Questionable profile gasket

[76m2002]

I need help determining if I need to replace my profile gasket.  I have a '91 318is that I bought last year.  I just took off the timing cover to replace the timing chain and guides, and noticed a gasket bulging out from the junction between the head and the block (yellow arrow).


Is this the infamous profile gasket that caused so much trouble?  I have no way of verifying if this has been replaced; is there any way to tell?
Thanks for any suggestions!

[monty23psk]

First question, are you getting oil in the coolant or the opposite? If not, then you dont really have to change it. The best way to replace it, would be to remove the head which is a lot of work but it can be done with out the head removal, just way more of a pain. IMO, if no mixing, then don't worry. Unless you are the first owner and the car has less than 50k miles on it would I even consider changing it. Most cars should have had this gasket replaced due to failure at one point or preventative.

At least my .02. Now if you really want to have an excuse for digging deeper, that would be one and you will learn a lot in the process.

[76m2002]

Good points.  The problem is that the car has 188,000 miles, and really sketchy maintenance by the previous owner.  I've replaced most of the rubber parts and gaskets in the engine bay, and almost all were sufficiently dried and worn-out that i suspect they are original.  So I am suspicious of this on this particular car, and don't know how to tell if the gasket is just bulging a little, or about to blow out.  Same issue with the timing chain that led me to this dissection; enough rattle over the past year to make me think I'm just barely on the safe side of a timing-chain issue, so thought I'd replace the timing chain gear before having a meltdown.

[mabeer]

I know for sure mine had been replaced years ago under warranty yet it was pooched out exactly the same way as yours.  I'd bet yours was replaced.  Hard to imagine the original made it 188k without letting go. 

[deansweet]

the fact you are asking this question seems to affirm the answer.
Just replace it and sleep better.

[76m2002]

I know for sure mine had been replaced years ago under warranty yet it was pooched out exactly the same way as yours.  I'd bet yours was replaced.  Hard to imagine the original made it 188k without letting go.

Good point.  I checked, and the gasket is bulging on the inside as well as the outside, so perhaps it is just normal appearance for a squashed rubber gasket. The rubber does seem to look to new to be 30 years old. Perhaps I dodged the bullet on this one