Cam Ticking

[SpecM]

I think the shop manual calls for 1.0 hrs to set the valves

[gtdragon980]

valve adjustments are really easy and im a newbie with bmws. all it takes is a little knowledge of where the tdc of the 1st cylinder is and the proper order of adjustments are to be made. i believe it just needs a 10 mm socket and ratchet for the valve cover and 10 mm wrench for the rocker nuts and a feeler gauge..took me 20 mins :)

forgot to add..but your valves will tick no matter what, its just the natural sound of an e30

[KenC]

It's supposed to sound like a sewing machine.

[SpecM]

its just the natural sound of an e30

the natural, beautiful sound of an e30

[distorto]

i was just quoted 2.5 hours/$260ish for an adjustment.

[SpecM]

i was just quoted 2.5 hours/$260ish for an adjustment.

way too much

I'll do it for $50 :D

[norcalE30]

i was just quoted 2.5 hours/$260ish for an adjustment.

you can do it yourself for free in like 20 mins...

[Arpegius]

I notice a ticking as well and mine haven't been adjusted for 16k miles or so. The guys at autohaus bayern (my local BMW specialists who I trust most with my car) say a ticking like a sewing machine is normal. They also told me valves should be adjusted every 25-30k miles. I know many others will say 15-20k miles is recommended. What's everyone else take on this?

[gtdragon980]

it really doesnt matter unless you actually notice really loud valves its fine i would say, but if you want to take precaution then every 20-25k sounds just about right

[R3CKL355]

Yea i have the regular valve chatter, and one tick that kind of erks me, is it still okay to dawg it out? i drift my car, so im constantly taching it out.. from what ive heard the m20 is a rock solid platform for a nice beating..

[gtdragon980]

well just open up your valve cover and stick a feeler in between the rockers eccentrics and the valve spring contact point when the lobes are facing completely downward, and you'll see how much of slack you have. here its very easy, no need for a professional mechanic

http://www.pelicanparts.com/bmw/techarticles/E30-Valve_Adjust/E30-Valve_Adjust.htm