Replacing head gasket this week, any other parts, seals, etc... need changing??
Believe it or not, my aftermarket warranty company stepped up to the plate (probably because the car is immaculate and was when the guy inspected it), and agreed to replace my leaking head gasket at 111,326 miles. Warranty runs out at 124,000. Replacing the head gasket also includes replacing all the seals that are taken apart to get to the HG, which is alot of seals and rings.
Since we're in the engine that far, is there anything else you guys recommend to go ahead and look at, inspect, or to consider replacing? My mechanic suggested to replace the valve stem seals, since my car is burning some oil (about one quart per 1,500 miles). Any comments on this or other recommendations, just so I cover everything while he has this thing taken apart.
100% change the valve stem oils seals, get them to check the valve guides, and the head is not warped,Take time now,will save money later.Has the chain ceen replaced?
Regarding your recommendations, and more questions...
You are dead on. I called the mechanic today, and he said he went ahead and replaced the valve stem seals because they were shot. He said the valve guides were slightly worn, but thought the guides were good for another 100,000 miles. He has seen valve guides on many a Porsche 911 (not mine, thank god) that have been twice as worn as my M5 and still running fine. So unless premature valve guide wear is a BMW or E34 M5 characteristic, he thinks it is fine. If I need to do it now though, please tell me, because I might be able to get the warranty company to pay for it while there in there if this is a BMW commonality.
Having said that, should I go ahead and fix the valve guides? He said that is another $1200-1500 and did not think it to be necessary for several more years. He is a fantastic mechanic, but admits he is a Porsche specialist, not an M-Series specialist or even a BMW guy. What fascinates me is his aptitude for this complicated engine without ever being in one (he has worked on hundreds of BMW's just not an E34 M5).
He did give me and other E34 M5 owners a huge compliment today. He said, "Man, I love driving that car. I could drive something like that to work everyday. Of course it would probably get me in a lot of trouble". :p
For a guy who works on 400 HP 911 Turbo's to say that, makes me feel great about my everyday car. Plus, he's been doing me right on my 911 since 1997.
He checked the head today for trueness, and said it is unbelievably PERFECT!!! As far as the chain, I'll check the records. What is the recommendation for miles on a chain?
The chain itself is not a problem. It is a duplex chain, so it will go for a long time. I have heard reasonable estimates of 150,000miles before replacement, being on the safe side. The chain drives the oil pump, so you can see the vitality of the chain.
It would be best to change the chain guides now. Might as well get them under warranty.
Other parts you might want to check, especially with higher miles:
Waterpump
Thermostat
Hoses (all radiator hoses-this is a must!!)
Radiator (check for clogs due to silicone and unbalanced pH anti-freezes. Use only BMW coolant or Mercedes Benz coolant!)
Valves (adjustments, etc)
Tell us how things go. Glad your warranty is footin the bill!
Rob good you have found a good mechanic ,some one you can trust is half the battle,if the car has had good oil(i use mobil one)the chain guides may be ok,i think i am the only one i have seen on this site that has had a valve spring snap and kill my motor, so when i stripped my motor i replaced them all, i live in sunny Saudi Arabia but i still look on a site called Kormanfastbmw in the states they have every thing you you will need to get the beast up to speed again,look on the site print a list out and get your mechanic to tell you what he recommends i would do i now ,i changed the cam sprockets(yours are all ready removed so no labour cost) i hope i am not to late with the reply(weekend in Saudi) good luck. keep me posted
Replacing head gasket this week, any other parts, seals, etc... need changing??
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