which head gasket should i use?

[Zekarus]

Depending at which point of the HG you measure will, you will get slightly different measurements. Ppl use .030” as the commonly accepted thickness, and a difference of .005” is pretty much inconsequential.

Yeah I saw that it depends on where you measure but we need a reference or a base number from where we can go thicker and the stock gasket is 0.64mm (wherever this is measured) and from there on cometic is selling thicker gaskets.

https://www.cometic.com/applications/automotive/bmw/s54/s54b32--198ci32l-i6

And 0.005 may be negliable but there is no reason to go thicker if not needed as we all agree by now?

[Randall921]

Tried to upload a 2nd pic above, but my phone wouldn’t let me attach it properly...here’s a another measurement from a different place of the HG.

Awesome, much appreciated.

[Randall921]

Stock gasket fits exactly 87.5mm. I spoke with my shop and he said it shouldn't be a problem to use the stock gasket. So that's what I'm going to do now. Will update you when the engine is back in the car again.

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Good to know. I may go OEM as well then. Subscribed for updates.

[stash1]

Tried to upload a 2nd pic above, but my phone wouldn’t let me attach it properly...here’s a another measurement from a different place of the HG.

[stash1]

no it's 0.64mm and thats around .025" it's part number four

http://de.bmwfans.info/parts-catalog...ttached_parts/

Depending at which point of the HG you measure will, you will get slightly different measurements. Ppl use .030” as the commonly accepted thickness, and a difference of .005” is pretty much inconsequential.

[Zekarus]

Stock gasket fits exactly 87.5mm. I spoke with my shop and he said it shouldn't be a problem to use the stock gasket. So that's what I'm going to do now. Will update you when the engine is back in the car again.

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[Randall921]

I missed the bit about increasing bore size. Probably have to go with aftermarket then.

Got it. In the same boat as OP and trying to figure out what's best. I haven't found a viable alternative to Cometic and their backorder.

[Slideways]

Can you use a stock head gasket with 87.5mm pistons?

I missed the bit about increasing bore size. Probably have to go with aftermarket then.

[Randall921]

Can you not get the stock Elring gasket from an OEM supplier sooner than 4 weeks?

Can you use a stock head gasket with 87.5mm pistons?

[Zekarus]

no it's 0.64mm and thats around .025" it's part number four

http://de.bmwfans.info/parts-catalog/E46-Coupe/USA/M3-S54/L-N/dec2003/browse/engine/cylinder_head_attached_parts/

[stash1]

Anyone know the OEM thickness? Is it .030”? I’ve heard conflicting answers.


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Yerp

[Randall921]

Anyone know the OEM thickness? Is it .030”? I’ve heard conflicting answers.


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[stash1]

yeah seems you are right. machine shop just got the block and head separately to machine both and bore the block. he just recommended to use a thicker gasket if possible. is it enough to check the clearance with kneat and a correct timed motor? waiting four weeks is right now not an option or i'm going to use the athena gasket. first complete motor overhaul for me. 😅

Not sure I follow what “kneat” means? Either you or the machine shop needs to check the motor for PTV clearance...just saying to run a thicker head gasket because you’re not sure is lazy and a cop out. Why would you/anyone want to run a thicker HG (and lower comp.) if you don’t need to!?

[Zekarus]

Can you not get the stock Elring gasket from an OEM supplier sooner than 4 weeks?

Got one in hand. These four weeks are for a cometic gasket

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[Slideways]

yeah seems you are right. machine shop just got the block and head separately to machine both and bore the block. he just recommended to use a thicker gasket if possible. is it enough to check the clearance with kneat and a correct timed motor? waiting four weeks is right now not an option or i'm going to use the athena gasket. first complete motor overhaul for me. 😅

Can you not get the stock Elring gasket from an OEM supplier sooner than 4 weeks?