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