Head gasket/engine replace

[bigdane1390]

Hi all,

New member here.

So straight to the point, my head gasket has gone 2003 318ci

Whats my best position here

1. Fix the head gasket (which i know is expensive)
2. Replace the engine

Also if I did replace the engine, I know of a 2.5l that's available and can you do a straight swap or would I have to replace more things like the gearbox wiring loom etc.

I know a lot of people might say scrap it. But im not ready to do that

[Korsam]

Having given up more than a few cars to 'expensive' fixes,I'm with you on wanting to keep the car, try and be objective about whether you will really keep the car long enough to justify the work.
If you are going to get it done, factor in the cost of taking care of other pain points in that engine if needs be, cooling system, valve work, piston work , oil distro etc. Some of this you may have no choice in depending how the engine was maintained.
If you have a good example you really want to keep I would say do it with a longer term view.


As to an engine swap, I am unaware of the tax registration requirements afterwards but would suggest you investigate that on top of the mechanical changes.

[bigdane1390]

It was already in the garage a few months ago with cooling system issues so replaced alot of parts including new rad.

ya im hoping to have the car for atleast another 2 years and it is in great condition besides this set back

[Gar]

If you do go down the headgasket route have the chain and guide rails etc replaced is well

[bigdane1390]

So do ye think I'd be better off replacing the engine

[Gar]

Only you can make that call you know the car

Options are
Fix and drive
Replace engine
Or sell as is for breaking and buy a 325ci (my personal preference and what id do)

[bigdane1390]

I'll have to wait and see anyway. See how much work is needed.

I should know by sometime next week.
Ill take this is a good old learning experience anyway.

Thanks for the quick reply guys

[Korsam]

It may be hard to part with it but you know best if you want repair it or buy and pay for a 325.

stick some pics up for the hell of it

[E46Padge]

No point replacing on of them engines unless you can see the donor engine running in the car and have a drive of it. If you buy a replacement engine it's like playing a b
game of Russian roulette. Cheaper and easyer to fix what you allready got.