Engine heads

The cylinder head is one of the most important components in the engine's design. It's responsible for the proper flow of air, fuel, and exhaust gases, as well as for sealing the combustion chambers, enabling efficient engine operation. Without a functioning cylinder head, optimal engine performance and durability are impossible. At Global Parts, you'll find a wide selection of used car parts . including engine heads fitted to BMW , Audi , Mercedes , Volkswagen , Mini and others.

What are the functions of the engine head?

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

• Combustion Chamber Creation – The cylinder head closes the cylinders from the top, allowing the fuel-air mixture to burn properly.
• Flow Management – Responsible for supplying air and fuel to the cylinders and for evacuating exhaust gases through the intake and exhaust valves.
• Timing belt assembly – Contains the camshafts, rocker arms and other components responsible for the precise opening and closing of the valves.
• Cooling and Lubrication – Includes oil and cooling channels to prevent overheating and wear of key components. Precise manufacturing of the engine head and its proper maintenance are essential for the reliable operation of the drive unit. The cylinder head is made of aluminum or cast iron, depending on the model and year of production. Cars such as the BMW E46 320d use 4-cylinder cylinder heads with 2 or 4 valves per cylinder, integrated with cooling and oil passages. Typical cylinder head weights range from 10 to 25 kg, and combustion chamber diameters range from 80 to 85 mm for 2.0-liter engines. For sports models and M versions, cylinder heads with increased airflow and modified valve geometry are often used.

Why is it worth taking care of the engine head?

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

• Loss of compression – Causes a decrease in engine power and efficiency.
• Engine overheating – Resulting from leaks in the cooling channels.
• Valve and valve seat wear – Resulting in fuel and exhaust flow problems.
• Oil and coolant leaks – May lead to failure of other components. At Global Parts we offer original used engine heads , which undergo rigorous quality tests, ensuring their durability and reliability. 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 6,000 rpm. These parameters are crucial for power, torque, and fuel economy. Engine heads are compatible with specific injection systems, intake manifolds, and head gaskets, allowing for precise part fit.

How to choose the right engine head?

When choosing an engine head, there are several key aspects to consider:

• Vehicle-specific fit – Every car make and model has its own specific technical requirements. At Global Parts, you'll find cylinder heads perfectly suited to BMW , Audi , Mercedes , Volkswagen , Mini , and more.
• Technical Condition – Make sure 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 known mileage and has been regularly serviced.

Sample table of heads and basic parameters

Vehicle model	Head type	Number of valves	Material	Approximate weight
BMW E46 320d	4-cylinder, diesel	4 per cylinder	Aluminum	12–14 kg
BMW E46 330i	6-cylinder, petrol	4 per cylinder	Aluminum	18–20 kg
Mercedes C200	4-cylinder, petrol	4 per cylinder	Cast iron	22 kg
Audi A4 2.0 TDI	4-cylinder, diesel	4 per cylinder	Aluminum	13 kg

Why choose used engine heads?

Used car parts , such as a cylinder head, is an excellent solution that allows for savings while maintaining high quality. When choosing used cylinder heads, you gain:

• Lower costs – Used components are much cheaper than new ones, but offer equally high quality.
• Ecology – Recycling car parts supports environmental protection and reduces waste.
• A wide range – In our store you will find engine heads for the most popular car brands. In practice, used cylinder heads fit original injection units, manifolds, and turbochargers. Model- and year-specific compatibility allows for the preservation of original flow geometry and compression pressure parameters .

How to care for the engine head?

To ensure that your engine head functions reliably for years to come, it is important to follow a few rules:

• Change the coolant regularly to prevent corrosion of the cooling channels.
• Check the condition of your engine head gaskets to avoid leaks and loss of compression.
• Monitor the operation of the timing system and replace worn components such as camshafts and valves. If you need to replace your engine head, you'll find the right used car parts at Global Parts. that will restore your vehicle to full working order. The head evaluation procedure includes:

1. Checking the flatness of the contact surface with the engine block (tolerance 0.05 mm).
2. Check valves and seats for wear (valve seat diameter: 34–38 mm on E46).
3. Verification of cooling and oil channels for obstruction.
4. Leakage measurement at a pressure of 3–5 bar to detect micro-cracks.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions about car cylinder heads

Question	Answer
What is a motor head?	The engine head is a component of the engine that closes the cylinders from the top, enables combustion of the fuel-air mixture and supports the timing system.
What is the difference between a car cylinder head and a standard engine cylinder head?	An automotive cylinder head simply refers to the head fitted to a vehicle – it contains the cooling channels, oil channels and the valve mounting area.
What does matching the cylinder head to the vehicle model mean?	This indicates compliance with dimensions, number of valves, material and cooling system - e.g. the BMW E46 320d cylinder head only fits the corresponding 2.0d engines.
How to recognize engine head wear?	Typical signs include loss of compression, loss of engine power, and changes in oil or coolant pressure.
Does the used cylinder head fit turbo engines?	Yes, if it is compatible with the specific model and year, e.g. BMW E46 320d cylinder head with turbocharger.
What parameters are important when replacing the head?	Weight, material, number of valves, cylinder diameter, compatibility with manifold and injection system.
Do used cylinder heads retain factory engine performance?	Yes, if they are correctly fitted and match the parameters of the original drive unit.

Summary: Cylinder Head at Global Parts

The cylinder head is a key component that affects the performance, durability, and reliability of the engine. By maintaining its technical condition, you ensure years of trouble-free vehicle operation. The Global Parts automotive store invites you to browse our extensive selection of original used car parts . Whether you're looking for car parts for BMW , Audi , Volkswagen , Mercedes, Mini , and more, you'll find them at competitive prices. We strive to ensure every customer finds the right parts for their car, and if you have any questions or concerns about selecting the right components, we're happy to help! Please contact us – we're here to help! For more information and interesting facts, visit our automotive blog .