E36 323i (1996) blown head gasket

[vaneyslz]

Hi everyone

I would appreciate some advice. I have a 323i single Vanos and I just discovered that the head gasket is blown. Before this happened, the car smoked at startup and also used quite a bit of oil. I was advised to do a complete overhaul but at the cost of almost R20k. The other option is to purchase an imported motor which would cost me R10k on an exchange basis excluding the cost of removing and fitting the new engine.

Which of the two is the better option and is R20k a fair price for an overhaul? Also, will a 328i engine drop in without modification?

Thanks in advance,

Zane

 

[Doomsdaya]

Hmmm I wonder if the 323's came with an aluminum or cast iron block...

 

[vaneyslz]

Hmmm I wonder if the 323's came with an aluminum or cast iron block...

As far as I know, this is a cast iron block.

 

[moranor@axis]

20k seems like alot to change a head gasket... but I have not priced this job before so i could be wrong...

 

[Jandre]

20k seems like alot to change a head gasket... but I have not priced this job before so i could be wrong...

20k is for the complete rebuild.

Pretty much what I paid 3 years ago for an e36 318i rebuild.

 

[LPM320]

Early 323i's suffer from the same problems as the early 328i's, they also have aluminium blocks.

Being a 1996 model it should theoretically have an aluminium block, unless its been changed before at some point.

 

[Flex]

I would go for the overhaul, then you know all is new & ready for happy 1000's of km again!

With the import you might end up with something that put you back at square 1 again after spending all those bucks!

I see you are also from CPT, I wil send you a number a guy named Anton in Stikland. Give him a ring & ask his opinion/price .

Good luck man!

:=):

 

[Doomsdaya]

Early 323i's suffer from the same problems as the early 328i's, they also have aluminium blocks.

Being a 1996 model it should theoretically have an aluminium block, unless its been changed before at some point.

Interesting, yesterday while I was at my specialist, one of his customers had a 323i & it had an aluminum block.

I would go for the overhaul, then you know all is new & ready for happy 1000's of km again!

With the import you might end up with something that put you back at square 1 again after spending all those bucks!

+1

You never know what you getting with an import motor & they only come with a 30 day guarantee.

If the block is indeed cast iron, rather rebuild it & if your budget allows you, build it with 328i internals then you don't have to go through unnecessary paper work with the traffic department...

 

[vaneyslz]

Thanks for the feedback guys. @doomsdaya Inbox me your mac's number please.

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