Price for doing head gasket. 2005 E46 318ci

[discopig]

Hi there,

Looks like I'm going to have to get my head gasket done. anyone any ideas of prices? i've heard everything from the seemingly affordable to the stupidly expensive.

My usual guy is tied up with family matters at the moment and can't take the job on, he's a good mate and was only going to charge me around the €500 inc. part and labour.

I've heard this can cost thousands in a main dealer???

what would be a good average guide price? not too dear to be a rip off but not too cheap to be a cowboy.

thanks

[Peter-E36]

Is that the second e46 318ci you got? Sorry to hear it if so!

Valdas or HealyC should be able to help I'm sure.

[Venom]

Pricing this type of work involves a few things. What caused it and needs to be fixed, not as simple as just replacing the gasket. Parts what needed to replace and also whats worth while doing while in that far, maybe waterpump, chain and guides etc. Then there is any machine shop work eg skimming the head etc and then lastly labour. Word to the wise stay away from dealer unless the stamp in the book makes it worth it for you. Parts and labour buy right by once buy wrong buy twice