Difficulty Retarding Camshafts

[sapote]

I haven’t removed the VANOS yet. Everyone is saying to get the cams fully retarded before removing the VANOS. Are you suggesting that’s not necessary?

With crank at TDC compress, just remove the vanos and the hubs, then set the cams as you like.

[sapote]

The two covers on the front of the VANOS (one intake and one exhaust). Each is held by 3x 5mm hex bolts.

They are piston covers.

You have done with the cam sleeve bolts Loctite, and in the process of intalling the vanos back and setting the timing?
Turn the cams to align with the pin when the vanos was removed and hub bolts loosen.

[Bob Sacamano]

What is the vanos splined shaft cover? You mean the hub held by 6 10mm bolts?

To turn the cam easily: loosen the hub bolts.

I haven’t removed the VANOS yet. Everyone is saying to get the cams fully retarded before removing the VANOS. Are you suggesting that’s not necessary?

[Bob Sacamano]

The two covers on the front of the VANOS (one intake and one exhaust). Each is held by 3x 5mm hex bolts.

[sapote]

I have the engine at TDC with the BMW locking pin inserted. I have also removed the solenoid pack and VANOS splined shaft covers.

For the life of me, I cannot seem to retard the exhaust cam.
Thank you.

What is the vanos splined shaft cover? You mean the hub held by 6 10mm bolts?

To turn the cam easily: loosen the hub bolts.

[Bob Sacamano]

I'm working to bulletproofing my VANOS and am at the stage where I need to retard the camshafts. I am following the Beisan procedure and also referencing the ShopLifeTV and Fatboys Garage YouTube guides. I have the engine at TDC with the BMW locking pin inserted. I have also removed the solenoid pack and VANOS splined shaft covers.

For the life of me, I cannot seem to retard the exhaust cam to get the cam aligning pin where it ought to be. It barely moves with a large 24mm open wrench. The intake is basically dead-on, although I didn't have to mess with retarding it to get it there.

Any ideas? Just hit it with my purse?

Thank you.