Need advice on my 1997 318ti

[JEN]

Can anyone help me out? I just spent $3000 on my 318ti over the past year and it now needs a new head gasket. The cost of the gasket is only about $200, but labor is very expensive. Should I try to sell my car as is? Any idea what it's worth?

Here's more info:
Car has been very well maintained and has never been in an accident. 131,000 miles. New brakes, two new tires, new radiator, new water pump, new catalytic converter. Regular synthetic oil changes.

Keyless entry, alarm system, automatic window/doors/locks, moonroof, CD player, automatic transmission. Excellent gas mileage.

Standard Engine 1.9L 138 hp I4 -- Horsepower 138 @ 6000 RPM -- Torque (lb-ft) 133 @ 4300 RPM -- ABS Brakes.

I put an ad on craigslist to see if I can get a buyer. Here are the details and photos:
http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/m...371021748.html

I'd appreciate any help or advice you can offer!

jennynayak@yahoo.com

[Bluebimma]

I know how it can be, as far as a headgasket job and having some shop do it, its not cheap. If you have the time, and will power, just get another engine and put it in if you like the car.

[cooljess76]

Hi Jen, sorry to hear about your motor. Buy your boyfriend a toolset and a Bentley Manual or find one that already qualifies. Most importantly replace the radiator, waterpump, thermostat, old hoses and coolant lines before you try and drive it after the headgasket replacement. You should be able to get everything for about 400 bucks and if you or someone you know is handy with a wrench, you could get it done in a weekend. Or you could do what Tony said and find another motor for cheap. BTW, if you decide to replace the headgasket, make sure that the head isn't warped or cracked. Take it to a machine shop and have them reface the head. GL

[JEN]

Do you have any mechanic friends in Maryland?

[larryn]

Was there really a need to post this in most forums? Once is plenty.

[cooljess76]

nope, sorry. But www.pelicanparts.com has an excellent writeup on DIY headgasket replacement.

[Ji Money]

Originally Posted by larryn

Was there really a need to post this in most forums? Once is plenty.

Man, leave the girl alone.

[larryn]

Originally Posted by Ji Money

Man, leave the girl alone.

LOL. Operative word there is "girl", obviuously. A dude would have been trounced on immediately. Plus, I wasn't harsh.

Edit: At least, I was trying to be harsh. Sorry if it came across that way. Just saying that on every forum I've ever been on in the many years of using bulletin boards, multiposting threads on the same site has always been frowned apon.

[Ji Money]

Originally Posted by larryn

LOL. Operative word there is "girl", obviuously. A dude would have been trounced on immediately. Plus, I wasn't harsh.

Edit: At least, I was trying to be harsh. Sorry if it came across that way. Just saying that on every forum I've ever been on in the many years of using bulletin boards, multiposting threads on the same site has always been frowned apon.

Hehe, I know. A guy would get trounced on and I wouldn't say a word. I wasn't trying to be a pig either though.

Jen, no disrespect intended. Hope you get that car issue resolved quickly. We all know how important a car is to get us around unless you live in NYC.

You seem to be in a tough spot, having invested $3k into it already. Maybe it'll all boil down to how long you intend on driving around a compact car. If you'll need a bigger car in a few short years, you may want to consider financing something new. I've been looking at the Subaru Legacy, their base model is going for around $21k and they are offering a 2.9 APR on all 2008 models until July 31st.

[96cali]

Originally Posted by larryn

LOL. Operative word there is "girl", obviuously. A dude would have been trounced on immediately. Plus, I wasn't harsh.

+1