knows whether it is possible for me with not really any expertise to replace the head gasket myself, and whether there is any walkthrough of how to do it online?

Thanks very much,
Alex

[Pirate_copy]

This may help - http://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/techarticles/101-Projects-17-Head-Gasket/101-Projects-17-Head-Gasket.htm

BIG job!!

[PhilipWOT]

That is one hell of a write-up. I've never seen that particular one before. I don't know if I'm abnormal but reading that thing gave me the urge to do it! :rofl:

[efanton]

don't know if I'm abnormal but reading that thing gave me the urge to do it!

the headgasket is not for you its for the car;)

Being serious though that is a lot of work. Sometimes with jobs like these it is worth paying a INDEPENDENT garage to do the work. They will have the correct tools and experience and will definitely do it many times faster than you can at home.

[PhilipWOT]

Why independent?
Also, independent shops do not necessarily have the "correct tools and experience" like you said. Many times they dont. I see a few cars each month come into the dealership that have all messed up by independent shops not knowing what they're doing. It usually costs more money to have their f*ck-up fixed than it would have cost to just have the dealership fix it properly in the first place.
Not to say that there aren't independent shops and garages that are BMW experts, -they are out there. I'm just saying it's not a safe assumption to just guess that a shop is qualified to repair your baby solely because they have the Roundel painted on their front sign.

[efanton]

Why independent?
Also, independent shops do not necessarily have the "correct tools and experience" like you said. Many times they dont. I see a few cars each month come into the dealership that have all messed up by independent shops not knowing what they're doing. It usually costs more money to have their f*ck-up fixed than it would have cost to just have the dealership fix it properly in the first place.
Not to say that there aren't independent shops and garages that are BMW experts, -they are out there. I'm just saying it's not a safe assumption to just guess that a shop is qualified to repair your baby solely because they have the Roundel painted on their front sign.

If you read the original post the OP specifically mentioned he could not afford to spend too much. Obviously an idependant will be less expensive than a dealer. And any mechanic should easily be able to change a gasket. It not rocket science, you would not need to be a 'BMW expert" to do this.

[PhilipWOT]

If you read the original post the OP specifically mentioned he could not afford to spend too much. Obviously an idependant will be less expensive than a dealer. And any mechanic should easily be able to change a gasket. It not rocket science, you would not need to be a 'BMW expert" to do this.

I wouldn't trust a mech that I didn't personally know to do something like that. A few cut corners can cost alot of money down the road. But I realize not everyone is so meticulous with maintenance, thats just my .02 cents.

[Pirate_copy]

Why independent?
Also, independent shops do not necessarily have the "correct tools and experience" like you said. Many times they dont. I see a few cars each month come into the dealership that have all messed up by independent shops not knowing what they're doing. It usually costs more money to have their f*ck-up fixed than it would have cost to just have the dealership fix it properly in the first place.
Not to say that there aren't independent shops and garages that are BMW experts, -they are out there. I'm just saying it's not a safe assumption to just guess that a shop is qualified to repair your baby solely because they have the Roundel painted on their front sign.

Cos dealers RIP YOU OFF

Simple!

[PhilipWOT]

Cos dealers RIP YOU OFF

Simple!

Unless you happen to be personal friends with a capable mechanic, you get what you pay for. There's a reason BMW charges more money for labor, it's because their mech's are trained by BMW. I dont consider that a ripoff.

[TheOnlyE36]

Cos dealers RIP YOU OFF

Simple!

They don't call them stealership for nothing. :rofl:

[Pirate_copy]

Unless you happen to be personal friends with a capable mechanic, you get what you pay for. There's a reason BMW charges more money for labor, it's because their mech's are trained by BMW. I dont consider that a ripoff.

Maybe in the USA, but over here i wouldn't trust the techs as far as i could throw them

They think that cos they work for BMW, they know everything....they are MISTAKEN!

[alexe34]

very true. our local garage mechanic is a family friend and 100% reliable and competant... i just cant afford the £800 plus that it would cost me to get it done by him. Also, he lends me tools all the time so i'm up for the challenge.

Thanks for the guide Pirate Copy bythe way, i'll start doing my research and maybe i'll be done by christmas!

[Pirate_copy]

No worries buddy

Our family mechanic is the only one i trust to fix my car :)

[jasonf860]

No worries buddy

Our family mechanic is the only one i trust to fix my car :)


Really? I personally am the only one I trust to fix my own car.

[PhilipWOT]

No worries buddy

Our family mechanic is the only one i trust to fix my car :)

Nothing wrong with that, but not everyone is lucky enough to have a mechanic that they know and trust. Those people are safest going to a certified BMW center because although they will probably pay more money, it's the only way they can get guaranteed proper service done. Going to an independent mechanic that you aren't famliar with is taking a risk no matter how you look at it.

[Pirate_copy]

Really? I personally am the only one I trust to fix my own car.

I know my limitations mate. i do do a lot myself though

Plus i get a lot of work done while i am working :)

[Bmwcat]

Sorry, Phillip, I have to disagree on this one. The local BMW dealer in Sacramento charges outrageous rates and their mechanics are a bunch of Yayhoos. My local guy can do anything that needs to be done. And it works perfectly when he's done. My .02c worth.

[Pirate_copy]

Totally with you

[efanton]

I look at this logically. Go to ANY dealership and work out the average age of the mechanics. Now go to an idependant and do the same.

Dealerships rely heavily on aprentices. Independants (unless they are big) rarely have more than one if any at all. In my book age equates to experience.

Now I'm not saying that all older mechanics are better than younger mechanics but as a general rule this holds true.