two suggestions
 

Go the Beisan Systems web page and download the lengthy PDF instructions on doing their VANOS rebuild - it includes very detailed instructions on setting the timing - I believe for 3.0L and 4.4L. I did the VANOS rebuild at the same time I pulled my heads to replace head gaskets, clean up the lifters, and replaced all the timing chains/guides/etc on the 4.4L and those instructions were great.

Happy to endorse Beisan Systems and Raj - very helpful, even long after the sale. Beisan Systems - Procedures

I know for my 4.4, the BMW parts shows an extra-thick head gasket available in +0.3 mm (+0.012"). Only reason I can think of is for heads that have been machined... Look that up for your model and it should give you a quick idea if machining the head is a possibility.

This site (no endorsement intended) has good search and shows the diagrams (look under "engine" then "cylinder head attached parts"): BMW Parts - Authentic OEM BMW Parts direct from BMW of South Atlanta | BMW of South Atlanta

well tools came in last night took head off not good news look at pic crack at cyl-3 by intake valve and water hole. i don';t think it can be fix so looking for prices for use one
the guy we bought the truck from is willing to take of a months payment off even though it was as is. but i said i understand as is if it happen 1 year from now not 3 weeks after we pick the truck up.

I would take it in to a machine shop and see if it can be welded. Crack doesn't seems that big. The machinist that I used for my Lotuses and my friends BM Trouble U is pretty good at repairing heads.

+1

Get the head dye-pen inspected, have cracks ground down/weld filled, resurface head/grind valves & seats, then rebuild with new springs/guides/seals/retainers.

Your head will be better then most rebuilt heads if you use a good shop.

was quoted around $500.00 to fix crack= parts and labor nothing else

I agree that an excellent machinist can repair most cracks. In your case I would be concerned about taking that route since the crack ends in or very near the valve seat and extends into the water jacket. I think it is good that you are looking into the used head as another option.

yes i had to rethink that one as there more time and money to repair that small crack i went with a use head found this one with assurance of defect in writing.= BMW Dual Vanos Cylinder Head 1436812 E46 1999 2005 328i 328IS 330i 528i 530i X5 | eBay

i was able to get the guy to give me a brake on the price -$30.00 not bad still free shipping but i do have his guarantee on my paypal request money transfer.

Good decision!

????

One of the stud is bent and unless he includes the cam bearing caps I would walk. Cam bearing caps are align bore for each head and the caps must be replaced in the same locations.

http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/...ps740e85a9.jpg

My post related only to my opinion on the decision to go the used head route because of the location of the crack. I didn't check out the link, I should have.