I have owned my BMW 525 SE automatic since new in September 2001. I have fastidiously maintained it, including recently even changing the so-called for life gearbox oil. It ran perfectly reaching 160,000 miles until last week, when there was a massive rupture in the radiator, which has now been replaced, but my independent BMW garage tell me that although I switched off quickly the engine is damaged. They strongly suspect a cylinder head gasket failure. In their experience the head will be warped and the studs will have stretched, so any repair will be expensive. They recommend that I should try and find a salvaged engine from a breaker.

My choices are: 1) Walk away from her; offered £300 which will just about cover cost of new radiator. 2) buy a salvaged engine and take a chance that it is OK. I have been quoted £1050 which, with transport and installation costs, will work out at about £1500. 3) Get the engine remanufactured at cost of £1800 including transport and installation. 4) Get my local specialist BMW garage to strip it down and repair it at whatever the final unknown costs are. My head says option 1 but my heart says option 4. She's in lovely condition despite the mileage and age. Am I bonkers to spend more?