K series questions and parts?

[biffa75]

Hi everyone,

With my parents now owning my old 75 which is currently awaiting its rear subframe and suspension to be rebuilt, i find myself contemplating a 1.8 k series (not for the first time). Running costs of my old 75 v6 is the reason my parents now own it.

So my questions are: is the headgasket failure rate really that bad? Mainly.. Is there a complete cure of this issue bringing the k series hgf to that of any other vehicle ?

Secondly are parts for 75s starting to dry up at all? Any parts that are difficult to obtain?

I understand the k series engine has been used in many different applications and in guises from morgans and kit cars from 1.4 1.6 and 1.8.
Subsequently about 12 years ago my parents owned a 414 400 on a T plate. I must say it was a nice car and felt solid from what i remember but even after just 6-8 months of my parents ownership. The headgasket failed.

I understand the k series can be a good engine but my belief is those who have owned the 1.8 and suffered the headgasket issues have simply moved on to other cars or have gone on to own the v6 or diesel engined models of 75 instead.

I find myself often pawing over pages and forum and articles, just seeing wether it would be worth the gamble of owning the 75 with the 1.8 k series fitted and if the headgasket was ever an issue, heeding advice and thoughts of others as towards making the k series just as reliable as any other engine out there.

But is it really worth it or would i just be aswell buying the 2.0 and sucking up the running costs?. Diesels arent possible due to eminent emissions charges near to where i.live and only travelling 6 miles to work and back so wouldnt do the diesel any good.

Tia!
Rob

[75c]

The hgf issue is real. People will say a properly maintained kseries won't let you down. Ask Flying Banana how many head gaskets she's been through. I doubt anybody maintains their cars better than he does.


You can reduce the risk, you can't eradicate it.

[BoroRover]

My view on this is that as to whether you suffer HGF with your 1.8 depends on good maintenance , and that little bit of good luck everyone needs.
I know Flying Banana is meticulously looked after, I have seen all the posts, and it's a damn fine car, maybe the gods are not kind, no matter what you do, it happens.
I can only talk about my own 1.8. Since I got him 4 years ago, I have covered 40k without an issue with HGF.
I followed the recommendations of changing cam and auxiliary belts, water pump, and fitted a modified head gasket, at the 90k interval ( call it insurance if you like ).
The K engine is as strong as ever, just gone past 114k.
Regular coolant/oil level checks is the name of the game, if only for peace of mind. Mine is a weekly check.

I don't regret getting a 1.8 not for a moment.

This is, of course, my own experience.

[flying_pig]

You can get a good one like my old 414 that ive done 80k bringin it up to 120k before sale and never experienced hgf or a bad one like my 45 1.6 that i had 3 hgf within 40k both had fsh

[T-Cut]

All the parts you're likely to need can be had from Forum Traders like DMGRS https://www.dmgrs.co.uk/


He stocks all the latest options in 1.8K head gaskets if you happen to need one as well as the usual wearing parts that everyone needs now and then. Don't be put off the 1.8, it's a great engine (more especially in the Turbocharged version). And membership here will keep you on the right tack.


TC

[Sheraton]

Don't believe the HYPE


the K-series is a GREAT Engine


OR - buy into the HYPE and go for a "BulletProof BMW" Chain Driven Diesel


over the past 7 months...(lol... I know)... I've sourced a lot of parts for my K-series No real issue with availability, and prices are Not Crazy either ..... (my repairs are NOT due to HGF)


my Car suffered Head Gasket Failure around 1 year into my ownership - this was due to issues I inherited when I bought the Car and these Issues were a result of Poor Maintenance IMO


even with my Car currently off the road awaiting Engine repairs (watch this space ) I rate the K-Series highly - If I had to purchase another Car it would be anything (ok probably another 75) with a K-Series

I managed to Break mine due to an Operator Error causing the timing belt to jump - resulting in a Damaged Piston (probable valve damage too but unconfirmed - I have a Brand New Head with Valves )

my K-Series was still running/driving better than a lot of cars on the road - right up til I removed the Head - If I hadn't been driving when the damage was caused, I'm not sure I'd have noticed there was an issue (i probably would have not sure others would tho ) - my Experience of the K-Series goes against the Hype and opinions of the "Experts" who have Never owned one - I'm Glad I never payed attention to the Hearsay



Paul.

[Mike Noc]

Originally Posted by Sheraton

Don't believe the HYPE


the K-series is a GREAT Engine


OR - buy into the HYPE and go for a "BulletProof BMW" Chain Driven Diesel




Paul.

It really isn't hype Paul. My diesel has done 397k miles and the engine has never been apart.

A couple of sensors, starter motor brushes, and alternator slip ring brushes have been replaced along with a serpentine belt idler bearing and, apart from service items that is it.

If anyone has a K Series that hasn't been apart at similar mileage then post it up and we can compare the two.

[Sheraton]

Originally Posted by Mike Noc

It really isn't hype Paul. My diesel has done 397k miles and the engine has never been apart.

A couple of sensors, starter motor brushes, and alternator slip ring brushes have been replaced along with a serpentine belt idler bearing and, apart from service items that is it.

If anyone has a K Series that hasn't been apart at similar mileage then post it up and we can compare the two.

I think it IS HYPE was the Diesel Engine fitted in our cars ever used in a BMW


I'm not having a dig at the Diesel - just the HYPE - it's a "BMW" Engine so MUST be "Bulletproof"


my Brother in law Scrapped his BMW a while back due to HGF



the K-Series (along with input from Good Folks here) Inspires Confidence in relatively inexperienced folks like myself to learn about the technical aspects of the Engine and Invites the DIY approach to repairs

it's also the tidiest looking in the Engine Bay of a 75/ZT with plenty of access

it's the Lightest Engine in the range too - I recently read of others experience
of Understeer being an issue in the 75 this must be a V6/Diesel thing ? - I've only driven my own 75, seems to be near perfect 50/50 weight distribution - and does NOT suffer from Understeer - OK Once in the Snow
when i'd only had the Car a couple of Months.



Paul.

[marinabrian]

Originally Posted by Mike Noc

It really isn't hype Paul. My diesel has done 397k miles and the engine has never been apart.

A couple of sensors, starter motor brushes, and alternator slip ring brushes have been replaced along with a serpentine belt idler bearing and, apart from service items that is it.

If anyone has a K Series that hasn't been apart at similar mileage then post it up and we can compare the two.

My 214 has 398k under it's belt.....I did take it apart at 22k, but that was to increase the capacity by fitting 1600 pistons and liners, and not as a result of any failure.

In comparison, the 214 was considerably more reliable and economical than anything I've driven since.

I do like the 1800, it's quite a civilised, if somewhat pedestrian drive

Brian

[Number 6]

Originally Posted by 75c

The hgf issue is real. People will say a properly maintained kseries won't let you down. Ask Flying Banana how many head gaskets she's been through. I doubt anybody maintains their cars better than he does.


You can reduce the risk, you can't eradicate it.

Well I own two K series engined cars,,A Rover 25 1.4 and an MGF 1.8.I just do regular maintenance on them..

The 25 has 94K on the clock and the MGF has 83K on it and both still on the original Head Gaskets so they are capable of lasting.Having said that I always check the water levels before any reasonable journey is undertaken.Also I keep an eye on the temp gauge whilst driving .

It is one of these situations that "You pay your money and you take your chance"