Head gasket replacement options

[Robin-535im]

Gale,

If I were to use my current head, to what extent would you consider servicing it? Basic hot tank, inspection, and new valve guide seals (these would be included in the head gasket kit)? Also, as far as headgaskets go, would it be better to purchase an OEM set, or are aftermarket sets sold by autohausaz and BMA high enough in quality?

Hi Rus,

I recently went through an m30 head rebuild - I can turn a wrench but had never done a HG before so this might be of some help.

1) Find a good head rebuilder that has experience with BMWs. Call the dealer, call the local top-notch indy's, call machine shops, try to get someone who has at least a good reputation for building good heads, and if you can, a BMW-specific guy... but I'd choose the former over the latter.

2) I see two routes: complete rebuild or just fix the HG and put it back on, like Winfred said. I didn't see much middle ground, and the first option is a $2000 task once all is said an done, the second option maybe $200. If there are no other problems and you aren't *looking* for a reason to hot-rod the head, (and there is nothing damaged inside) then just bolting it back in after you're sure it's flat is a fine idea IMHO, and it's cheap. Machine shop can spec it out and see what needs to be cut off to flatten it.

3) if you rebuild the whole thing, inspect the guides to see if they need replacing, and if so, be sure your machine shop knows how to do it right. I found a couple that were a bit more heavy handed than I was comfortable with, and at last found a shop that understood finesse. All the suppliers we tried wanted to sell us e28 guides, which are not the same as the e34 guides.

4) The HG kit should have everything you need to do the whole head remove/install, (gaskets, valve guide seals, compression washers for the banjo bolts, fuel injector o-rings, valve cover gasket) so hold off on buying all that extra stuff until you're sure it's not in your HG kit. I bought a Victor Reinz (SP?) kit and it seemed fine, though others probably have much more to say about gasket choice.

HTH!

- Robin