Primary Purpose: Seals the mating surface between cylinder head and engine block to prevent:
Layer Structure | Material/Process | Function |
Main Sealing Layer | Multi-layer steel (MLS) | Withstands high-pressure deformation (200bar+ combustion pressure resistance) |
Fire Ring | Laser-welded special alloy edge | Prevents combustion chamber perimeter erosion |
Micro-porous Rubber Coating | High-temperature cured silicone particles | Fills microscopic imperfections in engine block surface |
Alignment Dowel Holes | Precision stamped (±0.05mm tolerance) | Ensures 100% alignment with block bolt holes |
The cylinder head gasket serves as a critical sealing interface between the engine block and cylinder head, engineered to:
Key Technologies:
Multi-Layer Steel (MLS) Design:
3-5 laser-welded stainless steel layers with elastomer coating
Provides spring-like resilience to maintain seal under thermal cycling
Fire Rings (Combustion Seals):
Laser-cut high-nickel alloy rings around each cylinder bore
Prevents burn-through from 1,500°C+ combustion temps
Micro-embossed Surface Coatings:
100-200μm thick silicone/rubber layers on outer surfaces
Fills microscopic machining imperfections (Ra ≤1.6μm required)
A. Factory Repair & Maintenance
Blown head gasket symptoms:
Coolant/oil mixing ("milkshake" in oil cap)
Compression loss (>15% variance between cylinders)
Exhaust gas bubbles in coolant reservoir
B. Performance Engine Builds
Required for:
Engine overhauls (after head/block resurfacing)
Turbo upgrades (higher boost pressure compatibility)
Forced induction conversions
C. Critical Protection Functions
Failure Mode Prevented | Consequence if Unsealed |
Combustion gas leakage | Power loss, detonation damage |
Coolant intrusion into oil | Bearing corrosion, sludge formation |
Oil seepage into coolant | Coolant system contamination |
Cylinder pressure cross-talk | Misfires, uneven combustion |
Adaptations for B48/B58 Engines:
Asymmetric Bore Spacing: Compensates for cylinder deactivation hardware (B58TU)
Laser-Drilled Coolant Channels: Matches precision-machined head passages
Torque-to-Yield Bolt Compliance: Designed for BMW's 3-stage head bolt tightening sequence
OEM vs. Aftermarket Comparison
Feature | BMW OEM (11127595138) | Typical Aftermarket |
Fire Ring Material | Inconel 625 alloy | 304 Stainless Steel |
Layer Count | 5 (3 steel + 2 functional) | 3-4 layers |
Compression Recovery | 0.1mm after 10k cycles | Permanent deformation |
BMW Warranty | 2 years unlimited mileage | 6-12 months |
Part Number | Description | Compatible Models | Engine Codes | Model Years | Critical Notes |
11127595138 | Cylinder Head Gasket (MLS) | 3 Series (F30, F34) | B48/B46 | 2016-2022 | Includes xDrive models |
| Multi-Layer Steel Construction | 4 Series (F32, F33, F36) | B58/B58TU | 2017-2023 | M440i requires torque verification |
| OEM Replacement | 5 Series (G30) | B48D/B58D | 2017-2023 | Hybrid models excluded |
|
| X3 (G01) | B48M/B58M | 2018-2023 | SDrive/XDrive variants |
|
| 7 Series (G11/G12) | B58B30M0 | 2019-2023 | 740i/Li only |
|
| Z4 (G29) | B48B20/B58B30 | 2019-present | sDrive30i/M40i |