This is our BMW 318i and 318is Technical Section. Please use these articles for common repair procedures and problems.

318i M42 Profile Gasket Problem

A rubberized gasket (known as the "Timing Case Profile Gasket", sometimes incorrectly referred to as the Head Gasket) measuring approximately 255mm long and approximately 5mm high that resides between the cylinder head and timing case is defective. These gaskets were failing at an EXTREMELY HIGH rate...I would guess a 95-97% failure rate. When it fails, coolant leaks from the engine into the engine compartment, usually near the vicinity of the passenger side of the cylinder head onto the AC compressor/onto the ground. This only affected cars built before 10/93

The Fix

Removal of the cylinder head is necessary for repair. This is very labor intensive, with most BMW dealers charging approximately $1000 for labor, and $400 for parts. Once the head is off, its simply a matter of scraping/removing the old gasket off, repairing any pitting of the metal surfaces using a JB Weld type compound, allowing ample time for the JB Weld to dry, then installing a new/improved gasket.