Need advice...replace head gasket...or new motor

[mrnine]

I haven't posted here in forever...and now my post is bad news. :-(

My wife overheated in my 318ti (130k). I would have watched the temp gauge but she just wouldn't have been as mindful of this. I'd noticed a bit of coolant in the garage here and there and didn't think too much of it. Perhaps I had let it go too low. Who knows. How far did she drive it hot? Who knows.

Regardless...took it to a shop (local, not BMW shop) and they put in a new radiator and water pump ($1k). However, upon reassembly, they think the head gasket is blown as backpressure builds into the cooling system. So...

I live in the middle of nowhere but have AAA so I can have it towed to a mechanic in Columbus, Ohio for free. A guy named Emmanuel was recommended on Bimmerforums. He says he can do the head gasket replacement for $700 labor + maybe $100 parts. However, under the circumstances, he says he would strongly consider putting in a used low mileage (67k) M44 motor for $2k out the door.

Now...I know what you're thinking. Do a S50/S52 M3 swap! And I hear you. However, it doesn't fit into the budget or life plan at the moment. I just need my reliable wheels back.

What do you all think? What would you do?

[blndweasel]

It all depends on the condition of the deck once the gasket has been removed. What happens when a head gasket blows, is it allows a small channel of coolant to pass across the deck or head surface, and that has the potential to score / corrode either surface. It sounds like the mechanic is competent, though.

It would be an ideal time to have the head done up with a valve job, though... something to consider. How many miles on your block?

[mrnine]

There's 129k on the block...clearly got more life in it but I suppose we could call it "middle aged."

I think the mechanic seems quite competent and he has experience with BMW's. His opinion is that the labor on doing a valve job on the head makes the engine swap seem even more appealing as the cost difference is not that big once the machine shop costs get figured in.

[96cali]

I have heard him recommended too but $2k sounds a bit high. I think it's worth checking into a M52 2.8 motor at least. They are plentiful. I can help out sourcing things from Cincy yards if needed.

Sent you a PM regarding Cincy mechanics- you might want to consider having one of them do the swap if you are moving here.