Overheated 325i Help!

[Manfred]

I recently bought a 90 325i. It has 178,000 miles. The car had overheated because of cooling issues, just radiator I think but it could be more. The car ran, but ran very rough. The owner suspected a head gasket. So I bought the car with with plans of changing the head gasket and having the head done at a shop. Timing Belt was just replaced before it overheated. I was wondering if anyone had a similar experience with this kind of project and had any input on what I should look for, be careful of, or consider doing while the heads off. Specifically, what else could have potentially been damaged by overheating, or common faults with the m20 engine. Any input appreciated. Thanks

[jlevie]

The most common problem to result from a serious overheat is a leaking head gasket, or even a cracked head. Rarely will there be any damage to block.

Since you will be removing the timing belt and it has been used, that will require repacement. Unless it was replaced when the timing belt was changed, replace it, all hoses, and thermostat. The fan clutch may also require replacement (the "newspaper test" will tell).

For a car of this age, I'd also replace all of the hoses associated with the intake, the ignition wires/plugs and distributor rotor 7 cap.