Image Credit: Youtube(simplecarguy)
Owning a BMW 328i is an experience mixed with performance, style, and luxury. But sometimes it can also cause some serious problems, which is very frustrating (I get it).
A blown head gasket is a major problem most of the 328i faces at least once.
The head gasket is an important part of your engine and a blown head gasket can cause many issues, such as coolant leakage, white smoke from exhaust, overheating, etc.
So, now you know about the importance of the head gasket and have many questions about what are the symptoms, causes fixes, etc. of a blown head gasket.
Here we’ll discuss all the questions our readers had asked about a blown head gasket.
How Does The Head Gasket Work?
The head gasket sits between the engine block and cylinder head and seals the combustion chamber.
It prevents oil and coolant from mixing and escaping from the engine.
Two major components of your engine are the engine block and cylinder head, which are sealed together by the head gasket to work as a single unit for the engine to work properly.
So, the head gasket is a very important part for sealing both the parts together as a single part.
And, when tightened down, the cylinder head forces the head gasket into the cylinder block, sealing any type of imperfections by force.
How Much Does a BMW 328i Head Gasket Replacement Cost
The average cost to replace a 328i BMW head gasket is between $2780 to $3512. So, let’s break down the cost:-
- The labor costs about $1830 to $2362
- Parts will cost around $950 to $1150.
Always remember the cost of replacing the head gasket, will be based on various factors such as your location, the parts needed, the auto shop’s reputation, maybe you need extra repairs, the tax and fees are different, etc.
Factors Affecting the Head Gasket Replacement Cost
Many factors can affect the overall replacement cost of your BMW 328i head gasket. So, let’s talk about the factors below:-
1. Location: The cost of replacement of the head gasket varies largely on your geographical location.
Like if you live in a higher cost of living metro city, the cost will be much higher than in a small city.
2. Labor Cost: The replacement of the head gasket requires intensive labor work, where the cost will depend on the expertise of the labor, the location of the auto shop, the hourly rate in the auto shop, etc.
3. Replaced Parts: The other major cost decider is the replaced part if you choose a genuine BMW part the cost will be much higher than the aftermarket parts.
4. Additional Repairs: Sometimes blown head gasket causes damage to other related engine components, like the coolant system, cylinder head, or wrapped head the cost will be much higher.
Other than this many other factors will affect the overall cost of the damaged head gasket replacement.
The Symptoms of Damaged Head gasket
When the head gasket gets damaged, initially you may not see any symptoms, which makes it more critical.
But with time you would notice many different signs of a blown head gasket, which are:-
1. Leaking of Coolant
A blown head gasket can be a major reason for the leakage of coolant. To identify coolant leakage check under your car, or inspect your engine.
You will also smell a sweet odor from the exhaust which indicates coolant leaking into the combustion chamber and burning.
You could also inspect your coolant system if the coolant level is appropriate or not.
2. Constant Overheating
if the head gasket fails it will result in Overheating of the engine than normal.
It means coolant and oil have leaked into the combustion chamber with other compression gases resulting in overheating.
You could check the vehicle’s temperature gauge, if it’s constantly increasing it could be an indicator of a blown head gasket.
3. White Smoke From the Exhaust
White smoke coming from the exhaust is a direct indication that the head gasket is blown and the leaking coolant is entering the combustion chamber and disrupting the combustion process. Which results in sweet-smelling white smoke from the exhaust.
4. Decreased Engine Performance
When the head gasket is damaged you will notice a sharp decrease in the engine performance.
It will be very rough while idling, misfires, and also not starting sometimes.
You will notice a decrease in overall power, acceleration, etc.
There will be many other signs at this point, the coolant may have mixed with engine oil, which will look very lighter, bubbly, and milk-like texture.
You will also hear a radiator or engine coolant reservoir gurgling type sound.
At this stage the check engine light will turn on, giving you an indication that there is something wrong with your engine.
Now the car will overheat pretty fast, stall for a bit then won’t restart easily.
what are the causes of Head Gasket Failure?
There can be many reasons which will cause a head gasket failure.
Engine overheating is one of the major reasons because when the engine is overheated it puts immense pressure on the head gasket which weakens the gasket and results in cracks, leaks, and other damages.
A failed water pump and a failed thermostat can be a reason for engine overheating which causes a blown head gasket.
Lack of coolant, coolant contamination, failed radiator, excessive boost or pressure can also be a reason for engine overheating & eventually head gasket failure.
Can I Drive My BMW With a Bad Head Gasket?
No, you should never drive a BMW 328i or any other model with a damaged head gasket.
It can cause more damage to your engine and is not safe for your vehicle and also not for you.
Once you start noticing the symptoms of a blown head gasket, you should not take any chance of driving because it can result in a damaged cylinder head or engine block.
When you have a failed head gasket, you should never try to drive your car to the auto shop, you should tow your car.
How often do the head gaskets need to be replaced?
There isn’t any lifespan timing for the head gasket, however, with proper oil and coolant maintenance, a head gasket should last at least 100,000 miles. So replacing your head gasket every 100,000 miles might be a better idea.
Well, the head gasket can last more or less depending on the frequent maintenance and driving habits.
Tips For Maintainance:–
To prevent any unnecessary failure in the head gasket you should take some necessary steps on a regular time, like:-
- You should replace the coolant and oil on a frequent schedule.
- Try to use a quality fuel, which works better with your engine.
- Check your engine temperature, while driving.
- Don’t drive aggressively, it puts excess pressure on the engine. (or frequently)
- Change your water pump at every 65,000 miles.
- Also, change your radiator every 100,000 miles
- Scheduled checkup by a professional.
You should follow these steps to keep your engine healthy as it is new, to experience the best performance you should also maintain the beast.
FAQ
Well, it totally depends on your car’s overall condition and age. With old cars, it is never recommended to fix a head gasket because the parts needed and the labor cost will be equivalent to replacing or even buying a new car. But, if you get a bargain in your new car you can try it, but we would always suggest a replacement. (because it’s a permanent solution)
It depends on many factors, but on average, it should cost you about $2780 to $3512.
Unfortunately yes, BMW is reliable but it has a head gasket problem. Many reports have shown that a BMW’s head gasket experiences problems under 130,000. It still depends on every model, some models like X5 have shown problems under 68,000 miles.
On average a BMW head gasket lasts about 100,000 miles, still, it largely depends on the driving habits & maintenance.
If only the head gasket is damaged and the engine is in good condition, then replacing the head gasket would be best. But if the engine has multiple problems and damage then it’s better to replace the engine, which will be more practical in the long term.
The first sign of a blown head gasket would be engine overheating, then you’ll notice coolant leakage, white smoke from the exhaust, decreased engine performance, etc.
A BMW head gasket can last about 160,000 to 240,000 kilometers if maintained properly.
The replacement cost of a 2008 BMW 328i can range between $2500 to $3000, depending on location, other problems, parts availability, labor expertise, etc.
Conclusion
Now, I hope you get the idea of the BMW 328i head gasket replacement cost, and also the symptoms, causes, and also the prevention methods.
If you have any questions feel free to ask in the comment section.
Read More:
BMW White Smoke From Exhaust When Idle: Causes & Solutions
Used BMW Engines: Are They Worth It?
