Valve adj. for 325is...

[Rick Lee]

My '87 325is has 241,500 miles on her and is due for another valve adjustment. I've been boning up on how to do this for my 911 and refuse to pay someone again to do it on my BMW.

Who has done this, how easy is it and can you point in the direction of a reference guide, clearance specs, tools needed, etc.?

Also, what other jobs are easier to do "while I'm in there"?
Thanks.

[Wayne 962]

Shoot, if you want to wait a month or so, then I'll have a tech article on it. The best source in the meantime is the Bentley manual, as it is great for basic maintenance like this. It's pretty inexpensive as well...

-Wayne

[DavidPorter]

This is a pretty easy job, especially compared to a 911. Everything is in plain sight once you get the cam cover off.

There is an issue I've heard of, that you shouldn't turn the engine with the ignition key (plugs out) without disabling the engine computer. Anyone verify?

There are a couple of alternatives. One is to hook up a starter button directly to the solenoid, leaving the ignition off. The other is that there are two sockets in the diagnostic plug you can jump to turn the engine, but I don't know which ones.

David Porter
Glyndon MD

[Wayne 962]

In general, it's a bad idea to do that, as the fuel pump is on, as well as the ignition system (could spell trouble)...

-Wayne