Head gasket replacement on 530i - BMW Forum

Beemster · 10-09-2006, 05:35 PM

I have a 66,000 mi. 530i and it appears that it needs a new head gasket. The oil smell stinks! Does anyone have an idea how much this repair SHOULD cost ? I just want a fair idea before going to a BMW mechanic (no, not the dealer!)

Thanks in advance!

jnstrcklnd · 10-09-2006, 06:33 PM

If it only has 66k shouldnt it be under warranty?

Beemster · 10-09-2006, 08:25 PM

well, it's a 2001. Got it used. I think it only has 3 yrs/36,000 mi.

jnstrcklnd · 10-09-2006, 10:18 PM

Well, assuming that the head isnt cracked or warped, I think a BMW dealership would try to get you for around $1,500.00. It doesnt hurt to call around and ask. But by all means, take it to a reputable mechanic, who knows what they are doing. You dont want to have to have it done again 20 miles down the road.

Beemster · 10-10-2006, 04:50 PM

Thanks! Anyone else who has done this before ?

325isBaby · 10-10-2006, 04:55 PM

I've done it at work on M3's...but I would suggest taking it somewhere to have it done, so they can check make sure the block and the head aren't warped...it's time consuming and you really should have the BMW special tools to make your life a whole lot easier when doing this particular job.

e39 5ive · 10-11-2006, 12:08 PM

SUCKS! I had to change the whole head because it cracked. Apparently a problem with the 5's, if the temp reads red chances are you cracked, or at least warped the head. My mechanic told me three minutes in the red, it's over. It has something to do with the length of the cylinder head in the staight six.
Take it somewhere that deals specifically with BMW's. Someone reputable, who's going to offer you a gauranty on work and so on. Chances are, if you have to come out of pocket, the delarship is going to rape you.
How do you know it's the gasket anyway? All you say is the oil stinks. Anyway, if you suspect head gasket failure don't drive the car until you have it sorted out.
Good luck. It's an expensive job no matter what.

LOS · 10-11-2006, 06:41 PM

[quote=e39 5ive]
How do you know it's the gasket anyway? All you say is the oil stinks. Anyway, if you suspect head gasket failure don't drive the car until you have it sorted out.

Good point!
Find out where the leak is coming from. It could be your oil reservour/hoses/fittings or power steering hoses, etc...

LOS

sp0rky · 10-11-2006, 09:12 PM

Yeah, if your just smelling oil, it could just be a valve cover gasket.

Head gasket is a little extreme and should be showing more symptoms than just 'smelly oil' A lot of the times, oil won't leak out of the headgasket for you to smell, anyway.