Hey guys i need help. i'm short on funds and trying to move to tenn. next month and now this. my car starts to overheat so i pull into work with car at normal running temp. it never overheats so i figure ok i'll replace the waterpump and thermostat and hopefully that should do it. i just replaced the temp switch/radiator and cap. so just for kicks i check my oil and what do i find? a milky brownish white substance.... great my headgasket is blown. now my question is this? can i just replace the headgasket or do i need to shave the head as well. i do not know the first thing about these cars. i was also wondering if any of you would wanna make some money doing this for me? go easy as i'm poor lol the car is a 93 318i 5spd. this really sucks but if any of you could give me a price and what all would need to be involved it would be greatly appreciated. thanks

 

Be prepared to Replace the head due to a crack. I bought a e34 with a " blown head gasket" turned out to be a cracked head. The twin cam heads crack.
On the M50 engines my experience has be a 50 - 50. RE head gasket vs cracked head.

I have seen a few M44 318 cars for sale with cracked heads. So it happens on this engine also.

You may want to try floridagerman.com there are a few shops in the BMW area. They will be able to give you an idea of a price. Replacing the head is a pain.

Intake, Spark plug wires, Exhaust and cooling hoses all need to be unhooked. There is a plastic coolant hose on the back of the head that is a pain to get to. On the 4 cyl there are 2 plastic coolant hoses that I would replace if you have the head off. about $25 in parts. I have seen the one off the back of the head cause 2 engine failures.

Hope this helped.

B

 

Is it still overheating? I wouldnt jump to conclusions just yet, a little milky residue under the cap is normal for some cars due to condensation.

Is your exhaust white or smell sweet? Is there clearly water in your oil?, like on your dipstick, are you losing any coolant? Is there oil in your coolant? Did you bleed it correctly? Bleeding it can take a couple trys.

I would say the hardest thing to doing the head for a newbie is getting all the timing set up right. You cant make any mistakes on an interference engine.

 

yeah its over heating because i need to replace the water pump which is no big deal. the oil itself isnt really milky just the part of the dipstick that look like cross hairs had a slight milky residue and the oil cap had a lil milky residue otherwise the oil looks and seems to be fine. i just dont like to risk anything. . . if someone wants to change my waterpump and thermostat for a couple extra bucks let me know. pm me a price and i'll let you know if its worth it to me or not. thanks!

 

there is no oil in the coolant and no i didnt bleed it i dunno how to i just thought you pour the 50/50 mix in it and run the car while pouring it then cap it off. lol my exhaust only has white smoke coming out in the mornings or when the engine is cold otherwise i dont notice any other smoke coming out at all and its doesnt smell sweet.

 

If you are unsure about the waterpump then replace it, but make sure it has the metal impeller. You can buy another temp switch, a 80/88 one with an 80C low temp thermostat (and o ring) and 2 bottles of water wetter. Then you can get rid of your stock fan and have a solid cooling system.

 

Removeing air from the cooling system is highly important as it will continue to overheat if you dont get the air out!

 

e36ers

 

The M43 are well known for cracking the headgasket, mostly at the 4th cylinder.....happens all the time.

Usually itīs ok to put in a new gasket, as long the engine wasnīt seriously overheated itīs no big deal.
I canīt say that iīve ever replaced a whole M43 head since iīm working for BMW......thatīs 12 years by now.

If i were you, i would replace the water hose flanges too, they are going to crack too after a while.

Replace part #1
Cylinder head attached parts


Replace part #7
Waterpump - thermostat



And, in case itīs made out of plastic (it shouldnīt on a ī93 model), replace #1
Engine block mounting parts

 

Wasn't the m42 carried all the way to 95 if so look and 94 and 95 (mfg date 11/03 and later have the updated profile gaskets myself or any bmw tech can bang this job out in <8 shop hours you HAVE to change the head gasket and bolts while your in there so even with parts cost down now I'm estimating ~$1000 for the whole shebang I. An help you out with a payment plan if you need it call 813-333-1100. Plus it's a good idea to check the head for leaks or cracks while it's off the car... I can do it this week if you need it done

Thanks
Jeff