E90 320i Probable Head Gasket

[LemonHunter 583]

Well lads, it's time, on a whim I bought an E90 that has been in a friend's driveway for a couple of years. 

https://www.carjam.co.nz/report/?ref=FF72AE32

Price paid was about the value of the wheels and tyres, so I can't really loose any money. 

It runs, in fact, with a new battery it started immediately, after not running for over a year. 

The catch, per subject, is I'm fairly sure it has a blown head gasket. Will pressure test this weekend. 

If I'm right, how much of an arse of a job is it? Weekend warrior material or kill myself material? 

[BM WORLD 1283]

what makes you think the head gasket has blown ??

[LemonHunter 583]

Gas/oil coming out around the exhaust manifold complete with a puffin sound. Compression test will provide clarity. 

I'm guessing with the DME system an engine swap will be more of a nightmare? 

Edited September 12, 2019 by EUROLESS

[Olaf 3319]

@EUROLESS  Which power plant is it?

[LemonHunter 583]

N44B20 not sure of the suffix 

[LemonHunter 583]

Well the weather sucks so I'm not getting under the bonnet today. 

But now I'm suspecting the head gasket is fine, not burning any water. And medium oil loss from what looks like the exhaust side of the rocker cover. Given the heat and angle, it probably leaks a bit and is the cause of the smell. But it starts fine, runs fine, doesn't overheat, only warning light is overdue service, and has what I suspect is pretty standard around town fuel, averaging around 10L/100k. 

Gave it a dry wof run, only faults are delamination on a tyre, dodgy looking power steering hose and an indicator light. 

Quietly hopeful to have this girl on the road for a total cost of well under trademe prices. 

God damn I love the aggressive lines down the sides. 

Edited September 17, 2019 by EUROLESS

[zero 1162]

Engine is a N46B20. I have had experiences with this engine;

 

http://bimmersport.co.nz/topic/54944-so-this-happened-today/?tab=comments#comment-592902

 

[LemonHunter 583]

Jesus, that looks like it sucked, only read the first post, so tl;dr me?

Once I have the gasket set handy I'll begin working on her. Based on my lack of milkshake, it's looking more and more like a leaky rocker cover gasket than head. 

[LemonHunter 583]

Compression test results 

1: 200psi

2: 200psi

3: 195psi

4: 200psi

 

So I think that rules out the head gasket. 

[zero 1162]

Those are good compression results. 

Rocker cover leaks (amongst many other oil leaks) are common on this engine so replace and clean the engine and look for further leaks. Also valve stem seals WILL fail on this engine.

Basically the tldr was;

Engine overheated and the cooling system leaked into the transmission.

Removed trans, disasembled, cleaned and reassembled and put back in car.

Milkshake was still there and it turned out the headgasket had died at the same time the trans had milkshaked.

Replaced head and all associated stuff like chain and guides and headbolts etc.

Car ran perfect for 150kms then a valve spring snapped and lunched the engine.

[325_driver 422]

On 9/15/2019 at 2:55 PM, EUROLESS said:

1: 200psi

2: 200psi

3: 195psi

4: 200psi

cylinder 3 is rooted mate! Sell it to me, i'll sort it all out ?

Edited September 16, 2019 by 325_driver

[LemonHunter 583]

22 hours ago, 325_driver said:

cylinder 3 is rooted mate! Sell it to me, i'll sort it all out ?

Sure thing, $4000 drive away