Vulcan CR Head Gasket BMW N20

The Vulcan CR Head Gasket BMW N20 is the OEM-grade replacement seal engineered for BMW's turbocharged four-cylinder engine found in vehicles like the 228i, 320i, 328i, and X1 xDrive28i. This gasket sits between the cylinder head and engine block, creating a critical pressure-tight seal that prevents coolant and oil from mixing while containing combustion forces. Whether you're performing routine maintenance after high-mileage service or rebuilding after overheating damage, this SCE Gaskets product ensures your N20 engine maintains proper compression and thermal stability.

SCE Gaskets' Vulcan CR compound uses a multi-layer elastomer core with steel shims that withstand the N20's up to 13.8:1 compression ratio and peak combustion pressures without deformation or creep. The CR designation indicates a composition optimized for modern direct-injection turbocharged applications, offering superior sealing compared to conventional cork or composite gaskets. Its precise engineering tolerates the thermal cycling stress of engine warm-up and cool-down cycles while resisting degradation from BMW's OEM coolant additives and synthetic oils, preventing the weeping failures that plague worn factory gaskets.

Mechanics and DIY enthusiasts rebuilding N20 heads should torque this gasket to BMW's specifications (typically 11 ft-lbs initial, then 90° increments to final spec) on a clean, resurfaced deck to achieve proper clamp load. Installation requires removal of the intake manifold, exhaust manifold, and valve cover—a 4–6 hour job for experienced technicians. Verify your cylinder head surface finish meets BMW tolerances before installation to maximize gasket life; this Vulcan CR gasket will deliver 80,000+ miles of reliable sealing when installed correctly on factory-spec torque sequences.