Valve clearance check and shim replacement. Input from the DIY-er

[srhutch]

The point about temperature is a good one. You will find the just having the ambient go from 7’C to 20’C will put them out of spec (yes the tolerance really is that tight). The fact that the engine has to work just as well at 10’C as it does a 90’C does make a bit of a mockery out of it imho.

The engine doesn’t work so well at 10’C though, that’s why you need to let it warm up. The tolerance at cold is to compensate for the operating temperature.

[Spaniarduk]

Thanks ph001

[Spaniarduk]

srhutch, also a good point.
Overall it os clear that to be able to do a good job of the valve clearance check it is best for the engine to be at about 20C

[BMWZ4MC]

Having seen the instructions with the kit, I’m think I’ll adjust the valve clearances on mine next time. It removes the stress of trying to find a competent mechanic with experience of the S54 in Sydney too.

[john-e89]

john-e89, thanks John. I'll be plucking up the necessary bravery between now and the spring lol.
To be fair in my job I do carry out repairs (I'm a Carl Zeiss Confocal Microscopy service engineer) where in essence the processes and method are not that dissimilar. All i need is a quiet corner, pen, paper and break up the task. The rest comes on its own after that.

john-e89, it sounds like youve done this before. Where do you source your shims? Did you buy a whole kit or just the required ones, once you measured?

Hey Spaniard,

I used individual shims once I’d measured as these cars are a toy so time wasn’t an issue which was the best approach for me as I could get the exact shims I wanted. I can’t comment on the shim kits I’m afraid as I’ve never used one. Best of luck, I’m sure you’ll be fine.

[Spaniarduk]

Thanks john-e89, just what i was thinking. My Z4MR is a fair weather toy, so no particular rush in getting it done. Only shame is that I'll have to wait for the warmer weather to do it.
The kit mentioned in one of the other posts seems amazing value, though!

[john-e89]

Thanks john-e89, just what i was thinking. My Z4MR is a fair weather toy, so no particular rush in getting it done. Only shame is that I'll have to wait for the warmer weather to do it.
The kit mentioned in one of the other posts seems amazing value, though!

It does certainly, however my slight ocd would leave a thought always wondering if the kit shims are as hard as OEM, buying genuine shims knocks that issue out. Maybe they’re all made by the same people I don’t know but....you get it. But maybe that’s just me being a bit OTT admittedly.

[Darren Slone]

Having seen the instructions with the kit, I’m think I’ll adjust the valve clearances on mine next time. It removes the stress of trying to find a competent mechanic with experience of the S54 in Sydney too.

Richard I’m coming over in April with Swmbo, with a bit of luck you’ll get that drink I owe you we’re staying in North Curl Curl on the Northern Beaches sorry OP for the highjack

[Mangozac]

It does certainly, however my slight ocd would leave a thought always wondering if the kit shims are as hard as OEM, buying genuine shims knocks that issue out. Maybe they’re all made by the same people I don’t know but....you get it. But maybe that’s just me being a bit OTT admittedly.

John, I've seen on the E46 forums people have had the Wiseco shims tested and shown them to be identical to the OEM shims in regards to size, hardness, etc. It's good enough for my level of OCD

Edit: I decided to be less lazy and actually look up the post. I think this is as good a recommendation as any: http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=467647

[Spaniarduk]

Mangozac, interesting read now ill have a look to see of we can get those shim kits in the U.K.
Thanks again

[BMWZ4MC]

Having seen the instructions with the kit, I’m think I’ll adjust the valve clearances on mine next time. It removes the stress of trying to find a competent mechanic with experience of the S54 in Sydney too.

Richard I’m coming over in April with Swmbo, with a bit of luck you’ll get that drink I owe you we’re staying in North Curl Curl on the Northern Beaches sorry OP for the highjack

Excellent, I’ll PM my number to you

[john-e89]

It does certainly, however my slight ocd would leave a thought always wondering if the kit shims are as hard as OEM, buying genuine shims knocks that issue out. Maybe they’re all made by the same people I don’t know but....you get it. But maybe that’s just me being a bit OTT admittedly.

John, I've seen on the E46 forums people have had the Wiseco shims tested and shown them to be identical to the OEM shims in regards to size, hardness, etc. It's good enough for my level of OCD

Edit: I decided to be less lazy and actually look up the post. I think this is as good a recommendation as any: http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=467647

Well there you go, just ask someone who knows...

Thanks very much for that Mangozac, very good info.

[beanie]

I’ve been using the wiseco shims for years and so far (touch wood) nothing out of the ordinary has happened. They don’t appear to wear abnormally compared to the oem shims and are still in spec when used and checked with a micrometer.

Apart from the shim tool, you’ll need a big ol’ socket to turn the engine-I think it’s 32mm from memory, but check that on one of the guides online.

[Spaniarduk]

Thanks beanie.
Every how many miles do you check the valve clearance? Do you find you have to replace shims every time you check the valve clearance?

[beanie]

They’re meant to be checked every inspection so that’s a maximum of about 28k miles if you go by the service indicator.

I tend to do them once, sometimes twice a year and although some might find it excessive, I’ve generally found I’ll need to change a couple of shims.

No harm to be doing it yearly imo and tbh, if mine was a track car I’d do it more frequently.