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I'm replacing the head gasket on my 528i. I managed to remove everything, with minimal damage to hoses, clips and connectors. However upon removal of the actual cylinder head, one of the timing chain guides broke. As I think about this situation, I realize that installing a new guide will require more time than I hoped for. The engine is still in the car and the radiator, and all belts are still installed. The guide that broke was not the one used to put tension on the chain. I'm hoping I can do without replacing this. Any ideas? Additionally, the cylinder head drain plug broke off, so now I have a possible water contamination issue. How does one solve this situation? Multiple oil changes?

Im not so sure if you can bypass replacing the part you broke but as for the water contamination issue, I recently just blew my head gasket and all I did was change the oil after the the engine really hot the first time i started and then once again after 2 days of driving. This solved my issues of smoking and coolant being in the oil. Hope that helps

You do not want the chain to fail.
And you not want to take the head off again. You're mostly there already.
And for the coolant contamination, change the oil twice.

I'm replacing the head gasket in my 81 528i. The gasket blew b/w the #3&4 cylinders. If anyone in the San Diego area is looking for a machine shop, try Osborne Machine in Murietta. I met Larry Osborne today. He was straightforward, and his prices were very reasonable.