valve adjustment measurements

[panzershreck]

ok so while working with a friend we mistakingly misread the Bentley manual and set all the valves to .012" at cold while the manual says to adjust to .010" at cold... should we re-adjust everything to .010"? or are we ok? (also, lucky me, found quite a few valves set to .014" cold, crazy)

[Robert K]

For my 1991 535i, Bentley says .012 cold. But most people will tell you that you should set them at .013 cold on the M30 engine because it promotes less valve overlap and better idle. I've been setting mine at .013 for years now and have had no problems or complaints.

You went .002 above the factory setting, so I'd assume that you might have a bit more valve noise. If they aren't making too much noise and the car seems to be running okay, you might be okay leaving them. But, it probably wouldn't be a bad idea to go back in and set them to either .010 or .011. In the end, you're just going to have to decide for yourself.

Grace and peace,

Robert K

[632 Regal]

more noise = more wear