I have just purchased a 5 series 6 cylinder 2ltr, but unfortunately the head gasket has blown. I need any information on best methods to replace head gasket, torque settings for head bolts and sequence for tightening.

Would it be worthwhile changing the water pump also.

Thank you in anticipation for assistance.

hopefully some one on here will help but have you considered a haynes manual? every car i buy i buy one straight away B)

welcome to the club to :)

Andy-mcq

I would love to take your advice and buy a haynes manual, but I am unemployed, and trying to carry-out a low cost repair

My E28 has just blown its head! :(

Low cost repair on a head gasket and your not a mechanic.... Oooooo, your after the same deal I am! I might and i mean, MIGHT do it myself but like yourself, I'm doing my homework first. You WILL need something like a haynes manual or BMW workshop manual i'm afraid as their are no real guides on line (from what I can see).

Is there Mayo in your cooling system? Pull the thermostat or a hose and check. If its like mine and its a hellmanns factory inside the hoses,I would. You don't have to but, I am as they are fairly cheap when you buy them from the right places.

Good luck

Darren

Tightening sequences are negotiable as many have different opinions... THE best method is, starting from the middle head-bolts, imagine a spiral shape running thru all the head bolts, now tighten them in three stages...

Stage one would be just enough pressure to lock down the head. Stage two will be to tighten them up to the Manual's guidelines. Now, Stage three is my idea... Tighten them once more with an extra 5-10 lbs or a quarter turn...

The Torque setting you may want to know is around 44-50 lbs/ft, Diesels will be higher due to how they need extra cylinder pressure to fire !

Hope this helps (HTH)

If you want me to explain the tightening method a little easier then please ask !!