My beloved X5 is laid up with a cylinder head problem, at the veery least. I'm just hoping that someone on this forum might be kind enough to offer advice on how best to get her going again.

Here's the story so far:

My wife borrowed my X5 to go shopping and noticed the car was struggling a bit so she gave it more revs, not noticing the water temperature was high (presumably) to start with. Car then not sounding too good apparently and then noticed temperature gauge in red and so she pulled in at nearest (!!) lay by.

Car now outside my house having been dropped off by tow truck. My local mechanic (old school VW/Renault man - knows his stuff and very helpful) said likely that head warped/cracked as a minimum (head gasket has gone and engine still turns over apparently but no power anymore) and that not advisable to resurface as tolerances with overhead cams too problematic and that I should either look for a new or tested s/h head and try and fit myself (car not worth a great deal and I have built kit cars many years ago) or much better still, get a replacement engine...Still don't know the cause of the overheating (water pump recently replaced).

Sounds crazy that I might need a new engine when mine has fsh on 85000 miles and I only drive super-smooth? 1 previous company director owner.

I am tempted to have a replacement engine fitted as my research suggests that a head change is long-winded, potentially problematic (stripped head bolts, ..) and may not cure any other problems that engine has suffered? My other problem is that I now live in France! However, I could trailer the car to the UK if relevant, although I have seen a Cardiff company advertising on Ebay who say they collect cars for engine replacement even from mainland Europe...

Other options are to try and sell the car as is (shame as in stunning condition in golden brown with tan leather - very unusual) or even break it myself! No market for car here as the French only drive diesels.

I would be extremely grateful to anyone who may be able to help with idea, contacts, other. I'm not in a great rush as the X5 is/was my luxury "toy" but obviously need to sort it out one way or the other.

Thanks in anticipation.

Lloyd

PS. As a very long shot. I live next to Val d'Isere and have in the past occasionally offered ski/snowboard holidays in return for goods and services. I used to be a pro-snowboarder (now avid skier) so advanced lessons no problem...