Dreaded Profile Gasket Problem?

[rsn48]

I recently purchased a December 1993 production model of the E36 318i. A master mechanic and friend at one of the local BMW's feels that this car won't suffer from the "dreaded profile gasket" break down that plagued the 3 series for so long. I was reading an article on E30's and discovered they had the same problem for some time. The car I own has 50,000 miles on it (roughly 82,000 kilometres), its a Canadian car and is near the end of the production runs for the E36. He also said that if the car were to have this problem, it would have developed by now.

What say you all?

[Furious]

not true, the profile gasket dosent go at a specific time or mile. i wouldnt be tooo worried about it right now unless your seeing signs of extensive wear. they are actually quite easy to replace yourself so i would also investigate into that if your still not satisfied.

[jdquinta]

Furious,

Regarding you response that the gasket is easy to replace yourself. Can you pls provide me with the process to replace on my 318ti. I believe it's gone bad as the upper radiator hose gets pressurized by some sort of water restriction causing my car to get hot after a 1 mile drive. Pls advise?

[ILiveToRide]

The problem with the gasket, or the inferior material in the gasket, was only a problem on the first couple of years of the M42 then the gasket was improved.

A late 93 should have had the new gasket and be safe from faulty gasket.

[linz]

I have just purchased a 1992 318i with 63,000 miles or 102,000 km. Where is the profile gasket located? Does anyone know the part number to order? I'd be curious to know what signs to watch for if this becomes a problem.

LINZ

[martyyyn]

This thread that I linked in our previous post was for your information, as the thread is from 2005!

But Im sure someone will answer your questions ,

All the best
Martin

[martyyyn]

Check out the link

BMW M42 engine repair - timing case profile gasket headgasket 318i 318is 318ti Tim Thurber

Cheers Martin