Re: welding aluminum heads (archive)

I have a 524td that has a cracked head. The mechanic says
that the thing can be welded and pressure tested. Is this reliable? Then he wants to do a complete rebuild with new parts and will give me a 24K/2yr warranty. I don't know whether this is the best thing to do. It certainly isn't cheap. But new cars are expensive. I'm looking for another engine or head alone but I suppose one can never be sure when buying used parts. Should I repair what I have or throw in the towel? I'm really afraid to sink alot of money into a rebuild + new radiator and starter then have more things go wrong with it. The body's very good and the trans is smooth, A/C works power stuff mostly works. It'll probably be $5000 by the time everything's done. Roger

Rebuilt heads are fine. But $5000 is utterly absurd. Contact someone who specializes in rebuilt BMW heads. It should be less than $1k for the head. If you don't want to install it, an honest independent mechanic should do it for maybe $400 in labor. You mentioned a radiator and starter. A new aftermarket radiator is $180ish. A used starter should do fine. They can be had for $50 or less. Are you in the UK? I am citing US prices, so YMMV.

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