Inspection Service Query

[R60BBA]

As I’m sure you will be aware, but one of the main jobs of an Inspection service (whether it be I or II) is valve clearances.

Out of interest, how does your garage evidence this?

(See poll above).

Also, if you wouldn’t mind stating who you use for this service and what their preferred method is; that would be helpful.

Cheers

 

[Angelus666]

PMW in Chelmsford. Not cheap, but excellent work.

 

[Darren Slone]

SGS in Mansfield, he’s also a friend and I trust him implicitly :driving:

 

[R60BBA]

PMW in Chelmsford. Not cheap, but excellent work.

How do they evidence your valve clearances have been done mate?

 

[-Tom-]

Dick Lovett Bath, shim report on request from experience. Recent insp 2 I asked and received that, whereas insp 1 I didn't ask and unfortunately they didn't provide the report; although the invoice includes additional gaskets etc on it from it being opened up. Apart from the odd hick-up , they seem to have generally been pretty good with me over the years.

(car is under extended warranty, hence main dealer care. this topic alone is a can of worms I know).

 

[R_P_M_]

I suppose even a shims report could just be made up if someone really wanted to, so trust is the main answer unless you get photos. Ford emailed me a 3 min video for my focus RS service which was cool.

 

[R60BBA]

I've noticed some people are voting for 'Shims report + photos/video of engine with valve cover off'.

Which garages are providing this service?

 

[mmm-five]

How do I vote for all 4, as I've had examples of each at different places (various dealers and a couple of specialists)...until I settled on my current garage (now friend)

 

[R60BBA]

How do I vote for all 4, as I've had examples of each at different places (various dealers and a couple of specialists)...until I settled on my current garage (now friend)

Haha why is finding a transparent garage so difficult :headbang:

 

[PDJ]

This is so easy to fiddle

First though as an engineer is if you use BMW shim tool it is a go no go gap tool ie it fits it is loose if it does not it is tight, if you do it with feeler gauges it is down to the persons feel using them, but you can have a measurement noted down,
Then do they let one or two go is it is only just out of spec and unless they have loads in stock the whole process have to repeated when they have the sizes they believe to be the correct ones.

This is what I did with my engine valve clearances I measured the gap, put the position and gap in a spread sheet then removed and measured each shim in turn so as not to mix them up and noted that against the position in the spread sheet, this now allows me to measure the gap then work out the next size up in shim and order some so reducing the overall time next time.

 

[srhutch]

I've noticed some people are voting for 'Shims report + photos/video of engine with valve cover off'.

Which garages are providing this service?

only a video of them actually doing the shims on your car would act as full proof. They could easily take a photo with the cover off, doesnt prove shims were changed.

 

[PDJ]

Video of your engine or someone else's would have to have it sweep round the car inc reg number etc

Sometimes you just have to trust people

 

[Angelus666]

PMW in Chelmsford. Not cheap, but excellent work.

How do they evidence your valve clearances have been done mate?

I guess you don’t really 100% know, but Like any decent garage IMO they’ll provide you with all the bits you ask for/want, so photos, video and will even allow you to watch any work being done if you’re that inclined.

Are you paranoid that your garage are BS the work they’re doing/charging for?

 

[R60BBA]

I've noticed some people are voting for 'Shims report + photos/video of engine with valve cover off'.

Which garages are providing this service?

only a video of them actually doing the shims on your car would act as full proof. They could easily take a photo with the cover off, doesnt prove shims were changed.

This is the kind of evidence I am referring to - https://video.citnow.com/vtJY7GfPNb2

 

[R60BBA]

PMW in Chelmsford. Not cheap, but excellent work.

How do they evidence your valve clearances have been done mate?

I guess you don’t really 100% know, but Like any decent garage IMO they’ll provide you with all the bits you ask for/want, so photos, video and will even allow you to watch any work being done if you’re that inclined.

Are you paranoid that your garage are BS the work they’re doing/charging for?

Paranoid is a strong word.

But without going into it too much - yes I’m looking for a new garage.

 

[GT Spec]

I've noticed some people are voting for 'Shims report + photos/video of engine with valve cover off'.

Which garages are providing this service?

only a video of them actually doing the shims on your car would act as full proof. They could easily take a photo with the cover off, doesnt prove shims were changed.

This is the kind of evidence I am referring to - https://video.citnow.com/vtJY7GfPNb2

This is good practice. Boosts confidence in the work being carried out.

 

[Angelus666]

How do they evidence your valve clearances have been done mate?

I guess you don’t really 100% know, but Like any decent garage IMO they’ll provide you with all the bits you ask for/want, so photos, video and will even allow you to watch any work being done if you’re that inclined.

Are you paranoid that your garage are BS the work they’re doing/charging for?

Paranoid is a strong word.

But without going into it too much - yes I’m looking for a new garage.

If you’re close to Chelmsford then I’d certainly recommend them. Speak to Chris there who will give you confidence that they’ll do a good job.

My other go to inde garages are Highams Park BMW. It’s not a flash garage but they’re excellent at solving any issue with the car. Also Thorney Motorsport is a top garage in MK. I took my CSL there for 3 years and it never ever missed a beat.

 

[just-right]

In the end they can fake almost everything if they wanted to, even a video. Good feedback from others and the garage having been upfront with you in the past will surely help!

My independent specialist told me that they never did the shims on any s54 while he was working as a head mechanic at the local dealership.

 

[BTZ461]

Really guys I just cannot believe how weird and precious you posters are becoming on this forum. What with the rod bearing replacement issues, and now this I'm beginning to wonder it the the Z4M is really the car for you all. If we may recount over the past twelve years we have owned eight S54, and S50 engined cars. Yes, they have all been low mileage examples, all have had a serious going over on arrival. All have had without exception valve clearances within spec. It is extremely rare to find an engine outside spec, just ask any competent engineer the stats. And the same with the alleged rod bearing issue. None of the pictures posted on this forum would have given me cause for concern, sure there was signs of wear, but given age and mileage, no more nor less than what an engineer would expect to see. Like the shins you are all banging on about they are wear items.
Come on chaps, give yourselves a serious talking to, anyone considering the purchase of a Z4M and looking through these forum pages could quite rightly make a decision not to acquire a car because of the misinformation your all are constantly spouting off to all and sundry. Perhaps the BMW M brand is not the brand to have in your garages :roll:
And those amongst us of us who have garage workshops as a business are laughing their heads off at all the misinformation floating about, come on guys it is not always true if you read about it on the internet :x

 

[mr wilks]

Really guys I just cannot believe how weird and precious you posters are becoming on this forum. What with the rod bearing replacement issues, and now this I'm beginning to wonder it the the Z4M is really the car for you all. If we may recount over the past twelve years we have owned eight S54, and S50 engined cars. Yes, they have all been low mileage examples, all have had a serious going over on arrival. All have had without exception valve clearances within spec. It is extremely rare to find an engine outside spec, just ask any competent engineer the stats. And the same with the alleged rod bearing issue. None of the pictures posted on this forum would have given me cause for concern, sure there was signs of wear, but given age and mileage, no more nor less than what an engineer would expect to see. Like the shins you are all banging on about they are wear items.
Come on chaps, give yourselves a serious talking to, anyone considering the purchase of a Z4M and looking through these forum pages could quite rightly make a decision not to acquire a car because of the misinformation your all are constantly spouting off to all and sundry. Perhaps the BMW M brand is not the brand to have in your garages :roll:
And those amongst us of us who have garage workshops as a business are laughing their heads off at all the misinformation floating about, come on guys it is not always true if you read about it on the internet :x

Just about THE best post i've read this year

any thoughts on CV19 ?