![]() |
![]()
|
![]() |
10-20-2022, 03:00 PM | #1 |
New Member
4
Rep 9
Posts |
N55 Blown head gasket
I drive a 2014 535i RWD at 153,000 miles. For a while now i’ve been having disappearing coolant with not leaks, i took it to a reputable shop in socal and they did a block test and told me that i either have a cracked/warped head or head gasket leak. My car has never been over heated and other than the disappearing coolant there are no other symptoms, the car is very well maintained and if the mileage was covered you’d never know it has that many miles. They said a job like that would be ~$6k-$8k depending on what’s actually faulty. I did some research and i think all the parts that are needed to to the job are ~$1.5k and this includes the “while you’re in there” replacements. My question is, can this job be done while the engine is still in the car, i know it might be tight but seems doable with a little of blood, sweat and tears. If you have any experience please share it. Thanks.
|
10-20-2022, 03:21 PM | #2 |
Major General
![]() ![]() ![]() 5847
Rep 5,891
Posts |
I would check the coolant reservoir first. That seems to be a common failure point with higher mileage/years. Look for whitish residue around the tank.
A blown head gasket will also cause whitish smoke (not to be confused with normal condensation) out the tail pipes. |
Appreciate
0
|
10-20-2022, 07:36 PM | #3 | |
New Member
4
Rep 9
Posts |
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
10-21-2022, 07:16 AM | #4 |
Captain
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() 237
Rep 702
Posts |
What exactly did the shop test? I just ask because it seems like a vague description of what could be happening.
Do you have any milky residue in the engine oil? Any signs of coolant in your air pipes passed the turbo? This would have been MY procedure: - Visual search for any obvious leaks in the coolant circuit - Pressurize cooling system and look for any active leak (confirmed by a pressure drop after a few minutes) - If no coolant seen leaking anywhere at this point, move on to the engine and perform compression test - If all cylinders are within 10% from each other, perform cylinder leakdown test At your mileage these would be the common spots- expansion tank (you already replaced), expansion tank cap, casing of the water pump itself, the plastic mickey mouse fitting (coolant hose end at the front of the cylinder head that goes to the t-stat), radiator at the plastic end tanks, oil filter housing Then the not so common (but not surprising) items due to age that I've seen- transmission heat exchanger failure (more common with the E90 LCIs), heater core, turbo coolant lines
__________________
I'm on the YouTubez now!! Check it out -> https://www.youtube.com/@turbospool
2011 F10 Shuenk N55+ Turbo'd is SOLD. Building a 2018 Golf R! |
Appreciate
0
|
10-21-2022, 12:26 PM | #5 | |
New Member
4
Rep 9
Posts |
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
10-22-2022, 03:00 PM | #8 |
Captain
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() 237
Rep 702
Posts |
At this point I'd highly suggest you take it to have BMW do a diag on it for coolant leak. You pay for that diag, and depending on what they find it would be your choice if you want to have this shop perform the repair the dealer found, or just have the dealer take care of it.
Im only suggesting this because Im still feeling like proper diag'ing was not done. They did the block test and it failed so there's exhaust in the coolant. Great... what cylinder(s) is causing it? Cylinder heads dont just warp. The engine has to have had a severe overheating for that to have happened. Even if so, if exh gases are making their way into the coolant, during overnight cooling the coolant will often find its way back (as the coolant system is under pressure but the cylinders would loose pressure faster) so you'd likely see signs of dry coolant on the spark plugs. Additionally, I can see how a warped head could leak coolant to the outside and perhaps all gather in one spot to pool under the car. But you'd also see the signs of coolant run-off- which tells me that the shop didn't even do a visual inspection. I just feel there's a whole lot of half-a$$ing by the shop and they're giving you the run-around. I highly encourage you to take it in to have a proper diag done by either BMW or a competent reputable indy BMW-specialist... and based on what they find you can make an educated decision as to how to proceed
__________________
I'm on the YouTubez now!! Check it out -> https://www.youtube.com/@turbospool
2011 F10 Shuenk N55+ Turbo'd is SOLD. Building a 2018 Golf R! |
Appreciate
1
John H.541.50 |
10-22-2022, 05:05 PM | #9 | |
New Member
4
Rep 9
Posts |
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
Tags |
5 series, 535i, engine, experience, f10, head gasket, help a noob, m power, mechanical, question |
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
|
|