Is this a head gasket issue? N55

moneypitlexus · 11-21-2023, 03:51 PM

Looked at a vehicle and saw this under the cap. Is this a head gasket issue? It’s cold but not that cold.

There is no dipstick and can’t get confirmation if it’s milkshake or condensation.

Car-Addicted · 11-21-2023, 04:01 PM

Assuming the engine isn't:
Overheating
Loosing coolant
Down on power
White exhaust smoke
There are a lot of tests for a head gasket failure, easiest is a coolant system pressure test. After that a leak down test will tell you if there is a issue.
A oil change is on order either way and that will also tell a lot.

Good luck.

moneypitlexus · 11-21-2023, 05:05 PM

I know I can do all that but I can’t perform all that until after I purchase it.

Anyway to find out prior before purchase?

DanG · 11-21-2023, 05:14 PM

Take it to a good independent shop and get a prepurchase inspection.

tracer bullet · 11-21-2023, 05:18 PM

Drive it a bit and change the oil. If it's normal looking and only like that under the cap, it's fine / normal / from cold and short drives. If more oil is milky walk away.

Does cost an oil change though. If you're very serious about the car it could be worth it.

Both my N55's can sometimes look like that and I'm certain that neither has a head gasket issue. But it doesn't mean that particular car doesn't.

11-21-2023, 03:51 PM	#1
moneypitlexus New Member 15 Rep 17 Posts Drives: e46 Join Date: May 2021 Location: canada iTrader: (0)	Is this a head gasket issue? N55 Looked at a vehicle and saw this under the cap. Is this a head gasket issue? It’s cold but not that cold. There is no dipstick and can’t get confirmation if it’s milkshake or condensation. Attached Images
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11-21-2023, 04:01 PM	#2
Car-Addicted Brigadier General 12845 Rep 3,212 Posts Drives: 2026 X5 \| 2020 M4 CS Join Date: Jun 2023 Location: Central PA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2020 BMW M4 CS [9.76]	Assuming the engine isn't: Overheating Loosing coolant Down on power White exhaust smoke There are a lot of tests for a head gasket failure, easiest is a coolant system pressure test. After that a leak down test will tell you if there is a issue. A oil change is on order either way and that will also tell a lot. Good luck.
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11-21-2023, 05:05 PM	#3
moneypitlexus New Member 15 Rep 17 Posts Drives: e46 Join Date: May 2021 Location: canada iTrader: (0)	I know I can do all that but I can’t perform all that until after I purchase it. Anyway to find out prior before purchase?
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11-21-2023, 05:14 PM	#4
DanG Major General 12299 Rep 7,547 Posts Drives: 2018 M2 AW DCT Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Seattle, WA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2018 BMW M2 [8.01]	Take it to a good independent shop and get a prepurchase inspection. __________________ BMWCCA member Puget Sound Chapter
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11-21-2023, 05:18 PM	#5
tracer bullet Major General 6189 Rep 6,188 Posts Drives: '25 Z4, '15 X3 35i (135i sold) Join Date: May 2011 Location: Saint Paul, MN iTrader: (1)	Drive it a bit and change the oil. If it's normal looking and only like that under the cap, it's fine / normal / from cold and short drives. If more oil is milky walk away. Does cost an oil change though. If you're very serious about the car it could be worth it. Both my N55's can sometimes look like that and I'm certain that neither has a head gasket issue. But it doesn't mean that particular car doesn't.
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