Your BMW’s head gasket is a crucial engine component, so it needs to be replaced quickly if damaged. On average, you can expect to pay approximately $3,200 to replace a BMW head gasket. The typical price range is between $2,900 on the low end and $3,600 on the high end.
Table of Contents
Is it worth fixing a head gasket?
If your head gasket leak has caused this problem you are almost always better off replacing the whole engine as a new head gasket will stop the leak but bearing damage has probably already been done.
Can you drive a BMW with a blown head gasket?
No, the sooner you get it fixed, the better. Aside from the damage it will do to your engine, driving with a blown head gasket can be dangerous. For starters, if you’re checking under the hood to identify the problem, hot escaping coolant can cause burns and even start a fire if you’re not careful.
How do I know if my BMW head gasket is blown?
Is replacing a head gasket a big job?
Replacing your head gasket is an extremely time-consuming task because the engine head has to be removed and then replaced. And the more time a mechanic is forced to spend on that job rather than something else, the more they will charge you.
What are the first signs of a blown head gasket?
- 1) Overheating. An engine overheating one too many times (as a result of a clogged radiator, coolant leak, faulty fan, etc.)
- 2) Loss of power.
- 3) Oil contamination.
- 4) White Smoke.
- 5) External leaks.
Will a blown head gasket ruin an engine?
A blown or cracked head gasket can cause one of two problems: It can allow coolant to escape from your engine. The result is a loss in coolant, which can lead to overheating of your engine if you drive it for any length of time.
What is the cheapest way to fix a blown head gasket?
How long will a car last with a blown Headgasket?
Some engines will stop operating altogether within one day. You might be able to drive the car for a week, or it may last for a few months if you use a temporary fix on it. As a rule of thumb, it’s best to NOT drive if you suspect a head gasket issue.
What causes blown head gasket in BMW?
Blown head gasket causes Your car’s engine operates in extreme conditions with intense heat. If this heat becomes more than normal, your engine can overheat causing a blown head gasket. The extra heat results in the cylinder head and engine block expanding too much which results in a failure in the head gasket.
Will insurance cover a blown head gasket?
Yes, insurance will cover a blown head gasket if the mechanical failure was caused by vandalism, flooding or other outside forces. However, insurance will not cover a blown head gasket if the mechanical failure was caused by simple wear and tear, or due to lack of maintenance.
What does a blown head gasket sound like?
Rough Idle/Engine Knock A bad enough head gasket leak will cause the engine to lose compression. This can lead to the engine running roughly at idle, knocking and even stalling.
What causes a head gasket to fail?
Overheating. Engine overheating is one of the most common causes of a blown head gasket. When the engine gets too hot, the gasket is exposed to temperatures outside of what it is meant to handle. Extreme heat can cause failure.
How long does it take to change a head gasket on a BMW?
So, to answer the question of how long this will take, it can vary depending on the model of car and internal damage of the engine. You can reasonably expect anywhere from two days to two weeks for a blown head gasket to be repaired at your auto repair shop.
Why is it so expensive to replace a head gasket?
Head gasket repair is an important auto service. The chief reason why replacing a head gasket is such an expensive service, costing more than $2,000 in some cases, is because of the amount of time that is involved in the repair.
Can I change my head gasket myself?
A blown head gasket fix can be as easy as dumping a bottle of sealant in your radiator, and you’re good to go. The seal created from our product is as permanent as replacing the head gasket, but with less money and time.
How do I know if my head gasket is going?
- White or milky oil: When coolant seeps into the oil and the two mix, a milky white liquid can be seen on the dipstick or around the engine’s oil filler cap.
- White exhaust smoke: When coolant flows into the combustion chamber it burns/evaporates as white smoke.
How do you prevent a blown head gasket?
Head gasket failures are usually the result of an engine overheating, so the best way to prevent a problem is to ensure your cooling system is in good condition. Ensure the system has no leaks, the radiator is working efficiently and the coolant is topped up to the correct level.
Can you have a blown head gasket and not know it?
Some symptoms of a blown head gasket may be very minor at first, to the point where you don’t notice or can ignore them. But, whenever possible, always get any symptoms checked over by a professional mechanic, as small problems can become very big and very expensive quickly in the case of a faulty head gasket.
Can too much oil cause a blown head gasket?
If the excess oil pressure in your system causes your head gaskets to blow out, the oil will start leaking from the places where the gaskets have failed. What is this? If you notice small puddles or drops of oil under your car after it has been sitting for a while, it could be a sign that your head gaskets have failed.
Can you replace head gasket without removing engine?
Because the head gasket seals the meeting point of the engine halves, you’ll find it located about halfway down the engine. This means that, in order to replace it, you have to remove half of the engine — the more critical half at that.
Is a blown head gasket a big deal?
A blown head gasket is a serious issue, as mechanical problems in the vehicle may have caused the problem and will need fixing. In addition, the head gasket problems may have caused engine failure or serious damage to the engine components, and that situation will need addressing.
Will K seal fix a blown head gasket?
Just one bottle of K-Seal ULTIMATE is enough to fix blown head gaskets and cracked heads in cars, SUVs and small trucks. For larger engines, simply use two bottles.
How do you know if your BMW engine is blown?
Can low oil cause blown head gasket?
Low engine oil level can lead to overheating and head gasket failure.