M20 Head Bolt Socket

[jeffnhiscars]

I'm looking at sockets and I see the torx e12 but it doesn't say it's M20 specific

Is this what everyone is using ?

[Andre3127]

M20 head bolts are either 17mm or E14 e-torx.

[jeffnhiscars]

M20 head bolts are either 17mm or E14 e-torx.

I hope no one still has 17mm head bolts.

[325e '87]

I hope no one still has 17mm head bolts.

Both ours do. I’m preparing for a fresh head sometime this winter. Also, I haven’t read enough about the b27 to know if it’s an issue on the e cars. I’m sure the eta could benefit from a fresh head too, both engines are stock original with 200k miles on them.

[jeffnhiscars]

Both ours do. I’m preparing for a fresh head sometime this winter. Also, I haven’t read enough about the b27 to know if it’s an issue on the e cars. I’m sure the eta could benefit from a fresh head too, both engines are stock original with 200k miles on them.

You realize the hex head bolts were recalled and that the torx tty bolts should either be swapped in or used when installing a head ?

[101]

It's an issue on all M20's.

I can personally vouch for what happens when one of those hex heads decide to pop off and gets itself trapped under the camshaft. Goodbye head. Goodbye cam.

You can perform a one at a time bolt replacement process and give yourself some peace of mind. We did that on two of the other cars with no ill effects.

The BMW bolt set for around $30. Cheap insurance if you ask me. And a good excuse to adjust valves while the valve cover is off.

[Andre3127]

I hope no one still has 17mm head bolts.

I've torn apart 5 m20's. All but one had hex head bolts.

Hex head bolts hold just fine....until they don't.

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[zaq123]

I hope no one still has 17mm head bolts.

I hope no one still uses head bolts on this engine. Studs are so worth it, regardless boosted or not. Torquing head bolts is nerve wrecking as they twist/bend/slide on washers etc etc....so not accurate

[AndrewBird]

I hope no one still uses head bolts on this engine. Studs are so worth it, regardless boosted or not. Torquing head bolts is nerve wrecking as they twist/bend/slide on washers etc etc....so not accurate

Uh... what do you think the nuts on your studs are doing?

Torque to yield bolts are very accurate because you are not relying on a torque amount but rather an angle amount to determine fine tension on the bolt. Friction is a non-issue at this point.