Engine heads

At Global Parts, we offer a wide selection of original used car parts, including cylinder heads for many popular car brands such as BMW, Mini, Mercedes, Audi, Volkswagen, and others. Each cylinder head we offer undergoes quality control to ensure you receive a top-quality product.

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Vent Pipe Mercedes W203 W212 M271 Cylinder Head Breather Line Hose A2710160481

Part no. A2710160481

Vent Pipe Mercedes W203 W212 M271 Cylinder Head Breather Line Hose A2710160481

£13.95

Free delivery: Jul 07

If paid before 14:00

Crank Cover Mercedes W906 OM651.955 Engine Timing Case A6510151402

Part no. A6510151402

Crank Cover Mercedes W906 OM651.955 Engine Timing Case A6510151402

£32.95

Free delivery: Jul 07

If paid before 14:00

Cylinder Head Mercedes W906 OM651 Diesel Engine A6510101120

Part no. A6510101120

Cylinder Head Mercedes W906 OM651 Diesel Engine A6510101120

£265.95

Free delivery: Jul 07

If paid before 14:00

Mercedes Sprinter W906 OM651 Vent Pipe Hose Cylinder Head A6510100882

Part no. A6510100882

Mercedes Sprinter W906 OM651 Vent Pipe Hose Cylinder Head A6510100882

£13.95

Free delivery: Jul 07

If paid before 14:00

Mercedes Vito W639 OM651 Vent Pipe Cylinder Head Breather Line Hose A6510100382

Part no. A6510100382

Mercedes Vito W639 OM651 Vent Pipe Cylinder Head Breather Line Hose A6510100382

£18.95

Free delivery: Jul 07

If paid before 14:00

Crank Cover Mercedes W204 W639 W906 OM651 Engine Timing Case Bottom A6510110108

Part no. A6510110108

Crank Cover Mercedes W204 W639 W906 OM651 Engine Timing Case Bottom A6510110108

£13.95

Free delivery: Jul 07

If paid before 14:00

Cylinder Head Mercedes W213 C238 X253 M274 Engine Cover Molded A2740100107

Part no. A2740100107

Cylinder Head Mercedes W213 C238 X253 M274 Engine Cover Molded A2740100107

£664.95

Free delivery: Jul 07

If paid before 14:00

Mercedes SLK R171 W204 W211 Petrol Engine M271 Camshaft Timing Front Case Cover

Part no. A2710160806

Mercedes SLK R171 W204 W211 Petrol Engine M271 Camshaft Timing Front Case Cover

£13.95

Free delivery: Jul 07

If paid before 14:00

Mercedes W204 W212 Cylinder Head Lower Part Right O/S M272 V6 A2720106620

Part no. A2720106620-2

Mercedes W204 W212 Cylinder Head Lower Part Right O/S M272 V6 A2720106620

£113.95

Free delivery: Jul 8 – 15

If paid before 14:00

Mercedes W204 W212 W221 Cylinder Head Bank 4-6 Right O/S OM642 V6 A6420100621

Part no. A6420100621

Mercedes W204 W212 W221 Cylinder Head Bank 4-6 Right O/S OM642 V6 A6420100621

£237.95

Free delivery: Jul 8 – 15

If paid before 14:00

Mercedes W204 W212 W221 Cylinder Head Bank 1-3 Left N/S OM642 V6 A6420106720

Part no. A6420106107

Mercedes W204 W212 W221 Cylinder Head Bank 1-3 Left N/S OM642 V6 A6420106720

£237.95

Free delivery: Jul 8 – 15

If paid before 14:00

Vent Pipe Hose Mercedes W169 W245 OM640 Cylinder Breather Line A6400101182

Part no. A6400101182

Vent Pipe Hose Mercedes W169 W245 OM640 Cylinder Breather Line A6400101182

£13.95

Free delivery: Jul 07

If paid before 14:00

Mercedes SLK R171 Cylinder Head Right O/S Side 3.5 Petrol Engine A2720101301

Part no. A2720101301

Mercedes SLK R171 Cylinder Head Right O/S Side 3.5 Petrol Engine A2720101301

£446.95

Free delivery: Jul 8 – 15

If paid before 14:00

Mercedes W204 W205 C207 S212 W221 OM651 Cylinder Head Diesel Engine A6510103020

Part no. A6510103020

Mercedes W204 W205 C207 S212 W221 OM651 Cylinder Head Diesel Engine A6510103020

£379.95

Free delivery: Jul 07

If paid before 14:00

Mercedes SLK R171 Cylinder Head Left N/S Side 3.5 Petrol Engine A2720101201

Part no. A2720101201-1

Mercedes SLK R171 Cylinder Head Left N/S Side 3.5 Petrol Engine A2720101201

£398.95

Free delivery: Jul 8 – 15

If paid before 14:00

Mercedes R171 Petrol SLK 280 272942 Cylinder Head Right A2720103920 A2720161305

Part no. A2720103920

Mercedes R171 Petrol SLK 280 272942 Cylinder Head Right A2720103920 A2720161305

£332.95

Free delivery: Jul 8 – 15

If paid before 14:00

Mercedes R171 SLK 280 Petrol 272942 Cylinder Head Left A2720100901 R2720162401

Part no. A2720100901

Mercedes R171 SLK 280 Petrol 272942 Cylinder Head Left A2720100901 R2720162401

£332.95

Free delivery: Jul 8 – 15

If paid before 14:00

Mercedes W176 W246 C117 Engine Cylinder Head Rocker M270 Petrol A2700109902

Part no. A2700109902

Mercedes W176 W246 C117 Engine Cylinder Head Rocker M270 Petrol A2700109902

£664.95

Free delivery: Jul 8 – 15

If paid before 14:00

Mercedes W164 W212 W221 Cylinder Head Left N/S M273 Petrol R2730162601

Part no. A2730104820

Mercedes W164 W212 W221 Cylinder Head Left N/S M273 Petrol R2730162601

£379.95

Free delivery: Jul 8 – 15

If paid before 14:00

Mercedes W164 W212 W221 Cylinder Head Upper Cover Right O/S M273 V8 A2730160105

Part no. A2730104920-1

Mercedes W164 W212 W221 Cylinder Head Upper Cover Right O/S M273 V8 A2730160105

£113.95

Free delivery: Jul 8 – 15

If paid before 14:00

Mercedes W164 W212 W221 Cylinder Head Right O/S M273 Petrol R2730162701

Part no. A2730104920

Mercedes W164 W212 W221 Cylinder Head Right O/S M273 Petrol R2730162701

£379.95

Free delivery: Jul 8 – 15

If paid before 14:00

Mercedes A207 C218 Cylinder Head Left N/S 350 CDI 642853 Diesel A6420104506

Part no. A6420104506

Mercedes A207 C218 Cylinder Head Left N/S 350 CDI 642853 Diesel A6420104506

£351.95

Free delivery: Jul 8 – 15

If paid before 14:00

Mercedes C218 Cylinder Head Right O/S 350 CDI 642853 Diesel A6420100421

Part no. A6420100421

Mercedes C218 Cylinder Head Right O/S 350 CDI 642853 Diesel A6420100421

£203.95

Free delivery: Jul 8 – 15

If paid before 14:00

Vent Pipe Hose Mercedes Sprinter W906 OM646 Cylinder Breather Line A6460162281

Part no. A6460162281

Vent Pipe Hose Mercedes Sprinter W906 OM646 Cylinder Breather Line A6460162281

Product currently unavailable

Engine Cover Mercedes W176 W246 OM607 Cylinder Head Rocker Panel A6070100300

Part no. A6070100300

Engine Cover Mercedes W176 W246 OM607 Cylinder Head Rocker Panel A6070100300

Product currently unavailable

Mercedes-Benz W169 W245 A200 B200 M266 Petrol Engine Cover Trim A2661530175

Part no. A2661530175

Mercedes-Benz W169 W245 A200 B200 M266 Petrol Engine Cover Trim A2661530175

Product currently unavailable

Mercedes W204 W906 OM651 Engine Cylinder Head Rocker Cover Panel A6510101230

Part no. A6510108918

Mercedes W204 W906 OM651 Engine Cylinder Head Rocker Cover Panel A6510101230

Product currently unavailable

Mercedes W906 OM651 Crank Cover Engine Timing Case A6510150802

Part no. A6510150802

Mercedes W906 OM651 Crank Cover Engine Timing Case A6510150802

Product currently unavailable

Mercedes W213 E220d Diesel OM654.920 Engine Cylinder Head A6540106912

Part no. A6540106912

Mercedes W213 E220d Diesel OM654.920 Engine Cylinder Head A6540106912

Product currently unavailable

Crank Cover Mercedes W203 M271 Petrol Engine Timing Case A2710150302

Part no. A2710150302

Crank Cover Mercedes W203 M271 Petrol Engine Timing Case A2710150302

Product currently unavailable

Mercedes W204 W205 C207 W212 C218 Diesel OM651 Engine Cylinder Head A6510108318

Part no. A6510108318

Mercedes W204 W205 C207 W212 C218 Diesel OM651 Engine Cylinder Head A6510108318

Product currently unavailable

Mercedes W176 A45 AMG M133 Petrol Cylinder Head R1330160900

Part no. R1330160900

Mercedes W176 A45 AMG M133 Petrol Cylinder Head R1330160900

Product currently unavailable

Engine Cover Trim Mercedes W204 W209 W212 M156 AMG 63 Trim Panel A1560100467

Part no. A1560100467

Engine Cover Trim Mercedes W204 W209 W212 M156 AMG 63 Trim Panel A1560100467

Product currently unavailable

Mercedes C E W203 W211 OM646 Diesel Gearbox Timing Case Cover A6460150632

Part no. A6460100733

Mercedes C E W203 W211 OM646 Diesel Gearbox Timing Case Cover A6460150632

Product currently unavailable

Mercedes W906 Crank Cover Engine Timing Case OM651 A6510150802

Part no. A6510150802-1

Mercedes W906 Crank Cover Engine Timing Case OM651 A6510150802

Product currently unavailable

Mercedes W203 W209 M271.946 271.946 1.8 Kompressor Cylinder Head R2710161201

Part no. A2710102820

Mercedes W203 W209 M271.946 271.946 1.8 Kompressor Cylinder Head R2710161201

Product currently unavailable

Mercedes W163 270 CDI OM612 Left N/S Engine Cover Trim A6120100367

Part no. A6120100367-1

Mercedes W163 270 CDI OM612 Left N/S Engine Cover Trim A6120100367

Product currently unavailable

Mercedes-Benz W203 W204 W211 M271 Petrol Gearbox Timing Case Cover A2710100133

Part no. A2710100133

Mercedes-Benz W203 W204 W211 M271 Petrol Gearbox Timing Case Cover A2710100133

Product currently unavailable

Oil Pan Mercedes W204 W212 OM651 Diesel Overcasing Support Mount A6510140302

Part no. A6510140302

Oil Pan Mercedes W204 W212 OM651 Diesel Overcasing Support Mount A6510140302

Product currently unavailable

Mercedes W204 W212 OM642 Diesel Engine Cylinder Head Trim Cover A6420105867

Part no. A6420105867

Mercedes W204 W212 OM642 Diesel Engine Cylinder Head Trim Cover A6420105867

Product currently unavailable

Cylinder Head Pipe Mercedes W203 W210 M111 Vent Hose Line Petrol A1110182482

Part no. A1110182482

Cylinder Head Pipe Mercedes W203 W210 M111 Vent Hose Line Petrol A1110182482

Product currently unavailable

Mercedes W204 W212 Cylinder Head Upper Cover Right O/S M272 V6 A2720106620

Part no. A2720106620-1

Mercedes W204 W212 Cylinder Head Upper Cover Right O/S M272 V6 A2720106620

Product currently unavailable

Vent Pipe Hose Mercedes W204 W212 OM646 Cylinder Head Breather Line A6460162081

Part no. A6460162081

Vent Pipe Hose Mercedes W204 W212 OM646 Cylinder Head Breather Line A6460162081

Product currently unavailable

Mercedes C205 OM654 Cylinder Holder Bracket Head Cover A6540169300

Part no. A6540169300

Mercedes C205 OM654 Cylinder Holder Bracket Head Cover A6540169300

Product currently unavailable

Cylinder Head Mercedes CL203 C208 C209 Rocker Cover R1120510008

Part no. R1120510008

Cylinder Head Mercedes CL203 C208 C209 Rocker Cover R1120510008

Product currently unavailable

Cylinder Head Mercedes CL203 C208 C209 Rocker Cover R1120510108

Part no. R1120510108

Cylinder Head Mercedes CL203 C208 C209 Rocker Cover R1120510108

Product currently unavailable

Crank Cover Mercedes W169 W245 OM640 Engine Timing Case A6400150502

Part no. A6400100733

Crank Cover Mercedes W169 W245 OM640 Engine Timing Case A6400150502

Product currently unavailable

Engine Cover Mercedes W203 W204 M271 Cylinder Head Rocker Panel A2710101030

Part no. A2710101030

Engine Cover Mercedes W203 W204 M271 Cylinder Head Rocker Panel A2710101030

Product currently unavailable

Mercedes W204 W212 Cylinder Head Upper Cover Left N/S M272 V6 A2720106520

Part no. A2720106520-1

Mercedes W204 W212 Cylinder Head Upper Cover Left N/S M272 V6 A2720106520

Product currently unavailable

Engine Cover Mercedes W203 W211 M271 Petrol Cylinder Head Trim A2710101167

Part no. A2710101167-1

Engine Cover Mercedes W203 W211 M271 Petrol Cylinder Head Trim A2710101167

Product currently unavailable

Vent Pipe Mercedes W169 W245 M266 Cylinder Head Breather Line Hose A2660180312

Part no. A2660180312

Vent Pipe Mercedes W169 W245 M266 Cylinder Head Breather Line Hose A2660180312

Product currently unavailable

Mercedes W204 M271 Petrol Engine Cylinder Head Cover Panel A2710101730

Part no. A2710101730

Mercedes W204 M271 Petrol Engine Cylinder Head Cover Panel A2710101730

Product currently unavailable

Cylinder Head Mercedes C208 C209 W203 S203 Right Side O/S R1120161301

Part no. A1120101520

Cylinder Head Mercedes C208 C209 W203 S203 Right Side O/S R1120161301

Product currently unavailable

Cylinder Head Mercedes C208 C209 W203 S203 Left Side N/S R1120161201

Part no. A1120101420

Cylinder Head Mercedes C208 C209 W203 S203 Left Side N/S R1120161201

Product currently unavailable

Mercedes Vito W639 OM646 Camshaft Carrier Console Shafts Set A6110100436

Part no. A6110100436

Mercedes Vito W639 OM646 Camshaft Carrier Console Shafts Set A6110100436

Product currently unavailable

Mercedes W204 W212 Cylinder Head Lower Part Left N/S M272 V6 A2720106520

Part no. A2720106520

Mercedes W204 W212 Cylinder Head Lower Part Left N/S M272 V6 A2720106520

Product currently unavailable

Mercedes W176 AMG Engine Cover Cylinder Head Rocker Panel A45 A1330160005

Part no. A1330160005

Mercedes W176 AMG Engine Cover Cylinder Head Rocker Panel A45 A1330160005

Product currently unavailable

Mercedes W204 C207 W212 M271 Upper Cylinder Head Cover A2710161406

Part no. A2710161406

Mercedes W204 C207 W212 M271 Upper Cylinder Head Cover A2710161406

Product currently unavailable

Mercedes W169 W245 OM640 CDI Cylinder Head Covering Panel A6400101067

Part no. A6400101067

Mercedes W169 W245 OM640 CDI Cylinder Head Covering Panel A6400101067

Product currently unavailable

Cylinder Head Cover Mercedes W204 W906 OM651.955 Diesel Engine A6510100830

Part no. A6510100830-1

Cylinder Head Cover Mercedes W204 W906 OM651.955 Diesel Engine A6510100830

Product currently unavailable

Mercedes W213 OM656 Noise Insulation Damper Silencer A6562261800

Part no. A6562262100

Mercedes W213 OM656 Noise Insulation Damper Silencer A6562261800

Product currently unavailable

Engine Cover Mercedes W203 W211 M271 Petrol Cylinder Head Trim A2710101167

Part no. A2710101167-2

Engine Cover Mercedes W203 W211 M271 Petrol Cylinder Head Trim A2710101167

Product currently unavailable

Mercedes Vito W639 OM646 Camshaft Carrier Console Shafts Set R6110160504

Part no. A6110100436-2

Mercedes Vito W639 OM646 Camshaft Carrier Console Shafts Set R6110160504

Product currently unavailable

Mercedes-Benz C W203 M111 Petrol Engine Cylinder Head Trim Cover A1111580585

Part no. A1111580585

Mercedes-Benz C W203 M111 Petrol Engine Cylinder Head Trim Cover A1111580585

Product currently unavailable

Mercedes-Benz C W203 M111 Petrol Engine Ignition Coil Trim Cover Kompressor

Part no. A1111501975

Mercedes-Benz C W203 M111 Petrol Engine Ignition Coil Trim Cover Kompressor

Product currently unavailable

Engine Cover Mercedes Sprinter W906 Compartment Trim Panel Right O/S A6420103667

Part no. A6420103667

Engine Cover Mercedes Sprinter W906 Compartment Trim Panel Right O/S A6420103667

Product currently unavailable

Mercedes-Benz W203 W210 OM611 Diesel Right O/S Engine Cover Trim A6110101067

Part no. A6110101067

Mercedes-Benz W203 W210 OM611 Diesel Right O/S Engine Cover Trim A6110101067

Product currently unavailable

Mercedes-Benz W203 W210 OM611 Diesel Left N/S Engine Cover Trim A6110101167

Part no. A6110101167

Mercedes-Benz W203 W210 OM611 Diesel Left N/S Engine Cover Trim A6110101167

Product currently unavailable

Engine Cover Mercedes Sprinter W906 Dampening Trim Panel Right O/S A6420162424

Part no. A6420162624

Engine Cover Mercedes Sprinter W906 Dampening Trim Panel Right O/S A6420162424

Product currently unavailable

Engine Cover Mercedes Sprinter W906 Dampening Trim Panel Left N/S A6420162324

Part no. A6420161600

Engine Cover Mercedes Sprinter W906 Dampening Trim Panel Left N/S A6420162324

Product currently unavailable

Mercedes W203 W211 M271 Petrol Engine Cylinder Head Trim Cover A2710101167

Part no. A2710101167

Mercedes W203 W211 M271 Petrol Engine Cylinder Head Trim Cover A2710101167

Product currently unavailable

Mercedes-Benz A W168 M166 Petrol Engine Timing Case Housing Cover A1660100533

Part no. A1660100533

Mercedes-Benz A W168 M166 Petrol Engine Timing Case Housing Cover A1660100533

Product currently unavailable

Mercedes W910 OM651 Vent Pipe Cylinder Head Breather Line Hose A6510101421

Part no. A6510101421

Mercedes W910 OM651 Vent Pipe Cylinder Head Breather Line Hose A6510101421

Product currently unavailable

Mercedes-Benz C W203 M111 C 180 Petrol Engine Right O/S Cover Trim A1110100167

Part no. A1110100967

Mercedes-Benz C W203 M111 C 180 Petrol Engine Right O/S Cover Trim A1110100167

Product currently unavailable

Mercedes W177 Petrol OM282.914 Engine Top Cylinder Head A2820163600

Part no. A2820163600

Mercedes W177 Petrol OM282.914 Engine Top Cylinder Head A2820163600

Product currently unavailable

Mercedes W203 C208 C209 Cylinder Head Right Side O/S M112 3.2 Petrol A1120101520

-1%

Part no. A1120101520-1

Mercedes W203 C208 C209 Cylinder Head Right Side O/S M112 3.2 Petrol A1120101520

Product currently unavailable

Engine Cover Mercedes Sprinter W906 Compartment Trim Panel Left N/S A6420107167

Part no. A6420107167

Engine Cover Mercedes Sprinter W906 Compartment Trim Panel Left N/S A6420107167

Product currently unavailable

Mercedes W203 C208 C209 Cylinder Head Left Side N/S M112 V6 Petrol R1120161201

-1%

Part no. A1120101420-1

Mercedes W203 C208 C209 Cylinder Head Left Side N/S M112 V6 Petrol R1120161201

Product currently unavailable

Engine Cover Mercedes W639 W906 Compartment Trim Panel Insulation A6420103967

Part no. A6420103967

Engine Cover Mercedes W639 W906 Compartment Trim Panel Insulation A6420103967

Product currently unavailable

Oil Pan Mercedes W906 OM651 Diesel Overcasing Support Mount A6510141402

Part no. A6510140800

Oil Pan Mercedes W906 OM651 Diesel Overcasing Support Mount A6510141402

Product currently unavailable

Mercedes W204 W212 W221 Cylinder Head Bank 1-3 Left N/S OM642 V6 R6420163901

Part no. A6420106720

Mercedes W204 W212 W221 Cylinder Head Bank 1-3 Left N/S OM642 V6 R6420163901

Product currently unavailable

Crank Cover Mercedes W906 OM651 Engine Timing Case A6510150602

Part no. A6510150602

Crank Cover Mercedes W906 OM651 Engine Timing Case A6510150602

Product currently unavailable

Mercedes Vito W447 OM654 Vent Pipe Cylinder Head Breather Line Hose A6540101304

Part no. rhd-A6540100312

Mercedes Vito W447 OM654 Vent Pipe Cylinder Head Breather Line Hose A6540101304

Product currently unavailable

Crank Cover Mercedes W168 M166 Engine Timing Case A1660100433

Part no. A1660100433

Crank Cover Mercedes W168 M166 Engine Timing Case A1660100433

Product currently unavailable

Mercedes-Benz ML W163 270 CDI OM612 Left N/S Engine Cover Trim A6120100367

Part no. A6120100367

Mercedes-Benz ML W163 270 CDI OM612 Left N/S Engine Cover Trim A6120100367

Product currently unavailable

Mercedes ML W163 270 CDI OM612 Right O/S Engine Cover Trim A6120100267

Part no. A6120100267

Mercedes ML W163 270 CDI OM612 Right O/S Engine Cover Trim A6120100267

Product currently unavailable

Cylinder Head Cover Mercedes W204 W906 OM651.955 Diesel Engine A6510100830

Part no. A6510100830

Cylinder Head Cover Mercedes W204 W906 OM651.955 Diesel Engine A6510100830

Product currently unavailable

Mercedes W164 W212 W221 Cylinder Head Upper Cover Left N/S M273 V8 A2730160005

Part no. A2730104820-1

Mercedes W164 W212 W221 Cylinder Head Upper Cover Left N/S M273 V8 A2730160005

Product currently unavailable

Mercedes W639 2.2 OM646.982 Engine Cylinder Head Engine A6460100620

Part no. A6460100620

Mercedes W639 2.2 OM646.982 Engine Cylinder Head Engine A6460100620

Product currently unavailable

Crankshaft Cover Mercedes W204 W639 W906 OM651 Engine Timing Case A6510110008

Part no. A6510110008

Crankshaft Cover Mercedes W204 W639 W906 OM651 Engine Timing Case A6510110008

Product currently unavailable

Mercedes W204 C207 W212 272.985 V6 Cylinder Head Cover Right O/S A2720106620

Part no. A2720106620

Mercedes W204 C207 W212 272.985 V6 Cylinder Head Cover Right O/S A2720106620

Product currently unavailable

Mercedes W164 C209 W211 Engine Trim Acoustic Cover OM642 Diesel A6420104067

Part no. A6420104067-1

Mercedes W164 C209 W211 Engine Trim Acoustic Cover OM642 Diesel A6420104067

Product currently unavailable

Mercedes W204 W205 C207 W212 C218 Diesel OM651 Engine Cylinder Head A6510108418

Part no. A6510108418

Mercedes W204 W205 C207 W212 C218 Diesel OM651 Engine Cylinder Head A6510108418

Product currently unavailable

Cylinder heads – structure, application, and impact on engine performance

Cylinder heads – structure, application, and impact on engine performance

Cylinder head components and their role in the combustion process and exhaust emission control

The cylinder head is one of the most important components in the construction of a powertrain. It is responsible for the proper flow of air, fuel, and exhaust gases, as well as for sealing the combustion chambers, enabling the engine to operate efficiently. Without a functional cylinder head, it is impossible to achieve optimal performance and durability of the engine unit. In the Global Parts automotive store, you will find a wide selection of used car engines, including cylinder heads matched to brands such as BMW, Audi, Mercedes, Volkswagen, Mini, and others.

What functions does a cylinder head perform?

The cylinder head is a complex component that performs many key functions:

  • Creating the combustion chamber – The cylinder head seals the cylinders from the top, enabling the proper combustion of the air-fuel mixture.
  • Managing flow – It is responsible for delivering air and fuel to the cylinders and for discharging exhaust gases through the intake and exhaust valves.
  • Mounting point for the timing system – It contains camshafts, valve rockers, and other components responsible for the precise opening and closing of valves.
  • Cooling and lubrication – It contains oil and cooling channels that prevent overheating and wear of key components. Precise manufacturing of the cylinder head and its proper maintenance are essential for the reliable operation of the engine unit.

Construction and purpose of cylinder heads

Cylinder heads are the upper parts of the engine mounted above the cylinder block. Their task is to seal the combustion chambers and create space for valves, intake ports, exhaust ports, and coolant circuits. A typical cylinder head works with gaskets and mounting parts, and its compatibility must be confirmed by the OEM number, fuel type, and engine version.

Comparison of head variants and data to check

VariantTypical characteristicsCooperating elementsWhat to check before purchase
Petrol engine headLayout of channels and combustion chambers adapted to spark ignitiontiming parts, intake manifold, spark plugsOEM number, fuel type, number of valves, compatibility with accessories
Diesel engine headAdapted to higher compression ratios and different combustion system operationInjectors, manifold, gasket, fuel linesEngine code, injector seats, contact surface, cracks
Complete headMay contain valves, camshaft, or other embedded elements depending on the versionchains, timing belts, and mounting kits, valve cover, sealsEquipment scope, mounting points, condition of guides and seats
Incomplete headBody prepared for further equipment according to the car versionengine blocks, valves, camshafts, mounting boltsDimensional compatibility, oil channels, cooling channels, resurfacing

The cylinder head is made of aluminum or cast iron, depending on the model and year of production. In cars such as the BMW E46 320d, 4-cylinder heads with 2 or 4 valves per cylinder are used, integrated with cooling and oil channels. The typical weight of a head ranges from 10 to 25 kg, and the combustion chamber diameter varies in the 80–85 mm range for 2.0 l units. In sports models and M versions, heads with increased airflow and modified valve geometry are often used.

Why is it worth taking care of the cylinder head?

A damaged or malfunctioning cylinder head can lead to serious problems, such as:

  • Loss of compression – Causes a drop in engine power and efficiency.
  • Engine overheating – Resulting from leaks in the cooling channels.
  • Wear of valves and valve seats – Resulting in problems with fuel and exhaust flow.
  • Oil and coolant leaks – Which can lead to the failure of other components. At Global Parts, we offer used car engines that undergo rigorous quality tests, ensuring their durability and reliability.

The role of channels, seats, and contact surfaces in engine operation

The intake and exhaust ports in the head are responsible for directing the mixture and discharging exhaust gases, so their condition directly affects the engine's smoothness. The head contact surface is the area of contact with the engine block, which must maintain flatness and tightness after installing the gasket. When choosing an element such as a BMW E90 320i valve cover, it is worth checking the compatibility of sealing surfaces, ventilation, and mounting points in the upper part of the engine simultaneously. For example, in a BMW E46 320d cylinder head, the average compression is 18–20 bar, and the intake ports provide an airflow of 120–140 l/s at 6000 rpm. Such parameters are important for power, torque, and fuel economy. Cylinder heads are compatible with specific injection systems, intake manifolds, and head gaskets, which allows for precise part matching.

How to choose the right cylinder head?

When choosing a cylinder head, you should pay attention to several key aspects:

  • Compatibility with the vehicle model – Every car brand and model has its specific technical requirements. In the Global Parts automotive store, you will find cylinder heads perfectly matching BMW, Audi, Mercedes, Volkswagen, Mini, and others.
  • Technical condition – Ensure that the cylinder head has no cracks, damage, or signs of corrosion.
  • Service history – It is important that the cylinder head comes from a vehicle with a known mileage and has been regularly serviced.

Selecting a cylinder head by OEM number and equipment version

The selection of a cylinder head should take into account the OEM part number, interchangeable numbers, fuel type, and the completeness of the element. Compatibility with equipment such as camshafts, manifolds, injectors, or engine sensors and switches is also significant. If you are looking for a subassembly such as a Mini Cooper S R56 valve cover, you should compare the breather system, bolt layout, and engine version, as these features also affect the fit of the upper part of the head.

Checking cooperating components during replacement

Replacing a cylinder head involves not only the body itself but also assessing the parts that work with it. You should check the condition of the block surface, the tightness of the lubrication system, and the compatibility of accessories with seats and channels. In the case of parts such as a Mercedes W203 engine cover, the compatibility of mounts and engine bay layout is mainly important, while for the head itself, the OEM number, fuel type, and engine version remain key.

Example table of heads and basic parameters

Vehicle modelHead typeNumber of valvesMaterialApproximate weight
BMW E46 320d4-cylinder, diesel4 per cylinderAluminum12–14 kg
BMW E46 330i6-cylinder, petrol4 per cylinderAluminum18–20 kg
Mercedes C2004-cylinder, petrol4 per cylinderCast iron22 kg
Audi A4 2.0 TDI4-cylinder, diesel4 per cylinderAluminum13 kg

Why is it worth choosing used cylinder heads?

Used car engines, such as a cylinder head, are an excellent solution that allows for savings while maintaining high quality. By choosing Cylinder heads, you gain:

  • Lower costs – Used components are significantly cheaper than new ones but offer equally high quality.
  • Ecology – Recycling car parts supports environmental protection and reduces waste.
  • Wide offer – In our store, you will find cylinder heads for the most popular car brands. In practice, used heads fit original injection assemblies, manifolds, and turbochargers. Compatibility with the model and year allows for maintaining original flow geometry and compression pressure parameters.

How to take care of the cylinder head?

To ensure the cylinder head works reliably for years, it is worth following a few rules:

  • Regularly change the coolant to prevent corrosion of the cooling channels.
  • Check the condition of the cylinder head gaskets to avoid leaks and loss of compression.
  • Monitor the timing system operation and replace worn elements, such as camshafts or valves. If you need to replace a cylinder head, at Global Parts you will find suitable used auto parts that will restore your vehicle to full efficiency. The head assessment procedure includes:
  1. Checking the flatness of the contact surface with the engine block (tolerance 0.05 mm).
  2. Inspecting valves and seats for wear (valve seat diameter: 34–38 mm in E46).
  3. Verifying cooling and oil channels for patency.
  4. Measuring pressure tightness at 3–5 bar to detect micro-cracks.

FAQ

QuestionAnswer
What is the construction and purpose of cylinder heads?Cylinder heads are components mounted in the upper part of the engine, above the cylinder block. They consist of a body with intake, exhaust, oil, and cooling channels, as well as valve seats and guides. Their task is to seal the combustion chambers and create a workspace for valves and timing parts.
What are cylinder heads used for?Cylinder heads are used to control gas exchange and maintain the tightness of combustion chambers. They enable proper air intake, exhaust discharge, and cooperation with valves and camshafts. Without a correctly selected head, the engine may lose compression, overheat, or run unevenly.
What role does the head gasket play?The head gasket is an element mounted between the block and the head, whose task is to seal the combustion chambers and separate oil and cooling channels. It affects the maintenance of compression and the proper circulation of operating fluids. Its compatibility must be checked together with the engine type, channel layout, and contact surface.
How to choose a cylinder head for a specific car version?It is best to compare the OEM part number, engine code, fuel type, and equipment completeness. It is also worth checking interchangeable numbers, channel layout, mounting points, and compatibility with the manifold, injectors, or camshafts.
What symptoms may indicate a problem with the cylinder head?Typical symptoms include a drop in compression, coolant loss, engine overheating, and oil mixing with coolant. Difficulties with starting, uneven operation, and leaks around the head gasket area are also significant.
What data in the offer should be checked before ordering a cylinder head?Information about the brand, condition, OEM part number, interchangeable numbers, and fuel type is useful. Additionally, it is worth verifying whether the offered element is complete, what mounting points it has, and which engine version and equipment it is compatible with.

Summary: cylinder heads at the Global Parts automotive store

The cylinder head is a key element that affects the efficiency, durability, and reliability of the engine unit. The Global Parts offer includes used parts matched to many brands, including BMW, Mercedes, Audi, and others. When choosing, it is worth comparing the OEM number, interchangeable numbers, fuel type, element condition, and compatibility with engine accessories. We invite you to contact us – we are here to help you! For more information and interesting facts, we also invite you to our automotive blog.

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