M42club.com - Home of the BMW E30/E36 318i/iS

DISCUSSION => Engine + Driveline => Topic started by: 91318isfoundation on March 17, 2007, 10:27:32 PM

Title: Head Removal
Post by: 91318isfoundation on March 17, 2007, 10:27:32 PM

oK i got the bently manual for the m42 engine and im going to start removing my head within the next few day is there ANYTHING i should be aware of that the book does not tell me? anything anyones learned from trial and error please let me know i want to do it once and do it right

Title: Head Removal
Post by: ZeroG on March 19, 2007, 12:08:38 AM

Quote from: 91318isfoundation;21539

oK i got the bently manual for the m42 engine and im going to start removing my head within the next few day is there ANYTHING i should be aware of that the book does not tell me? anything anyones learned from trial and error please let me know i want to do it once and do it right

I don't know if this will apply to cars with head bolts, but I had head studs and the damn timing chain would get caught on the guide rails when I would try to lift it off.  I ended having to remove the crank pulley (244 ft.lbs), the AC compressor and bracket (PITA!), and then loosen the drivers side rail.

Special Tools
Cam locking tool
TDC Pin
Crank pulley holder

Just a tip before you lift the head make sure that you have a pan underneath the engine.  When I lifted it coolant and oil came flooding out.

Title: Head Removal
Post by: 91318isfoundation on March 28, 2007, 09:16:27 PM

UPDATE++++++
took head off today turned out i cracked it anyone know what a refurbished head goes for or a used head? does any one have a used head laying around?
i just need sum $$$ figures so i know what im getting myself into also is sending it out to get welded and shit a good idea ? cause i DRIVE my cars HARD any input would be greatly appreciated

Title: Head Removal
Post by: turbo_negro69 on March 28, 2007, 11:35:47 PM

well, a used head from pick-n-pull is cheap (but good luck finding one)
a used head from a salvage yard that specializes in bmw wants $600-700
a used head on here willl go from $150-250
and i don't know about welding it to fix it.:confused:

Title: Head Removal
Post by: Tonyb on March 29, 2007, 02:18:01 AM

I paid 200.00 for mine with 76 on the od.

Title: Head Removal
Post by: Alpine003 on March 29, 2007, 11:20:45 AM

I have a crack free head for rebuild. I think a couple valves might be bent but not sure. I do have all the spare valves needed from another cracked head that you can use. Click on my sig for details.

Title: Head Removal
Post by: 91318isfoundation on March 29, 2007, 01:53:21 PM

OK was searching the net last night found m42 from 95 318ti got 186000 on it guy wants 200- guess he swapped it for m50 that good price?

Title: Head Removal
Post by: kowalski on March 29, 2007, 04:48:52 PM

yes its a good price. make sure to do some compression checks and everything else. However you will need all of the electrical components as well as that m42 runs knock sensors

Title: Head Removal
Post by: unmole30 on October 02, 2009, 12:17:22 PM

hi guys did you take any pics of removing the head? mines overheating and i suspect its the head . . . . . cheers

Title: Head Removal
Post by: monty23psk on October 02, 2009, 12:22:08 PM

I got a good amount of pics from my rebuild. Let me know what you need....