Hi everyone, kinda a long time lurker, first time poster. Looking for some advice.

My 2006 Cooper S recently blew a head gasket. Amidst this virus, I don't have the spare cash to have someone else replace it, everyone is quoting me a ludicrous amount. 3k+.

So i'm looking to do it myself, i know its probably not the best idea, but I've done a few repairs on her by myself. The Alternator and Thermostat. I always watch videos, and heed advice (usually found on here). I have seen a few on a head gasket replacement, and have a pretty good idea. Ive written down everything I need, and the order in which to do it, etc. (I prep alot, better safe then sorry)

My biggest roadblocks currently, are what should I purchase? I search what i need, and get a ton of (seemingly) very different results, I do not want to buy the wrong thing. Any advice on this would be fantastic. Another thing, is how much? What other gaskets? My dad used to be a mechanic and said you usually have to replace several, on the way to the head gasket.

I know this is going to be difficult, and i'm not looking forward to it. If there is any other advice anyone can give me, anything would be appreciated. Thank you in advance!

 

Hi, I’ve never done this before but if I were I would watch all the videos on YouTube and search all the posts here...

and buy a service manual for tech details.

i am sure you will learn a lot doing this and that can be rewarding

if you make notes and take pictures and post them that would help the next person.

i know I’d follow a thread like that

 

It isn't the virus, it's the car. Welcome to the BMW Step Child Nation. It's okay to be furious, you're among friends here...

+1
for starters. The head R/R treatise is twenty pages long or I'd post it. is also supposed to be good, but I don't have a copy so perhaps others can weigh in on its worthiness as a substitute.

This website has a lot of it online, a bit wonky to navigate sometimes but it will get you started. If you're a hardcopy guy in the garage though, Uncle Bentley is your friend.

And yes, you'll need tools. Also, a giant open door for "while you're in there" maintenance opportunities. Timing chain, guides, top to bottom seals and gaskets etc.

Finally, in case you haven't discovered the penultimate YooBoob channel for it:

 

It's not as difficult as you may think it is.....I recently replaced the head on my '06 R53..(look up my thread) ....You will at least need a torque wrench....bracket to hold the cam sprocket...gasket and bolts....Mod Minis You Tube vid is spot on ..helped me a lot....I replaced my valve cover gasket and both intake and exhaust gaskets...but you don't have to if they are in good shape...Contact Way at Way Motor Works for some advice.....He helped me out greatly when fixing my burnt valve issue...