E46 M3 Valve Cover Gasket and Valve Shim Problems

[rfc2307]

Good Morning, I could use any and all assistance please. I've been attempting to help my neighbor with adjusting his valves on his E46 M3. Relatively straight forward, except that I can't get the valve cover bolts off!

I've tried three different brands of 10MM socket and none of them seem to "...fit...". The VCG is held on like the E36 M3, but, the max diameter of socket seems to be .579 or less. But, when I took my dial calipers to the store and found a 10MM socket with six sides that was <= .58 Inches, it does not seem to grab the nuts countersunk under the rubber gromets.

Hopefully, this makes sense and if you've done your own, seen it done, or heard rumors, I need to hear from you.

I am worrying that BMW has done a Porsche thing and now needs special tool for routint maintenance.

If possible, please reply to rfc2307@gmail.com

Thanx, in advance for any and all help.