BMW 32d 2002, Head Problems

[Michel57]

Hi all from South Africa,

Just a question, i sent my 2002 BMW 320d into a BMW Authorised dealer as it had blown the head gasket (had it towed in) the dealer has informed me that the Head has warped and as it is a diesel it cannot be skimmed, and has suggested that i purchase a new head and the accessories that go with this.
How much truth is there in this.

Hi to all as a new member

Mick

[Teh Prof]

Did you ever overheat? Thermostat/water pump/radiator go bad?

[Michel57]

Yip, had to replace thermostat after overheating problems all seemed well after that, about two months ago,

Just for clarification i had it towed although it still started and i was able to drive it, found white scum mixed in the radiator filler tank. (towing was just in case)

Thanks for the fast reply

[darkhorse737]

Originally Posted by Michel57

Hi all from South Africa,

Just a question, i sent my 2002 BMW 320d into a BMW Authorised dealer as it had blown the head gasket (had it towed in) the dealer has informed me that the Head has warped and as it is a diesel it cannot be skimmed, and has suggested that i purchase a new head and the accessories that go with this.
How much truth is there in this.

Hi to all as a new member

Mick

the answer would be... it depends on the degree of warpage your head has suffered. There are tolerances and for your dealer to have mentioned that, he would also should have an idea of how much needs to be shaved off to make the head mechanically sound.

There's some truth to what your dealer said. diesels rely on compression for the ignition of diesel; and resurfacing your head to a point where the compression ratio is drastically altered will result in predetonation(and that isn't good).

[Dirty_Tool]

In General you do not want to machine new generation BMW diesel heads. There are several reasons, compression ratio too high, lack of material due to most of cylinder being incorporated in to the piston, structural integrity etc.

N47 engine (320d) it is definitely not allowed. Dealership is right. See attached doc.

[Teh Prof]

Sounds to me like your head definitely needs to be replaced. Sorry :-(

[Michel57]

Thanks to all that replied,

Looks like a new Head Asembly is what's going to happen, probaly for the best, again thanks.

Mick