5150 AutoSport Head Gasket & Head Stud Kit, BMW M50/M52/S50/S52

Performance Head Gasket & Head Stud Kit for BMW M50 / M52 / S50 / S52

Designed for high-performance BMW M50, M52, S50, and S52 iron block engines in E34 and E36 chassis, this kit provides a reliable solution for boosted and high-horsepower applications. Customers can choose between Cometic MLS or Athena-SCE Cut-Ring head gaskets and ARP2000 or Custom Age 625+ head studs, depending on their performance needs.

Head Gasket Options

• Cometic MLS Head Gasket – Ideal for turbocharged and supercharged builds, featuring multi-layer stainless steel construction for superior sealing, reduced bore distortion, and resistance to extreme heat and pressure.

• Athena-SCE Cut-Ring Head Gasket – Recommended for applications exceeding 16 psi, using AISI 304 stainless steel cut rings that bite into the aluminum head for an unmatched seal. This design is ideal for high-boost turbo and nitrous setups.

Head Stud Kit Options

• ARP2000 Head Stud Kit – High-strength 190 ksi tensile strength studs designed for moderate to high-performance engines, providing superior clamping force over OEM bolts.

• Custom Age 625+ Head Stud Kit – Ultimate 260 ksi tensile strength studs for extreme boost applications, preventing head lift under high cylinder pressures without requiring 11mm stud conversion or block modifications.

Installation Notes

• Ensure cylinder head and block surfaces are professionally cleaned and resurfaced.
• Follow ARP torque specifications and the proper tightening sequence.
• Re-torque the studs after initial heat cycles for maximum gasket sealing.

1. To ensure proper thread engagement and accurate torque readings, clean ALL threads in the block. Chase if necessary with ARP Thread Chaser.

2. Clean and inspect all hardware prior to installation. Look for obvious defects or shipping damages, plus proper fit, length and dimension.

3. If the cylinder head studs protrude into a water jacket, lubricate the block threads of the studs with ARP THREAD SEALER.

4. Screw studs into the block “HAND TIGHT ONLY”.

5. Install the cylinder head(s) and check for binding or misalignment.

6. Lubricate the stud threads, nuts and washers with ARP ULTRA-TORQUE FASTENER ASSEMBLY LUBRICANT.

Then install the washers and the nuts onto the studs and tighten them hand tight.

ARP recommends using the ARP ULTRA-TORQUE FASTENER ASSEMBLY LUBRICANT that is provided with each kit as opposed to motor oil. This is due to higher friction on the studs as well as inconsistencies in the clamping force of the fasteners when motor oil or other low quality lubricants are used.

PRELOAD (TORQUE) RECOMMENDATIONS

7. Following the manufacturers recommended torque sequence tighten the nuts steps 1-3

ARP2000

with ARP Ultra-Torque fastener assembly lubricant

12	10	4	2	6	8	14
13	7	5	1	3	9	11