Changing the Cylinder head

[Dixon]

OK so my friend has a cylinder head for me from a 1986 325es i want to put it on my 1985 325e because the P/O put an i head on it and i want to put it back to stock. I have a few questions about this.

• How hard is this to do?
• Is there any thing i should have done to the head before i put it on?
• Is there anything other than gaskets i should replace when i do it ?

any input on this will be appreciated

[Farbin Kaiber]

Make sure to have the replacment head checked out by a reputible machine shop. There is nothing like making your car not run right while trying to "fix" it.

[Dixon]

What will they check on it?

[Farbin Kaiber]

They will verify valve sealing with a pressure test (remove the cam before taking it down), and verify the deck, and surface if necessary.


Your asking kinda scares me.

[Dixon]

Yeah im not very clued up on it at all thats why im trying to learn but not to worry i have my In law helping me and he knows what he is doing, i just wanted to try and figure some things out for myself before we start.

[Farbin Kaiber]

No problem then. Also, I suggest if this is your first time, go get a box of ziploc bags, some painters masking tape, and a sharpie. Make note of every connector you disconnect, and bag up and label bolts for specific areas (one bag for Valve Cover, one for cam towers, etc.) , otherwise, it can become a jigsaw puzzle to the novice.