E46 325i head cracking

[happynoodleboy]

Hey guys.

I recently had the distinct pleasure of having my E46 325i head cracking……

I now have some questions, and need some advice/opinions, as this is the first time I am faced with something like this..

First off, I want to keep the car.
I love the way it drives and looks, and all round it is just a great car.
So I am not concerned about losing resale value, etc.

My main problem is I was unemployed for over a year, only recently started working again.
So my budget is very limited.

The way I see it I have these options.

1. New head
2. New 325i engine
3. Lexus V8 conversion.

Problem with the first two is that I cannot seem to find ANYTING even remotely E46. The only place I can find with an engine so far is Bemows in Pta, for like R29 000.00 ??
This is way over my available funds.

The Lexus option is looking more and more attractive.

Please give me your ideas, advice, input…
Everything is appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Sankekur]

Maybe chat with Leonard (from dent doctor) he has recently swapped a from a 2.5 to a 3.0 so maybe he can help you out with 2.5 bits. If I am not mistaken the head on the 2.5 was still perfect.

Edit: Maybe a mod can split this into its own thread.

 

[moranor@axis]

replace head it will be your cheapest option... talk to LZ cant remember what he wanted for the engine but it was way less then 29k :rollsmile:

 

[happynoodleboy]

Got hold of Leonard.

Thanks a lot guys...

 

[moranor@axis]

Got hold of Leonard.

Thanks a lot guys...

you should change the Vanos seals if LZ did not already do so before you fit the head

 

[zaleonardz]

I did not no...

Still have the kit, but I am going to use it on the X3.

 

[Peter@AEW]

Hey guys.

I recently had the distinct pleasure of having my E46 325i head cracking……

I now have some questions, and need some advice/opinions, as this is the first time I am faced with something like this..

First off, I want to keep the car.
I love the way it drives and looks, and all round it is just a great car.
So I am not concerned about losing resale value, etc.

My main problem is I was unemployed for over a year, only recently started working again.
So my budget is very limited.

The way I see it I have these options.

1. New head
2. New 325i engine
3. Lexus V8 conversion.

Problem with the first two is that I cannot seem to find ANYTING even remotely E46. The only place I can find with an engine so far is Bemows in Pta, for like R29 000.00 ??
This is way over my available funds.

The Lexus option is looking more and more attractive.

Please give me your ideas, advice, input…
Everything is appreciated.

Thanks

The head can be successfully welded and depending on what all may be needed you are in for roughly R5k in it.

I would think that if you can do the work yourself you shall save a ton of money.

If not budget for roughly R15K to have it done.

Leonard is obviously an option with the head from his 2,5 however the final figure will not be very different from that which I have indicated.

 

[Crash_Nemesis]

IPC should have a refurbed head for you.

I bought one from them for my e46 M3, traded in my old head and got 40% off.

 

[bmw328]

Hello too all,
Here is your other option (Lexus V8 1uzfe)
http://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=38587

The car was a huge sucsess (Cost apx R36 000), I sold it and bought 2X E46 (Black 318i AT and Silver 320i - the one I wrapped around 2 trees)

 

[freerider]

Ho Lee thread revival.

:bravo:

 

[ntuthuko]

And still no pics of this V8 E46

 

[Nic_s]

Posts split into new thread.

 

[Straight six]

IPC should have a refurbed head for you.

I bought one from them for my e46 M3, traded in my old head and got 40% off.

If you don't mind me askin how much did you get yours for???

The head....but im based in CT??