Hi Everyone,
I'm thinking about buying a 1980 320i. He says it's got a blown head gasket or a cracked head. I've heard that this can be very expensive if taken to a shop. How expensive might it be? But I also heard that it isn't all that difficult (changing the head gasket that is) the only reason it's so expensive is because of the labor costs. Is there any truth to that? and how might I go about learning how to change a head gasket?
Thanks

If its the gasket and not a head crack, it is really easy to change. To do it yourself, unbolt/screw everything thats attached to the head, intake manifold, exhaust manifold, timing chain etc etc. then unbolt the head and take the old gasket out. Once the gasket is off, make sure to clean the botton of the head and the top of the block for any left over gasket. Once its cleaned and smooth, put the new gasket on (a gasket set is $100.00 and comes with everything) put the head on, bolt it, and put eveything back on. This pretty much does for the crack head too, but have to replace the head.

Now, if you havent worked on cars before and dont have a knowledge about it, its best to take it to a shop so they can do it.

Thats pretty much it without going into alot more detail.

You should also have the head checked for warpage because there's a pretty good chance it will need to be resurfaced if the head gasket has blown.

I might have a head for sale, if it's decent. Have to finish pulling the motor and then I'll yank the head to check.

I have not worked on cars before but I can follow directions pretty well. But say I decided to take it to an independent shop, what kind of price range should I expect?

Would I easily recognize a cracked or warped head?

Aradaiel: Let me know how that turns out I might be in the market for one.

Cracked or warped heads are easy to spot with a straight edge and a keen eye. Not sure on the labor allowance on the m10, but a headgasket can run you over 1000+ in labor, no problem.

To do a head properly you need an accurate torque wrench and a torque angle gauge.

Oh and a head is a pretty serious job. If you've never worked on cars before and aren't comfortable with it then I wouldn't attempt it.

I would never replace the head gasket without getting the head inspected and decked.

No idea on the cost to repair that since 90% of us dont take our cars to the shop. The price in which it could cost you could probably just buy another e21 or M10 engine.

Get yourself a Haynes Manual.

Alright, so maybe this is just an example of my how much I don't know about cars, but would I be wrong when I think that the M10 has more than one "head". If I am wrong, and there is only one head then I surely will take the car to mechanic for repairs and such. But if I am correct, in that there are multiple "heads" then would it be easy to identify which head is the problem? Or at least which head I should test? Or should I test all my heads?
Thanks

There is only one head on the M10. I cant post pics but if someone else could Im sure it would be helpful for you to see what the head is.

This is your head:

http://realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=1733&mospid=47175&btnr=11_0234&hg=11&fg=15


Inline motors have one head, where Vs have 2. I'd take the car to the shop just from hearing this. :D

Yep definately +1 for the shop.

Shoot, GAME OVER for me. I was thinking a head=cylinder head. Now I'm going to take a walk of shame with my tail between my legs and surrender myself to the auto mechanics.

A head is the cylinder head. But there is only one head. In the link that was posted can you see the 4 circles in the gasket? That is the top of your cyclinders. The head holds all your valvetrain, like the cam, valves etc. The intake manifold bolts up to one side and the exhaust to the other side of the head. Hope this clears it up for you!

I was quoted by two different local shops $1200.00

I'd like to try it myself but I do not have the tools.