Inspection 1, valve adjustment necessary?

[gcochard]

I know BMW is supposed to do a valve adjustment during inspection 1 but I am out of the maintenance period. Two Indy shops I called said that a valve adjustment is not really necessary after 26k miles, what have others seen at similar mileage?

[mshanno1]

Originally Posted by cliffhopper

I know BMW is supposed to do a valve adjustment during inspection 1 but I am out of the maintenance period. Two Indy shops I called said that a valve adjustment is not really necessary after 26k miles, what have others seen at similar mileage?

Mine just passed the 26k mark as well. The dealer stated that mine was within spec, and did not require an adjustment.

[chickdr]

Originally Posted by mshanno1

Mine just passed the 26k mark as well. The dealer stated that mine was within spec, and did not require an adjustment.

Did they actually check the valves and give you a measurement sheet? I wouldn't just take their word about it. You would know if you have a new valve cover gasket.

[dubsesd]

How would they know of they did not take off the valve cover and check clearances? Is it just an audible test?

[ruscoupe]

Have to echo the others question/concern. There is no way to tell if a valve adj is necessary w/o opening her up and taking a look.

When I frequented an E46 M3 board back in the days when I owned mine, it seems the consensus was that even the most gently pushed S54's seem to require at least some degree of adj at that kind of mileage.

Ashamed to admit it, but I never really pushed that car (no track or autox) and even mine required some adjustments at, if IIRC, ~24k miles.

YMMV (but I'd be a little surprised)
Rus

[gcochard]

I guess it's time to call the shops back and just ask what the cost is then.

[Shipkiller]

My inspection 1 was performed at 22K. Seven shims needed..

[03BeastCharmer]

Originally Posted by Shipkiller

My inspection 1 was performed at 22K. Seven shims needed..

Ditto. Mine was done at a similar mileage, and many shims were needed.

[jmillet]

Avoid the two shops you called; they obviously don't know anything about the S54 engine and its rather complicated mechanical valve train.
The only way I know of to check valve clearances is to remove the valve cover and use a feeler gauge. By the time you've done this procedure 80% of the job is done. Parts will run you around $100 (not including spark plugs which you might as well replace) and labor will come to from four to six hours depanding on the experience of the tech doing the job and the number of valves requiring adjustment.
Most indy shops in the Seattle area specializing in BMW service charge at least $95 per hour so you're looking at between $400 and $600 for the job.
The operative question to ask is "how many S54 engine valve adjustments has your tech done in the past six months?" Does the shop have the necessary special tools and shim kit to do the job?
Do your homework first by reviewing procedures found here:
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...8&postcount=49
http://m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=113415
http://www.bmpdesign.com/technical/e46_valve_adj_p1.php
http://www.euroaddiction.net/forum/m...djustment.html
Do a search and you'll find even more to include a valve clearance/shim replacement worksheet.

Originally Posted by cliffhopper

I know BMW is supposed to do a valve adjustment during inspection 1 but I am out of the maintenance period. Two Indy shops I called said that a valve adjustment is not really necessary after 26k miles, what have others seen at similar mileage?

[gcochard]

Maybe I talked to the wrong person, but I called a shop that Dr Vanos recommends. Jim, you gave me some much better questions to ask, thank you.

I appreciate the procedure links, the second one is very detailed.

I have the worksheet around here somewhere...

[mhughett]

Originally Posted by 03BeastCharmer

Ditto. Mine was done at a similar mileage, and many shims were needed.

I had my inspection I done in November. 15 shims were changed out. Seems to me that assuming that it isn't needed may not be accurate.

[Shipkiller]

I have two type of sheets here: http://www.shipkiller.com/S54_Valve_Adjustment.html

[Finnegan]

Originally Posted by Shipkiller

I have two type of sheets here: http://www.shipkiller.com/S54_Valve_Adjustment.html

Site looks good!