Heater problems - head gasket implicated?

This concerns the same Jan 1996 BMW 328SE Auto whose ABS problem we're
discussing in the other thread.

While they had the car for the ABS scan this morning, I asked them to look
at my poor heating. They reported that "...the upper hose was hot but the
lower one cool. And there's high pressure throughout, strongly indicating
the possibility of a leaking head gasket," or something along those lines.

I'd appreciate advice on the seriousness of this please. It sounds
potentially expensive and if so is another factor I need to consider
carefully before spending £300 or so to get the ABS fixed. This comes on
top of quite high repair and servicing in 2010.

Not an easy decision therefore lies ahead. More repairs now, or withdraw
(say) £15 K from savings for a replacement second-hand 3-series (or Merc,
or Lexus - I've done zero research so far).

--
Terry, East Grinstead, UK

Yes, a leaking head gasket is a possibility but you can do a few simple
checks yourself on the driveway.

Is the cooling system pressurising excessively into the top up bottle after
a run. eg does the coolant shoot sky high when the filler is opened?
(careful here of scalding youself!!)

Is there oil in the coolant or water in the oil? (remember this could also
be an oil cooler problem)

Check or change the thermostat (if it's stuck shut you may have a cold
bottom rad hose)

The older beemas did have a reputation for eroding cylinder heads requiring
welding and machining if you were lucky enough to be able to reclaim them.
(more often on v high mileage units)

Get a reputable garage to do a coolant check. ie test for co2 emissions in
the coolant.

£15k will get you a nearly new beema! My favourite and one which I run is
the 3 series diesel. With todays silly fuel prices it makes sense with 60 to
the gallon on a run at 70mph. And 150hp is adequate for average driving.
Mick
Suffolk, GB


"Terry Pinnell" > wrote in message
...
> This concerns the same Jan 1996 BMW 328SE Auto whose ABS problem we're
> discussing in the other thread.
>
> While they had the car for the ABS scan this morning, I asked them to look
> at my poor heating. They reported that "...the upper hose was hot but the
> lower one cool. And there's high pressure throughout, strongly indicating
> the possibility of a leaking head gasket," or something along those lines.
>
> I'd appreciate advice on the seriousness of this please. It sounds
> potentially expensive and if so is another factor I need to consider
> carefully before spending £300 or so to get the ABS fixed. This comes on
> top of quite high repair and servicing in 2010.
>
> Not an easy decision therefore lies ahead. More repairs now, or withdraw
> (say) £15 K from savings for a replacement second-hand 3-series (or Merc,
> or Lexus - I've done zero research so far).
>
> --
> Terry, East Grinstead, UK

Yes, a leaking head gasket is a possibility but you can do a few simple
checks yourself on the driveway.

Is the cooling system pressurising excessively into the top up bottle after
a run. eg does the coolant shoot sky high when the filler is opened?
(careful here of scalding youself!!)

Is there oil in the coolant or water in the oil? (remember this could also
be an oil cooler problem)

Check or change the thermostat (if it's stuck shut you may have a cold
bottom rad hose)

The older beemas did have a reputation for eroding cylinder heads requiring
welding and machining if you were lucky enough to be able to reclaim them.
(more often on v high mileage units)

Get a reputable garage to do a coolant check. ie test for co2 emissions in
the coolant.

£15k will get you a nearly new beema! My favourite and one which I run is
the 3 series diesel. With todays silly fuel prices it makes sense with 60 to
the gallon on a run at 70mph. And 150hp is adequate for average driving.
Mick
Suffolk, GB


"Terry Pinnell" > wrote in message
...
> This concerns the same Jan 1996 BMW 328SE Auto whose ABS problem we're
> discussing in the other thread.
>
> While they had the car for the ABS scan this morning, I asked them to look
> at my poor heating. They reported that "...the upper hose was hot but the
> lower one cool. And there's high pressure throughout, strongly indicating
> the possibility of a leaking head gasket," or something along those lines.
>
> I'd appreciate advice on the seriousness of this please. It sounds
> potentially expensive and if so is another factor I need to consider
> carefully before spending £300 or so to get the ABS fixed. This comes on
> top of quite high repair and servicing in 2010.
>
> Not an easy decision therefore lies ahead. More repairs now, or withdraw
> (say) £15 K from savings for a replacement second-hand 3-series (or Merc,
> or Lexus - I've done zero research so far).
>
> --
> Terry, East Grinstead, UK

"Terry Pinnell" > wrote in message
...
> This concerns the same Jan 1996 BMW 328SE Auto whose ABS problem we're
> discussing in the other thread.
>
> While they had the car for the ABS scan this morning, I asked them to look
> at my poor heating. They reported that "...the upper hose was hot but the
> lower one cool. And there's high pressure throughout, strongly indicating
> the possibility of a leaking head gasket," or something along those lines.
>
> I'd appreciate advice on the seriousness of this please. It sounds
> potentially expensive and if so is another factor I need to consider
> carefully before spending £300 or so to get the ABS fixed. This comes on
> top of quite high repair and servicing in 2010.
>
> Not an easy decision therefore lies ahead. More repairs now, or withdraw
> (say) £15 K from savings for a replacement second-hand 3-series (or Merc,
> or Lexus - I've done zero research so far).
>



I'd not expect the results of a pressure test that are high result in a
diagnosis of a leak.

High pressure is expected when the system integrity is good, low pressure
would come if there was a leak.

The water pump draws relative cool water from the bottom of the radiator and
returns hot water to the top. I do not accept the diagnosis given. You, and
everybody else that uses this shop, need a new mechanic.

"Terry Pinnell" > wrote in message
...
> This concerns the same Jan 1996 BMW 328SE Auto whose ABS problem we're
> discussing in the other thread.
>
> While they had the car for the ABS scan this morning, I asked them to look
> at my poor heating. They reported that "...the upper hose was hot but the
> lower one cool. And there's high pressure throughout, strongly indicating
> the possibility of a leaking head gasket," or something along those lines.
>
> I'd appreciate advice on the seriousness of this please. It sounds
> potentially expensive and if so is another factor I need to consider
> carefully before spending £300 or so to get the ABS fixed. This comes on
> top of quite high repair and servicing in 2010.
>
> Not an easy decision therefore lies ahead. More repairs now, or withdraw
> (say) £15 K from savings for a replacement second-hand 3-series (or Merc,
> or Lexus - I've done zero research so far).
>



I'd not expect the results of a pressure test that are high result in a
diagnosis of a leak.

High pressure is expected when the system integrity is good, low pressure
would come if there was a leak.

The water pump draws relative cool water from the bottom of the radiator and
returns hot water to the top. I do not accept the diagnosis given. You, and
everybody else that uses this shop, need a new mechanic.

"ducatiman" > wrote:

>Yes, a leaking head gasket is a possibility but you can do a few simple
>checks yourself on the driveway.

Thanks.

>Is the cooling system pressurising excessively into the top up bottle after
>a run. eg does the coolant shoot sky high when the filler is opened?
>(careful here of scalding youself!!)

No.

>Is there oil in the coolant or water in the oil? (remember this could also
>be an oil cooler problem)

No.

>Check or change the thermostat (if it's stuck shut you may have a cold
>bottom rad hose)

OK, thanks, I'll ask them about that.

>The older beemas did have a reputation for eroding cylinder heads requiring
>welding and machining if you were lucky enough to be able to reclaim them.
>(more often on v high mileage units)
>
>Get a reputable garage to do a coolant check. ie test for co2 emissions in
>the coolant.
>
>£15k will get you a nearly new beema! My favourite and one which I run is
>the 3 series diesel. With todays silly fuel prices it makes sense with 60 to
>the gallon on a run at 70mph. And 150hp is adequate for average driving.

I've always had fast cars and not sure that I'd be happy with anything
significantly slower than my present model (which I think has 192 bhp,
modest by today's standards for 2800cc.) My wife is pressing me to 'get
something smaller and more economical', and I can't produce any rational
arguments in my support, but...

--
Terry, East Grinstead, UK


>Mick
>Suffolk, GB
>
>"Terry Pinnell" > wrote in message
.. .
>> This concerns the same Jan 1996 BMW 328SE Auto whose ABS problem we're
>> discussing in the other thread.
>>
>> While they had the car for the ABS scan this morning, I asked them to look
>> at my poor heating. They reported that "...the upper hose was hot but the
>> lower one cool. And there's high pressure throughout, strongly indicating
>> the possibility of a leaking head gasket," or something along those lines.
>>
>> I'd appreciate advice on the seriousness of this please. It sounds
>> potentially expensive and if so is another factor I need to consider
>> carefully before spending £300 or so to get the ABS fixed. This comes on
>> top of quite high repair and servicing in 2010.
>>
>> Not an easy decision therefore lies ahead. More repairs now, or withdraw
>> (say) £15 K from savings for a replacement second-hand 3-series (or Merc,
>> or Lexus - I've done zero research so far).
>>
>> --
>> Terry, East Grinstead, UK
>

"ducatiman" > wrote:

>Yes, a leaking head gasket is a possibility but you can do a few simple
>checks yourself on the driveway.

Thanks.

>Is the cooling system pressurising excessively into the top up bottle after
>a run. eg does the coolant shoot sky high when the filler is opened?
>(careful here of scalding youself!!)

No.

>Is there oil in the coolant or water in the oil? (remember this could also
>be an oil cooler problem)

No.

>Check or change the thermostat (if it's stuck shut you may have a cold
>bottom rad hose)

OK, thanks, I'll ask them about that.

>The older beemas did have a reputation for eroding cylinder heads requiring
>welding and machining if you were lucky enough to be able to reclaim them.
>(more often on v high mileage units)
>
>Get a reputable garage to do a coolant check. ie test for co2 emissions in
>the coolant.
>
>£15k will get you a nearly new beema! My favourite and one which I run is
>the 3 series diesel. With todays silly fuel prices it makes sense with 60 to
>the gallon on a run at 70mph. And 150hp is adequate for average driving.

I've always had fast cars and not sure that I'd be happy with anything
significantly slower than my present model (which I think has 192 bhp,
modest by today's standards for 2800cc.) My wife is pressing me to 'get
something smaller and more economical', and I can't produce any rational
arguments in my support, but...

--
Terry, East Grinstead, UK


>Mick
>Suffolk, GB
>
>"Terry Pinnell" > wrote in message
.. .
>> This concerns the same Jan 1996 BMW 328SE Auto whose ABS problem we're
>> discussing in the other thread.
>>
>> While they had the car for the ABS scan this morning, I asked them to look
>> at my poor heating. They reported that "...the upper hose was hot but the
>> lower one cool. And there's high pressure throughout, strongly indicating
>> the possibility of a leaking head gasket," or something along those lines.
>>
>> I'd appreciate advice on the seriousness of this please. It sounds
>> potentially expensive and if so is another factor I need to consider
>> carefully before spending £300 or so to get the ABS fixed. This comes on
>> top of quite high repair and servicing in 2010.
>>
>> Not an easy decision therefore lies ahead. More repairs now, or withdraw
>> (say) £15 K from savings for a replacement second-hand 3-series (or Merc,
>> or Lexus - I've done zero research so far).
>>
>> --
>> Terry, East Grinstead, UK
>

"Terry Pinnell" > wrote in message
...
> "ducatiman" > wrote:
>
>>Yes, a leaking head gasket is a possibility but you can do a few simple
>>checks yourself on the driveway.
>
> Thanks.
>
>>Is the cooling system pressurising excessively into the top up bottle
>>after
>>a run. eg does the coolant shoot sky high when the filler is opened?
>>(careful here of scalding youself!!)
>
> No.
>
>>Is there oil in the coolant or water in the oil? (remember this could also
>>be an oil cooler problem)
>
> No.
>
>>Check or change the thermostat (if it's stuck shut you may have a cold
>>bottom rad hose)
>
> OK, thanks, I'll ask them about that.
>
>>The older beemas did have a reputation for eroding cylinder heads
>>requiring
>>welding and machining if you were lucky enough to be able to reclaim them.
>>(more often on v high mileage units)
>>
>>Get a reputable garage to do a coolant check. ie test for co2 emissions in
>>the coolant.
>>
>>£15k will get you a nearly new beema! My favourite and one which I run is
>>the 3 series diesel. With todays silly fuel prices it makes sense with 60
>>to
>>the gallon on a run at 70mph. And 150hp is adequate for average driving.
>
> I've always had fast cars and not sure that I'd be happy with anything
> significantly slower than my present model (which I think has 192 bhp,
> modest by today's standards for 2800cc.) My wife is pressing me to 'get
> something smaller and more economical', and I can't produce any rational
> arguments in my support, but...
>
> --
> Terry, East Grinstead, UK
>
>
>>Mick
>>Suffolk, GB
>>
>>"Terry Pinnell" > wrote in message
. ..
>>> This concerns the same Jan 1996 BMW 328SE Auto whose ABS problem we're
>>> discussing in the other thread.
>>>
>>> While they had the car for the ABS scan this morning, I asked them to
>>> look
>>> at my poor heating. They reported that "...the upper hose was hot but
>>> the
>>> lower one cool. And there's high pressure throughout, strongly
>>> indicating
>>> the possibility of a leaking head gasket," or something along those
>>> lines.
>>>
>>> I'd appreciate advice on the seriousness of this please. It sounds
>>> potentially expensive and if so is another factor I need to consider
>>> carefully before spending £300 or so to get the ABS fixed. This comes on
>>> top of quite high repair and servicing in 2010.
>>>
>>> Not an easy decision therefore lies ahead. More repairs now, or withdraw
>>> (say) £15 K from savings for a replacement second-hand 3-series (or
>>> Merc,
>>> or Lexus - I've done zero research so far).
>>>
>>> --
>>> Terry, East Grinstead, UK
>>

The results of your checks would not indicate you have an 'obvious' head
gasket problem. Take into consideration too, with these sub zero
temperatures and plenty of airflow thro the radiator, it wouldn't be unusual
to have a cool bottom hose. If your coolant temperature gauge registers
normal, then I would suggest that your garage is after your cheque book and
you should entrust someone better to look at your heater problem.

If the headgasket does need changing , then go for it as it's not a megga
job and any 'decent' garage who knows beema's shouldn't be ripping you off.
Consider though, extra expense should any maching work be required on the
head and you won't know this until it's on the bench.


> I've always had fast cars and not sure that I'd be happy with anything
> significantly slower than my present model (which I think has 192 bhp,
> modest by today's standards for 2800cc.) My wife is pressing me to 'get
> something smaller and more economical', and I can't produce any rational
> arguments in my support, but...


My sentiments entirely..... the 2.8 is a lovely motor so why not keep the
savings and spend a grand on her!

Mick
Suffolk, GB

"Terry Pinnell" > wrote in message
...
> "ducatiman" > wrote:
>
>>Yes, a leaking head gasket is a possibility but you can do a few simple
>>checks yourself on the driveway.
>
> Thanks.
>
>>Is the cooling system pressurising excessively into the top up bottle
>>after
>>a run. eg does the coolant shoot sky high when the filler is opened?
>>(careful here of scalding youself!!)
>
> No.
>
>>Is there oil in the coolant or water in the oil? (remember this could also
>>be an oil cooler problem)
>
> No.
>
>>Check or change the thermostat (if it's stuck shut you may have a cold
>>bottom rad hose)
>
> OK, thanks, I'll ask them about that.
>
>>The older beemas did have a reputation for eroding cylinder heads
>>requiring
>>welding and machining if you were lucky enough to be able to reclaim them.
>>(more often on v high mileage units)
>>
>>Get a reputable garage to do a coolant check. ie test for co2 emissions in
>>the coolant.
>>
>>£15k will get you a nearly new beema! My favourite and one which I run is
>>the 3 series diesel. With todays silly fuel prices it makes sense with 60
>>to
>>the gallon on a run at 70mph. And 150hp is adequate for average driving.
>
> I've always had fast cars and not sure that I'd be happy with anything
> significantly slower than my present model (which I think has 192 bhp,
> modest by today's standards for 2800cc.) My wife is pressing me to 'get
> something smaller and more economical', and I can't produce any rational
> arguments in my support, but...
>
> --
> Terry, East Grinstead, UK
>
>
>>Mick
>>Suffolk, GB
>>
>>"Terry Pinnell" > wrote in message
. ..
>>> This concerns the same Jan 1996 BMW 328SE Auto whose ABS problem we're
>>> discussing in the other thread.
>>>
>>> While they had the car for the ABS scan this morning, I asked them to
>>> look
>>> at my poor heating. They reported that "...the upper hose was hot but
>>> the
>>> lower one cool. And there's high pressure throughout, strongly
>>> indicating
>>> the possibility of a leaking head gasket," or something along those
>>> lines.
>>>
>>> I'd appreciate advice on the seriousness of this please. It sounds
>>> potentially expensive and if so is another factor I need to consider
>>> carefully before spending £300 or so to get the ABS fixed. This comes on
>>> top of quite high repair and servicing in 2010.
>>>
>>> Not an easy decision therefore lies ahead. More repairs now, or withdraw
>>> (say) £15 K from savings for a replacement second-hand 3-series (or
>>> Merc,
>>> or Lexus - I've done zero research so far).
>>>
>>> --
>>> Terry, East Grinstead, UK
>>

The results of your checks would not indicate you have an 'obvious' head
gasket problem. Take into consideration too, with these sub zero
temperatures and plenty of airflow thro the radiator, it wouldn't be unusual
to have a cool bottom hose. If your coolant temperature gauge registers
normal, then I would suggest that your garage is after your cheque book and
you should entrust someone better to look at your heater problem.

If the headgasket does need changing , then go for it as it's not a megga
job and any 'decent' garage who knows beema's shouldn't be ripping you off.
Consider though, extra expense should any maching work be required on the
head and you won't know this until it's on the bench.


> I've always had fast cars and not sure that I'd be happy with anything
> significantly slower than my present model (which I think has 192 bhp,
> modest by today's standards for 2800cc.) My wife is pressing me to 'get
> something smaller and more economical', and I can't produce any rational
> arguments in my support, but...


My sentiments entirely..... the 2.8 is a lovely motor so why not keep the
savings and spend a grand on her!

Mick
Suffolk, GB

On Fri, 07 Jan 2011 08:01:01 +0000, Terry Pinnell
> wrote:

>I've always had fast cars and not sure that I'd be happy with anything
>significantly slower than my present model (which I think has 192 bhp,
>modest by today's standards for 2800cc.)

Why not investigate a 325d or 330d? Both have the same 3 litre
straight 6 with the 325 being a slightly de tuned 330d (IIRC). They
make a rather nice noise which is the reason *I'd* recommend a 325d
over the dull and dreary sounding 320d (i.e. 4 cylinder diesels). I
doubt you'd feel short changed on the performance front either.

>My wife is pressing me to 'get
>something smaller and more economical', and I can't produce any rational
>arguments in my support, but...

Well a 325d/330d might manage about 58mpg at a constant 60mph and you
can get a smile inducing push in the back from either (though not at
the same time). What's not to like?

I'd suggest a 2008 model or later due to the swirl flap modification
if you're likely to get one with big miles on it.

--
Z