N52 - Possible head gasket failure?

[DannyZimmer]

I have recently been quoted £1500 for a head gasket replacement on my 130i

So I'd like to diagnose for sure I need this work done!

I first started smelling a burning oil smell in the cabin when starting it up. But wasnt always apparant.

I took it to my mechanic, who had a quick nose underneath the hood and said it was my head gasket.

The left hand side of the engine is oily down below the coolant tank. Opposite side of the engine looks dry and clean.

The coolant light came on, and I checked the tank and it was empty.

I temporarily replaced it with water and only used it once for a very short journey, but there doesnt appear to me to be a leak in the coolant system as the water hasnt dropped.

No milkyness under the oil filler cap or on the insides of the engine.

It's done 100k.

As far as I'm aware the engine hasnt overheated. Unless the thermostat has gone.

And having read that it's very rare for the head gasket to fail I thought I would post this up to get some opinions.

Below are some pics of the area in question.

Thanks in advance for replies

 

[Greydog]

Morning Daniel

BMW straight 6 engines are pretty tough beasts and gasket failure while not impossible are rare

Difficult to diagnose from pictures however here are my thoughts.

First what tests were done to diagnose the Head Gasket ? A compression Test ? A sniff test to detect exhaust gas in the Header Tank ? Any sign of water in the oil ?

Oil weeps from the rocker cover gasket are not uncommon and could well cause the weep you show. Clogged CVR (crankcase ventilation) pipes and filter could be a source of oil in the exhaust. The coolant loss you describe doesn't sound significant though any loss needs investigation, is the car used daily and does it run at full operating temperature ? 

I would take it to a BMW Specialist if you haven't already, I would ask them to investigate the oil weep and see what they come up with 

Good Luck

Dave

 

[DannyZimmer]

Thanks a lot for the response Dave, much appreciated!

 

I done the sensible thing and got a mechanic round to inspect the car.

 

He has confirmed that the rocker cover gasket needs replacing. Along with the camshaft actuator gasket?!

 

Having googled "camshaft actuator gasket" I cannot find anything relating to this.

 

Iv been quoted £420 + vat for the works  but I just wanted to see if anyone can shed a light on what a camshaft actuator gasket is? Is it known as something else commonly?

 

Thanks again!

 

Dan

[Sandy5252]

Have you checked this BMW tech info site?

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/

 

Key in your car details and you can find LOTS of details...

[Greydog]

Hi Daniel

He is probably referring to the Vanos solenoid seals

While playing with Google look at BMW Specialist Register there is bound to be one in your area they are usually ex BMW technicians and know what they are doing.and probably wont be any more expensive.

Take a look at www.realoem.com you will find information on your model including the engine put the last 7 digits of your Vin number in the search box it will bring up your model it is a BMW online parts list so you will also see parts cost on US $ as a guide.

If you want to know how to DIY use www.newtis.info as John has said

Good Luck

Dave

[DannyZimmer]

Great guys, thanks a bunch for your advice 🙂

[DannyZimmer]

Okay, so one last question.....

 

Had a second mechanic to take a look, and he has confirmed the rocker cover gasket needs replacing. Same as what the first mechanic said.

He has suggested replacing the VVT unit.

He said that a genuine bmw rocker cover gasket comes with a VVT?

So is it good practice to replace this whilst the rocker gets fixed? Or is it pointless without any symptoms of a faulty VVT?

Seems my oil cap gasket has perished too! Which could explain the oil leak. But I'm going to get the rocker gasket done to make sure.

Any advice about the VVT?

Thanks

Dan

[Greydog]

Morning Daniel

Simple things first is always my approach, you now have 2 separate inspections that point to a leaky gasket plus a failing oil cap. 

Simplest first step is to get a new oil cap and gasket, fit it clean thoroughly around the area then run the engine for a few days and see if the leak has gone. Often there is spillage around this area due to clumsy topping up of the oil level (tip: buy a small funnel to keep in the boot and use it when topping up) 

If the leak is still there then the gaskets are next, I just took a quick look at www.realoem.com and the gasket set for your engine shows gaskets for sealing the cover and around the spark plugs but no VVT so that's confusing here is the complete parts list with cost in US Dollars so roughly the same in £

 

Part No.DescriptionSupp. Qty From  Up To Part NumberPriceNotes01Cylinder head cover111127552281$378.13 02Profile-gasket111127582245 $29.77 03Gasket111127559699 $11.81 05Torx screwM7X33.51511127558448$2.3809Ignition coil covering111127575032$96.9810Fillister head with washerM6X20-ZNNID SW407119906086$0.4711BMW emblem111147788967$11.2612Cap for oil filler101/201511127560482$16.16ENDED 12Cap for oil filler111128655331 13Profile-gasket111127565165 $6.02 14Vent hose111157559528$40.0215Torx screwM7X33.5111127558449$4.8216Torx screwM7X35111127558450$4.3717Hex boltM7X46111127558453$0.7818Torx screwM7X36211127558454$0.7819Threaded boltM7X75211127558451$5.4220Sleeve611127575422$3.1421Metal bracket111127556145$3.0022Clip nut111127565497$1.0723Screw60X14211127556161$1.5325Covering cap111617547229$1.1229C-clip nutM6-ZNS3351127070202$1.00

I have highlighted in Red the parts (Total parts cost about £60 ) I also had a quick look at www.newtis.info there is no mention in the technical repair section about replacing the VVT or it being part of the kit?

Another reason to use a BMW Specialist not just an Independent mechanic if you are unable to DIY. It really is worth using these sites as a little knowledge when talking with these guys can protect your wallet.

Good Luck

Dave

 

[DannyZimmer]

Dave, your an absolute star mate! Thanks for digging that out for me

Appreciate it a lot.

I shall order the parts, and report back when fitted.

 

Cheers mate

 

Dan