BMW 528i possible blow head gasket

AJDEBJACKSON

MEMBER
1952 BMW 528

HELP.I have a 1998 BMW 528i that has been diagnosed with a blown head gasket. Solution: Replace engine. History: 2 weeks ago both lower and upper radiator hoses split car started steaming and immediately ran hot, we drove about 3 blocks back home. I replaced both hoses, but car still ran hot, however no leaks visible. Had car towed to mechanic who replaced thermastat, water pump, clutch valve, performed tune up also. After picking up car, started idling rough and was sporadic when starting. Once you get car started it would run hot before getting two blocks. Had car towed again and now mechanic says blown head gasket. With first visit, he said he tested to see if engine needed replacing and he said engine was fine. We have spent close to $1100.00. Don't want to waste money should we replace engine or repair gasket? Note: present engine has $170,000 miles. This is my only mode of transportation, been down for two weeks.

1 Reply

DOCHAGERTY

MECHANIC
9,601 POSTS

I'm sorry to hear about the troubles with your BMW 528i. Dealing with a blown head gasket can be a significant and costly repair. In your situation, there are a few factors to consider before deciding whether to replace the engine or repair the head gasket:

Cost of Repair: Replacing a head gasket is a labor-intensive job that requires removing the cylinder head(s) from the engine. Depending on the extent of the damage and the mechanic's labor rates, the repair cost can be substantial. If the head gasket is the only issue and the rest of the engine is in good condition, repairing it might be a more economical choice.

Engine Condition: Considering your current engine has 170,000 miles, it is relatively high mileage. Before deciding on repairs, it's essential to evaluate the overall condition of the engine. If the engine has significant wear and other potential problems, investing in a head gasket replacement might not be the most cost-effective option in the long run.

Future Reliability: If you choose to replace the head gasket, there's no guarantee that other issues won't arise down the road due to the high mileage. Repairing the head gasket might address the immediate problem, but it could be a temporary solution if other components start failing due to the age and mileage of the engine.

Engine Replacement: Replacing the engine with a lower-mileage used engine or a remanufactured engine could provide a more reliable and long-term solution. However, this option is generally more expensive upfront.

Given that your car has already undergone several repairs and is your primary mode of transportation, it's essential to make a well-informed decision. Here are the steps I recommend:

Obtain a Second Opinion: If you haven't already, consider getting a second opinion from another reputable mechanic or a BMW specialist. They can provide a fresh evaluation of the car's condition and give you a more accurate estimate for the head gasket repair and engine replacement.

Compare Costs: Compare the costs of head gasket repair and engine replacement, taking into account the condition of your current engine and the potential reliability of a replacement engine.

Assess Overall Condition: Consider the overall condition of the car, including other potential maintenance needs, the condition of the transmission, suspension, etc. If there are other significant issues, it might influence your decision.

Future Plans: Think about how much longer you plan to keep the car. If you intend to keep it for a long time and can afford it, an engine replacement might be a better investment for the vehicle's longevity.

Used vs. Remanufactured Engine: If you decide to go for an engine replacement, weigh the options between a used engine with lower mileage and a remanufactured engine, as both have pros and cons.