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Milky white oil on dipstick....will have to pull the cyl head to see if it's cracked. I've read Mike's excellent article on Cyl heads. Is there a link to cylinder head removal anywhere on the Net or do most just go by the manual? Any cautions or advice on what to watch out for when doing this repair? ThxCK PS What's a typical valve job cost for our cars? What do cylinder heads cost these days?

Costs vary wildly by area, last valve job I had done was about $150 USD. You won't get oil and water mixing from a cracked head, at least not directly, only if you lose so much water it overheats and warps the head. On the other hand, any ~80 or earlier head is suspect for cracking regardless if it's overheated or not. Used head prices vary wildly too, again depending on location.

Some cyl heads are advertised htis way...would the head still fit a 76 530i? From your Faq you say that the 81 head would be the best choice. If I went to an import wrecker what models would have this head besides the 528i. Thx karl

81 and earlier 5/6/7 cars. 82-88 533/535 and 82-87 633/635/733/735 with the use of the adapter nut for the end of the cam.

N/m

Mike could you elaborate on this: The 82 to 88 533/535 cylinder heads will fit a 76 530i without modification ? they will bolt right on? and the 82 -87 6 and 7's require a cam adapter nut....what is this adapter nut,why do you need it and where do you get it from? Thanks for your help. Karl