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where to buy a shim kit?

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Straightsicks View Drop Down
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    Posted: 12 Dec 2020 at 8:37pm
hi 
I would really appreciate any help here. I'm needing a shim kit for the valve adjustments on my e46 m3 (S54) engine. I'm struggling to find any for sale in uk does anyone know any good websites or companys in the uk I can order from? 
many thanks.
Luke 
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NickDE View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote NickDE Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12 Dec 2020 at 11:37pm
Try Neil at Automac. If he doesn't have them there is a good chance he will know where to get them.
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Robert View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote Robert Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 Dec 2020 at 3:59pm
When I do mine, all be it's a E30 M3, I find only one or two are out of spec and that is even after swapping some around. So then I just order the individual ones necessary from a BMW dealer.

Just remember to not rotate the engine without all the shims in place.

Rob.
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Mike Fishwick View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote Mike Fishwick Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 Dec 2020 at 9:59am
After many years of running Golf GTis and BMW K-Series motorcycles with shimmed valves, I found that perhaps two had tightened up a shade every 50,000 miles or so.

Rather than buy a shim kit, you would be better advised to check the clearances first,and only buy what you really need.  Make sure that the engine is cold before checking.

I always aim for a couple of thou greater clearance than the stock figure, for as the valve seats bed in the clearances will close up slightly, and most engines seem to prefer a little more - rather than a little less - clearance. 

Such an increase will not cause rattling, for the addition of such a small amount will simply be what most people regard as being exact.


Edited by Mike Fishwick - 14 Dec 2020 at 10:00am
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Straightsicks View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Straightsicks Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 Dec 2020 at 8:31pm
Thanks a lot for the help and advice its really appreciated. 
I checked the clearances at the weekend whilst upgrading the Vanos system. I dint think to swap some around that might work on a couple cheers. I will make a note of the shims needed and order only what I need to make up the differences Thumbs Up 

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