Fried S50 cabrio; how to sell

[z31maniac]

That's accurate to labor guide hours and parts list. Many shops will over pad the bill. From a person that priced jobs like this for a living, I think he may be able to realistically get into the $1800.00 range if he gets a shop to perform the work, but has his machine work done by a shop he chooses and does not have to pay the sublet markup that most places will add. Unfortunately, he will probably not receive a warranty from the shop performing the labor, but if he plans to sell the car, that wouldn't be an issue if he chooses competent facilities.

Just out of curiousity, what all is on the parts list for an S5x head gasket?

Is head gasket failure a common issue on the M/S5x motors? Or only as a result of an overheat and such?

[FredK]

Here are the prices if you DIY:

Head bolts $20
Head gasket kit $250
-HG kit for an S50US includes almost everything you need except head bolts--it includes all copper locknuts, exhaust gaskets, HG, intake gaskets (manifold, TB), injector o-rings, manifold o-rings, etc.

Machine shop work ~$350-500
-disassemble, mic valves for trueness, replace bent valves
-jet wash
-check for cracks, check flatness, deck if necessary,
-reassemble
-Each bent valve: $25 exhaust, $15 intake +++ markup

Labor: ~10 hours

Assuming a parts markup and a labor rate of around $85 an hour, $2400 seems a little high, but not completely out of line. There's some risk involved for the shop, as they have to guarantee their work.

[Farbin Kaiber]

FredK with the money. Very accurate to what I would have said. You may be able to get that machine work done for less, The guy I use out here would put that full machine list at around $250 + valves, but on a head job on a low mileage engine as the OP has, I'd assume it does not need replacements.