you need a few special BMW tools.....Is it the 2.5l?

either or should be very close to the same either way, Im in the process of tearing mine down.

I will post a few links in a min.

 

Head Gasket Replacement DIY - Bimmerforums - The Ultimate BMW Forum

this link should tell you just about everything you need to know.....

I would also reccomend getting a bently manual and also check pelican parts for some good DIY.

getting to the headgasket should be all that hard.....but in my case i have a cracked head and 2 friend piston rings

Good luck and let me know if i can help in anyway

 

The special tools for the camshaft locators and the press tools for loading unloading the camshafts in the head are no joke. You do need them I've seen a frined of mine crack the cams because he thought he could get away without using them. Also the alignment tools for the vanos system are a must or you'll never have the thing timed right. I've probably done 10 or more I6 bmw heads and never had a problem but I always made sure I had the right tools. The set of tools to do a bwm dual vanos head will set you back an easy $1000 or more.

 

+1.

i have a 98 z3 and im hoping the headgasket doesnt go any day soon

 

Buying the tool off of Baum tools or another specialy tool source. Not a tool truck tool really. Around 2000 is when they switched to dual vanos depending on model. Post a pic of the valve cover and I'll tell you.

 

Its easy to tell if its dual VANOS or not...the front of the engine will be smooth consistent and round. If its got VANOS on one cam only, there will be a big bump on the intake side on the front of the engine

 

I concur with Kj on the proper tools.

You might call around to find a shop that has a lobor rate under that of the dealer, but FOR SURE visit to be sure he has the right tools.

You might computer search for BMW clubs locally, and email their members to find who they recommend.-Bob