Valve Adjustment (UK) - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

e34m5uk · 19th September 2003, 02:12

Hi All,

Does anyone know of a independent in the midlands area that is familiar with doing a valve adjustment on the 3.8 engine ? I asked my local dealer today but they didn't seem to keen to do the job

I think its time to have it done as the top end is getting a bit noisy (hopefully thats all that it needs ?)

Thanks

Miles

1993 3.8

vadas1 · 19th September 2003, 14:16

I don't know of anyone specific but have a look in a BMW magazine there is bound to be someone.

Valve adjustment is not a big deal it is just time consuming. In a pinch a Fiat mechanic might do as the system for adjusting valves is the same as for S38 motor.

ralph (vadas1)

Bryn · 19th September 2003, 14:40

Doesn't anyone else think its pretty bad that main dealers are not willing to do what is a fairly routine job on their flagship model from 10 years ago? I think its pathetic frankly

I haven't checked with my local main dealers (Halliwell Jones Southport and Williams Liverpool), but they did both say that they need the car for 2 days so it sounds like they intend to at least check the valve clearances

I will of course be confirming that with them before I stump up the £700 odd quid they're bound to relieve me of

I'll also be confirming that their YTS mechanics will be going nowhere near my pride and joy

Cheers,
Bryn.

M5 powered · 19th September 2003, 14:53

Yep I do.

I'm pals with a guy that runs a BMW / M specialist in Birmingham. Jokingly I said to them last time my car was in that they are probably one of the last firms capable of doing it.

I'll get you the number later. Off to the hospital, managed to inflict second degree burns to my legs

regards

Jonathan

Mmm-Five · 19th September 2003, 15:37

Quote:

Originally posted by M5 powered
Yep I do.

I'm pals with a guy that runs a BMW / M specialist in Birmingham. Jokingly I said to them last time my car was in that they are probably one of the last firms capable of doing it.

I'll get you the number later. Off to the hospital, managed to inflict second degree burns to my legs

regards

Jonathan

I see you've progressed from sucking the exhaust and got to shagging it instead

e34m5uk · 19th September 2003, 19:35

Had a chat with my local friendly mechanic today and he has said that he would be willing to do the job (i managed to find some instructions on the internet) the only problem is that he doesn't have the correct tools

Does anybody know where i could get them from ?

Thanks

Miles

1993 3.8

M5 powered · 19th September 2003, 20:02

Miles,

Spoke with NCB AutoKraft this afternoon.

They have all the correct tools and shims to do the valve clearances, and most important the expertise.
Unless your guy really knows what he is doing, leave it to an experienced garage.

Also remember it takes two days for this to be done properly, the first being the stripping and allowing the block to go stone cold.

Their number is below and ask for Noel (owner and all round nice bloke). Mention Jonathan sent you!

(0121) 777 2083 (8-6pm mon to Fri / Sat 8 till about 1pm ish)

M5 powered · 20th September 2003, 14:18

Quote:

I see you've progressed from sucking the exhaust and got to shagging it instead

No some ***** managed to empty the contents of her Thermos Flask over my legs on the train. Problem was it had just been filled up directly from the boiler in the buffet car.

It missed THE vital organ but has made a complete fu*king mess of my legs. Luckily it won't scar but I've been told I'm looking at dressings daily for the next month.

The real pisser is that I was supposed to be at Snetterton in the Lotus that I've spend the last month tuning to a confimred output of 195 BHP.

Jonathan (M5 Powered)

Mmm-Five · 21st September 2003, 16:21

I've been there . . . when having my breakfast on a Virgin train down to London from Liverpool.

Just tucked in to my black pudding and the waitress asks me if I want a top up . . . I put the cup to the end of the table so she doesn't have to reach over and she starts pouring.

The train then hits some points/junction and the tea starts pouring all over me instead - must have lasted less than 5 seconds and managed to miss the meat but severely scalded the insides of my legs and the veg!

4 years later you wouldn't know there had been any burns there, but the cream they gave me smelled awful and I had to wear paraffin gauze dressings for 2 months - some of the water blisters were HUGE!

M5 powered · 21st September 2003, 17:06

Did virgin formally apologise and refund you in the end? They are supposed to be sending me something through the post. What this is I don't know.

regards

M5 Powered