M42 Profile Gasket

[joecrouton]

Should the infamous profile gasket be assumed to have been replaced in a 1991 318i with 102k miles?

[Febi Guibo]

could be a close call mileage-wise...

if it was done under warranty, the dealer would have records... do you know the dealer, have the window sticker, receipts, or a stamp in the owners manual service pages with the dealer info?

[hamann318is]

Mine blew at ~70k. I've heard of them going longer than that. It's safe to assume that your gasket has been changed. If not, it's not a hard job to do. Just be prepared to dump some bank on it.

[Eurospec]

Mine blew at ~70k. I've heard of them going longer than that. It's safe to assume that your gasket has been changed. If not, it's not a hard job to do. Just be prepared to dump some bank on it.

What do you consider bank? This is a relative term.

[AdamF 88iS]

70k is the usual mileage for those things to blow, but it's not set in stone.

[joecrouton]

has anyone ever seen one go until 100k? The most I've been able to find recorded is about 80k.

[MrTom]

What do you consider bank? This is a relative term.

Well how much does the gasket cost?

[ck_taft325is]

^^^^

Bump. I'd also love a ballpark figure on this. Exactly which gasket or parts dealer should I go through to get said profile gasket? Thanks.

[ck_taft325is]

Did my research on raw materials/parts, all from Pelican Parts
Head gasket set (Victor Reinz Brand - Direct OEM supplier) - $107.25
Head bolt set (10 total) - $13.50
Thermostat (88 degree, M42) - $21.50
Thermostat "O" ring - $1.00
Thermostat housing Gasket - $4.75
Aluminum Thermostat Cover, optional depending on cracks - $21.25

For water hoses you may or may notl need, here's a link (far too many to list) http://www.pelicanparts.com/bmw/cata...WATpmp_pg4.htm

[3bvert]

dont forget antifreeze, oil, filter amd might be good to check your oil pump pick up bolts while your at it, will require another gasket,
a definate failure point, and easy fix.
takes a whole half hour more. I had 3 of my bolts laying in the oil pan, one hand tight. so glad I checked mine
also a good time to get rid of the throttle body heater crap, dont have it on mine drove last week in 4 degree temps and no issues
and clean and service your icv valve, just takes brake cleaner so no big cost but real easy to do while doing the gqaskets

if the search on this forum does not help on the oil pick up bolts, try bimmer forums, or pm me, Ill get you the info

[ck_taft325is]

^ Great addition.

I was aiming at a TCPG and thanks to Greg Mierz (I hope that's right), who advised me to take a look at the medusa nightmare of coolant/heater/vacuum hoses under the intake. Turns out they where all shot. Bought some hose and rigged up all the fixes while rerouting and plumbing it up the "right" way. Deleted the TB heater plate, which is retarded as well.

[3bvert]

also if you have not yet ordered your parts, a worthwhile $2 , or less, get your self a new bleed screw for the radiator. I alwasay keep an extra around, the o-rings are often getting pretty worn by this time in its life
when I got my car, a basket case, the bleed screw had been busted adn glued back on

[Lsb_E30]

I bought my E30 M42 with 132,000 miles on it and am at about 200,000 now.. Never replaced. Its a lil oily on the front of the motor but the thing runs fine.. Knock on wood!!