Valve Adjustment Kit Questions

[Cubieman]

I see Turner/ECS have kits for valve adjustment, they both include straight feeler gauges which I can't imagine are very handy and possibly not enough shims for the job.

For those who have experience in this matter what feeler gauge, tool, shims would you use on YOUR car? Also, would you suggest the use of digital calipers or a micrometer? Parts numbers would be awesome

Sounds like from another thread the Wiseco shims are acceptable. I would buy the OE if there is some compromises buying wiseco.
I realize there are plenty of DIYs but I just like asking these types of questions while the forum is populated by a high percentage of long time members.

I found out today my 60k inspection II did not include a valve inspection as they don't inspect valves unless the "engine is noisy" or exhibits a good reason to open the valve cover. I was a newb. then and didn't question that, but now I want to do this and get more familiar with this engine in the process.
Thanks for any help.

[Stack]

I use straight feeler gauge, works out for me no problem.
They are quite flexible and have no problem getting up in there.

I bought 2 sets of Wiseco shims, I remember on M3F there was a gentlemen who compared the two together (OEM vs Wiseco)
He did a hardening test by compressing them on some digital machine, can't tell you the exact details but it was a quite thorough test. (Wiseco passed)
I use them in my car, and dozens of other people do as well.

[terra]

WiseCo is fine. If I didn't already have the BMW set and a bunch of old shims removed from my car and other people's cars, I'd get the WiseCos or equivalent. There is truly no advantage to OEM.

I use a micrometer to measure the old shims, but a good set of digital calipers is probably OK

[duracellttu]

A member from the old forum originally found the WiseCo shims. Before that many people had already purchased the OEM kit. Since finding out about the WiseCo option many people have used them, and I havent heard any reports of issues cause by them. Honestly, I wouldnt be surprised if they were all made from the same manufacturer. Any feeler gauge will be fine. I use a Craftsman set that are angled at the end, but they are very flexible so if you got a straight set I dont see it being an issue. However, I did choose to get a nice micrometer to measure the old shims. Mituoyo makes really nice measurement tools (like below to the model I have).

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[R1pilot]

I am just in the process of doing this. I have:

• 2x Wiseco kits
• Craftsman feeler gages
• Mitutoyo micrometer
• BMW removal tool
• BMW valve cover gasket and grommets

I still run short 3 x 2.32 pills, so I bought a 3rd kit as it was the fastest way to get the needed pills.

Pic attached.

Hope this helps.

[ATB88]

I am just in the process of doing this. I have:

• 2x Wiseco kits
• Craftsman feeler gages
• Mitutoyo micrometer
• BMW removal tool
• BMW valve cover gasket and grommets

I still run short 3 x 2.32 pills, so I bought a 3rd kit as it was the fastest way to get the needed pills.

Pic attached.

Hope this helps.

could have also just bought the extra 2.32s separately (from FCP)

[Tbonem3]

Ya call local dealer not expensive

[R1pilot]

I called the dealer yesterday and they had none in stock. Delivery was Monday and I had to drive 30 miles to pay for them and the another 30 to pick them up. I bought an extra kit as I wanted to finish it this weekend and it was $8 to overnight from FCP.

[OneSwellFoop]

Do you have to have a micrometer to do the valve adjustment?

[terra]

Do you have to have a micrometer to do the valve adjustment?

You could probably manage without it with some trial and error, but it helps to know the size of the shim you take out so you know roughly which size to put back in

[Cubieman]

I bought this one:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00MBHXWGY/ref=dp_ob_neva_mobile

[Cubieman]

Is it OK to re-use the VCG if its only been on for a few months? Going to do a valve adj. then likely follow up with a Vanos rebuild later on.

[ATB88]

Is it OK to re-use the VCG if its only been on for a few months? Going to do a valve adj. then likely follow up with a Vanos rebuild later on.

If it's in good shape and you're careful in removing it then yes, as it's viton. I replace mine every time regardless of condition because FCP warranties them, it just takes another thing that could go wrong out of the equation and it's free.

[Smitsky089]

I bought the valve adjustment kit from ECS and didnt like the straight feelers, so I used the ones linked below that I already had. I imagine you could use the straight ones too though, there is more space than you'd think.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I used the Wiseco set without issue, and used a digital micrometer. Whichever option should be fine, just make sure to re-check the clearances after you change the shim to confirm your adjustment was correct and the changed valve is now in spec.

[Cubieman]

Any tips on figuring the math a bit easier for the shims? Has anyone come up with an xcel table or similar to make things a little easier in that respect or to help with keeping a nice record of what was there and what was replaced other than pencil to paper. Math has never been my strong suit so I could use some help. And yes I know about calculators