I wondered if you could advise.

I have a BMW 318Ci Automatic Coupe. It's  21 years old and has done ~99,000 miles. It was my late father’s car and so I have a sentimental attachment!

I am not an engineer but I think it is good nick for its age. Up until now it has driven beautifully and is a great drive. Bodywork is in great condition. It's a good looking motor.

Alas I think the head gasket has gone. There is white vapour from exhaust and there is emulsion on the dipstick. Obviously the car is not worth much (probably scrap now) but I wondered if it might still be worth a refurbish? If I could get another couple or three years that would be good. 

Its had various work done over the last few years. New  brake cylinder and servo, new radiator, rocker gasket, etc.

Any advice gratefully accepted. I've contacted a couple of local garages but they don't do head gaskets! Too much trouble!

Are there any garages that specialise in this kind of revamp?

It is currently off the road.

Sentimental I know!

Many thanks.

John

Hi John

Welcome to the Forum

Your assumption of head gasket needs confirming, vapour and emulsions can have other causes. Whatever the cause it will need fixing often the cost of repair is less than the cost of changing a car.

Talk to some local garages get quotations and estimates then you can make an informed decision

Dave

Hi John.

When the head gasket went on my e36 it was cheaper to replace the engine … £650 all fitted for a donor engine.

I also did a swap on another one by buying a scrapper with a good engine, removing the front ends of both cars and lifting the cars over the engine, swinging it round on a hoist and installing it into the new one… took about 2 hours and lots of beer! ….

Scrap man took the old car and knackered engine for £100. 👍🏻