How Hard is it "Really" to replace the Head Gasket?

[MonkeyMadness]

I've done all the searchs and read everything i can..
I've done many motor build but most have been american motors
or jap stuff..
This is my first bmw, as well as straight 6.
I need to replace my head gasket and I just want to know what to lookout for, I don't want to miss anything...
I have a pretty good ability when it come to cars and I do most if not all my work needed when it comes to other projects..

This is just my daily driver and I would rather not have to dismantal the hole motor or head..

I'm hoping to pop off the head intake still mounted roll it over to the
left of the engine bay check for warpage, inspect the block and head
clean it all up, and replace the headgasket. Then put it all back...
Only thing that worrys me is the drain back tube...ugh

I got gasket kit and new head bolts..
torq specs...

can this be done...

thx :p

[mr.vang]

everything is pretty much the same as any other piston and rod engine.

[MonkeyMadness]

thanks but never mind, I was alittle fast on the topic...

Turns out that I broke an intake rocker arm on the #2 piston.....ugh

[hotballs]

you'll be fine.

[scottinAZ]

yep, head gaskets are easy, and once the head is off, you have access to remove the rocker shafts and replace the busted rocker. as long as everything else is in order, its about an 8 hr job

[MR 325]

I always pull the head with intake and exhaust manifolds connected.

The tube is no big deal.

[clarkson]

Quickest way is to undo the intake manifold from the head, and supporting brackets etc, and tie back the manifold to clear the studs. Leave exhaust manifold on until the head is on the bench and take it off there. I would never waste my time not having the head checked/machined/serviced before I put the new head gasket in. Back at the dealer we were replacing head gaskets on M52's in around 3.5 hours, but that was after you had done a few. (also not sending the head off, as it was a warranty problem with a faulty head gasket or something).
On a M20 doing it properly and changing timing belt etc I would say 10 hours roughly. Easy job, BMW's are lovely cars to work on.

[HarryPotter]

Take the hood off, you'll thank me later.