A head gasket is a critical engine part that seals the cylinders and prevents coolant and oil from mixing. When it fails, your car will overheat, and you’ll likely see white smoke billowing from the exhaust pipe.
The average price of a head gasket replacement starts around $1200 and can increase to $3000+ depending on any other damage and other work required.

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If your car has already overheated, don’t wait to replace the head gasket. The damage will only get worse and could result in a total engine failure.

Is it worth fixing a blown head gasket?

In most cases, it is highly recommended to get a head gasket replacement. Sometimes you can squeeze a few more miles out of the car before a full replacement needs to be completed, but usually, repairs will cost about half as much as a replacement, and the car will be in better shape.

Can you drive a BMW with a blown head gasket?

It is not recommended that you continue to drive a vehicle with a blown head gasket. Modern engines will generate heat and white smoke if they are running and cannot produce enough pressure to push the oil through the engine.
When the issue is detected, it should be repaired as soon as possible, but waiting too long can result in further damage and make the replacement cost as much as a new car.

Head gaskets are critical to your vehicle’s performance and have a surprisingly high cost of repair. If you’ve already had a head gasket replaced, learn more about how it can affect your BMW.

How long does it take for a head gasket repair?

On average, engine repairs including replacement or repair of the head gasket typically take 4 hours to complete. Although other jobs may be completed while the engine is disassembled, it is not recommended to wait and have all the work done at once.