cost of head gasket replacement

[Kamil]

How much does it cost, on the avarage, to replace the cylinder head gasket + other misc needed gaskets and seals on an M30 motor.... or how many hours does it take to do, etc.

Thanks,
-Kamil

[PhilipJCaputo]

pretty good write up here

http://www.bmwe34.net/e34main/maintenance/engine/headgasket_M30.htm

that $300 price listed there seems a little higher then I would have expected. I usually hit bmaparts and get a price check on items.

[Mr. BILL]

The head gasget by itself runs about $90. You can get a kit that has everything you'll need and more for around $130. I'd also replace the water pump $70, timing belt $25 (if the M30 has one). You'll also need a set of head bolts $60, coolant $20-40 and a new T-stat $15. Add another $50 for misc. stuff. Since you have the head off, it's a great time to do a valve job, $400+- $50.

As to time, the "book", I think says 13-14 hours. If you've never done one before and have a Bentley, I'd say about double that. I just did one on an M20 engine. If you're pretty handy, can follow direstions and with the help here, you should be able to do it yourself. Good luck!

[Craig]

On the M30 there is a chain and you can skip the water pump. It's so easy to do at any time (30 minutes tops) that I wouldn't bother unless it's leaking.

Absolute minimum is probably around $200 (gasket kit and head bolts). That assumes picking the head up, replacing the gasket and dropping it back down. As Bill said, this is a good time to get the head worked on.

To pay someone I'd say you're looking at $1500 at least.