M40 318i head gasket shopping list!

[parakeats]

Hi all,

So pretty sure that the head gasket has finally gone, scum on top of water, lovely mayonnaise under the oil cap, feels like it's running incredibly rough on idle, like on 3 cylinders, the cooling system definitely feels like it's over pressurising and misfires like crazy on startup.

so, what shopping bits do I need (including special tools I might not have lying around)? Going to do the headgasket and cambelt at the same time, waterpump was done last year so should still be fine, but I'll investigate its condition.

It did have a small pot of K-seal put in about a year ago, so I'll be checking to make sure none of the oil/water channels are blocked, anything else?

looking on ECP, there is only one headgasket set, is there any manufacturers you'd avoid/recommend for head gaskets and cambelts, or is it just as cheap to go directly to BMW for them? I also can't find a timing belt kit with the tensioners too, only the belt?

http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/c/BMW_3 ... 6f3&000174

any other things to check along the way while it's all in pieces, advise on flushing the oil/cooling systems and anything else helpful, would be great.

Thanks

[blazed]

I used a similar set to that, but i used a Elring head gasket just to be on the safe side.
It's worth changing the oil spray bar or at least giving it a very good clean.
Also make sure you use new head bolts.
Link here to cam locking tool (you don't need to use it but it makes life easier)
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-E30-E36-3 ... SwZjJU5SX0

Link to timing belts (always worth checking your local motor shop)
http://www.buycarparts.co.uk/bmw/3-e30/ ... g-belt-set


If it's been noisy you can change the tappets and check your camshaft, rockers and pads for damage.
It's also a good time to change the vent pipe while you have easy access. Injectors is another thing to consider if they haven't been cleaned recently.