Valve Adjustment Kit Questions

[OPS]

It's been a long while since I have visited this particular subject of wiseco shims. Since we lost all of our information from the other site I figured I would take what I could find from our previous research into this particular subject and put it on the forum so others can learn. It's hard to believe we did this back in 2014! I attached the only image I had left from the test results.

Anyways here is what we initially wrote (p0lar and maruscmn)

Inexpensive Valve Shims Sourced - WiseCo VSK4

I know, the title seems misleading, I mean after all, they're < $4 each, right? Why bother? As self-titled keeper of the motorsport enthusiast M3 trust, I feel compelled to make as many changes to status quo as possible when it comes to protecting the financial interests of m3forum members.

So sometimes it only makes sense to buy shims individually if you have a dealer in close proximity, and only if that dealer sells them to you at a reasonable price, or only if you get them in on another order. In most other cases.... you'll want to read on.

I and another friend and forum member, after doing his valve adjustment, got frustrated with the status quo for what was $440 for a full set of shims so that we could just keep them on-hand while doing our own, and others', valve adjustments. His car was going to be down for a few weeks anyway, so we figured it wasn't a big deal to simply order the shims we needed and move on with life. It would have been nice to have an assortment of shims to choose from, but the money for a full shim kit was better spent on track time. (it always is)

As we all know, the stereotypical fleecing that's imparted upon us by BMW (amongst others) drives us to seek alternate solutions without compromise to performance or quality. As such, I'm here to post a review on the WiseCo VSK4 valve shim kit. This kit contains quantity 3 each of 8.85mm shims from 1.72mm to 2.60mm in 0.04mm increments. The OEM BMW kit contains the same shims from 1.72mm to 2.60mm in 0.04mm increments, but has 6 of each of those 23 different shims.

The difference? The VSK4 is about $38 + shipping, so a full replacement set to match the BMW kit would be just over $75 + shipping. That's a whoppingdifference of $364.

Skeptical as we were, we ordered a set anyway. After all, this is WiseCo, not some cheap knock-off (see RacerPro, ugh). Here is the set as it arrived: (No Pic remained)

Before the WiseCo shims arrived, we mic'd a NEW OEM 2.12mm shim. After three measurements at three different points around its circumference, it came out to 8.853mm in diameter. The same WiseCo 2.12mm shim mic'd at 8.849+mm in diameter for a difference of ~0.003mm (0.00012" difference). The magnetism was also tested and confirmed to be very similar to that of the OEM shims using an OEM tool, no difference was noted.

Most OEM shims have some variance in their thickness, such that 2.12mm shims may measure more or less than 2.12, so that measurement may not be accurate across a multitude of shims since there's only one data point. Regardless, our new OEM 2.12mm shim measured 2.126mm and our WiseCo 2.12mm shim measured 2.128mm.

The top side with thickness marking: (No Pics)


And the reverse side: (you wouldn't know which is which unless you saw the front)


So, what's the difference, then? Are the OEM shims hardened differently than the WiseCos? They're certainly not shaped differently. The hardness has been verified/validated - see the results at the end of this post, the WiseCos are through-hardened and precision ground. Atop that, WiseCo is a recognized name in high quality aftermarket engine parts, and actually produce pistons and piston rings for a number of aftermarket BMW engines, even the S54, amongst other bits and pieces.

I know there will be naysayers who say there's no replacement for the OEM valve shims because "BMW Quality", etc, but it's not as if BMW has exactly lived up to their quality standard with respect to the bulk of the valve train anyway, as a simple 'VANOS failure' search will indicate. Though the shims are thought to have no part in that particular catastrophe, it still begs the question that they've made unilaterally good decisions. I digress, back to the topic.

WiseCo produces good parts, and I can find no reason why these shims would fail their reputation or fail to operate as intended in the S54 valvetrain. We're going to test both the WiseCo and OEM shims for hardness to find out what the differences are, but I think we already know where this is headed. Both non-OEM shims have been tested and confirmed, results below! (Thanks to University of Missouri S&T Metallurgical Department)

So, I suppose I'm posting this so others can order a set, or sets, and taste the fruits of our experimentation or review for themselves. A valve adjustment and inspection shouldn't be an expensive endeavour, especially considering how important it is to the health and operation of the S54.

Both Hot Cams and Wiseco sell refills, part numbers as follows, but $5.77/5 pack shipped via eBay is VERY good on the HotCams!

Diameter	Thickness	Quantity	HotCams #	WiseCo #
8.9 mm	2.60 mm	5	5PK890260	VS8260
8.9 mm	2.56 mm	5	5PK890256	VS8256
8.9 mm	2.52 mm	5	5PK890252	VS8252
8.9 mm	2.48 mm	5	5PK890248	VS8248
8.9 mm	2.44 mm	5	5PK890244	VS8244
8.9 mm	2.40 mm	5	5PK890240	VS8240
8.9 mm	2.36 mm	5	5PK890236	VS8236
8.9 mm	2.32 mm	5	5PK890232	VS8232
8.9 mm	2.28 mm	5	5PK890228	VS8228
8.9 mm	2.24 mm	5	5PK890224	VS8224
8.9 mm	2.20 mm	5	5PK890220	VS8220
8.9 mm	2.16 mm	5	5PK890216	VS8216
8.9 mm	2.12 mm	5	5PK890212	VS8212
8.9 mm	2.08 mm	5	5PK890208	VS8208
8.9 mm	2.04 mm	5	5PK890204	VS8204
8.9 mm	2.00 mm	5	5PK890200	VS8200
8.9 mm	1.96 mm	5	5PK890196	VS8196
8.9 mm	1.92 mm	5	5PK890192	VS8192
8.9 mm	1.88 mm	5	5PK890188	VS8188
8.9 mm	1.84 mm	5	5PK890184	VS8184
8.9 mm	1.80 mm	5	5PK890180	VS8180
8.9 mm	1.76 mm	5	5PK890176	VS8176
8.9 mm	1.72 mm	5	5PK890172	VS8172

Updated 04.04.2014: Shim hardness testing results are in - it's a match!

Description	Test 1	Test 2	Test 3	Test 4	Test 5	Mean	StDev
WiseCo (new)	62	62	62.5	62	62.5	62.2	0.274
OEM (used)	62.5	62.5	63	63	62.5	62.7	0.274
OEM (new)	62	62	62.5	62.5	62.5	62.3	0.274
HotCams (new)	61	62	62	61	62	61.6	0.548

[eacmen]

Cool thanks for the info. I'll take a look at the TIS procedure. Any chance there is anything as good as Drei Bond 1209 that doesn't cost 25 dollars?

Toyota FIPG. Worth every penny.

[Obioban]

Cool thanks for the info. I'll take a look at the TIS procedure. Any chance there is anything as good as Drei Bond 1209 that doesn't cost 25 dollars?

I don’t use any sealant and the car doesn’t leak any oil. Makes the jobs a lot easier and cleaner. Been doing this for over a decade and never seen a drop leaked.

[gabylonfive]

another +1 for wiseco shims here. I actually use a set of BMW 90* feelers for my valve adjustments - they're very easy to use however the increments are in .05mm so you don't quite get an exact lash measurement down to the hundredth. close enough to get within spec though.

[Slideways]

Cool thanks for the info. I'll take a look at the TIS procedure. Any chance there is anything as good as Drei Bond 1209 that doesn't cost 25 dollars?

Most RTVs will work fine, but I did notice that Drei Bond is more viscous, easily workable without making a mess and seals very well. For something difficult to access like the oil pan gasket, I'd opt for Drei Bond or something equivalent. Even though the tube is small and expensive, a small amount goes a long way and I could see the tube lasting a long time.

[SteelGreyM]

I have used wiseco shims a few times with no issues. Technically you can get away without a micrometer but you’ll save hours of work with one.

instead of guessing a choosing which shin to put in you can just measure the one out of the car with your micrometer and simply get one a little larger

[sina]

FYI the TIS states that you should apply Drei Bond 1209

Cool thanks for the info. I'll take a look at the TIS procedure. Any chance there is anything as good as Drei Bond 1209 that doesn't cost 25 dollars?

[Titaniu//M]

FYI the TIS states that you should apply Drei Bond 1209 around the rear of the cylinder head on the "half moons", and in the front where the timing cover meets the head before installing the VCG. I didn't the first time I did this, and smelled some faint burning oil. Redid it with a new gasket and the proper Drei Bond sealant and the smell is gone. Less is more- a small dab in the front and thin line in the rear is enough.

[JamesSJ1]

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.

I had my valve cover off and on probably a dozen times in the 45k miles before I replaced the VCG (authentic BMW) and never had one leak. As long as you're careful around it, and best if you don't have to remove it from the VANOS area (where you applied gasket sealant), you'll be just fine.

[Flat-Six]

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

I would, as I measured all the old shims I pulled out and reused some to get more precise clearance, as they wear a bit which gives you more flexibility. I was able to get all of mine very close to mid clearance, by measuring every shim as well as reusing some of the old shims. But I've always been overly precise on valve adjustments, due to all the air cooled work I used to do.

[jbfrancis3]

The best feeler gauges I ever bought were these tapered ones. Sold either through desmotimes.com or EMSduc.com. I'm sure someone could find the manufacturer and other distributors but in the mean time, here they are: https://emsduc.com/product/product-51-feeler-gauges/

[sina]

Thanks guys

[heinzboehmer]

Is this necessary on an 03.5 (built 4/03)? Any other specialty tools that are MUST haves?

You should be fine without the crankshaft tool. You will need a 32mm (I think) socket to turn the crank though.

I like having a micrometer as well, as you can measure the old and new shims before putting them in, instead of guessing what will work and then checking with the feeler gauge.

[LukesM]

I'm getting ready to do a valve adjustment, and stumbled over ECS' DIY. They mentioned that for early model year cars a crankshaft socket is required.

Is this necessary on an 03.5 (built 4/03)? Any other specialty tools that are MUST haves? I have feeler gauges, and got the magnetic removal tool. Just want to make sure I don't regret missing anything with how slow COVID shipping can be.

Best to take a look and see if you need the specialty tool or a 32mm socket. I used a short 32mm 1/2” drive socket and it worked great. You will need a 32mm open end wrench to remove the fan. I bought a craftsman one for $15 on amazon.

It can be intimidating doing the valve adjustment if you read about it but it’s actually very simple once you get going.

one thing about the ecs feeler gauges is that you have to stack feelers for certain sizes. I would prefer to not stack feelers but it’s just a personal preference. Ie. No .007” feeler so you need to use .005 and .002. It works fine but if I did this for a living I would use a better set with .001 increments.

im also not sure if the bmw shim tool is steel but the schwaben tool is plastic.

Mine is complete but haven’t buttoned up the valve cover because I’m debating on doing full besian vanos. I’m probably going to do it but I’m just over thinking everything as usual.

[sina]

I'm getting ready to do a valve adjustment, and stumbled over ECS' DIY. They mentioned that for early model year cars a crankshaft socket is required.

Is this necessary on an 03.5 (built 4/03)? Any other specialty tools that are MUST haves? I have feeler gauges, and got the magnetic removal tool. Just want to make sure I don't regret missing anything with how slow COVID shipping can be.