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Thread: Need valve lash and plug gap for 1991 535i

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Feb 2004
    Posts
    291

    Default Need valve lash and plug gap for 1991 535i

    I've got a Bentley manual with the factory specifications in it. But if I remember right, the recommendation has always been to set the valve lash at .013 cold instead of the factory .012 setting to help the engine idle better. I also believe the recommended plug gap should be set at .032-.034 instead of the factory .028-.032, again to promote better idle. Am I remembering this all right???

    Grace and peace,

    Robert K
    1991 535i

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Feb 2004
    Location
    Meridian, ID
    Posts
    371

    Default

    My mechanic said to set my valves at a tight 11. So I just set mine to that a week ago. I also changed the plugs to NGK and new distributor cap, rotor and 8mm wires from Kingsbourne. My car idles very smooth and runs smooth as silk. Right now I could not be happier.

    I saw that the book said 12 but Jake has been doing this for about 35 years. YMMV.
    Mike Holbrook
    Meridian, Idaho
    1992 535im, 17", Euro M5 Throwing Stars 8's & 9's, FK-451 235/45s & 255/40s, M5 Sway Bars 25/20, Conforti chip, Lowes Ram Air, glass sunroof

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Near San Francisco, CA, USA
    Posts
    401

    Default That is what the experts suggest.

    They really do!


    Quote Originally Posted by Robert K
    I've got a Bentley manual with the factory specifications in it. But if I remember right, the recommendation has always been to set the valve lash at .013 cold instead of the factory .012 setting to help the engine idle better. I also believe the recommended plug gap should be set at .032-.034 instead of the factory .028-.032, again to promote better idle. Am I remembering this all right???

    Grace and peace,

    Robert K
    1991 535i

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Posts
    4,150

    Default You're remembering it right Robert.

    Quote Originally Posted by Robert K
    I've got a Bentley manual with the factory specifications in it. But if I remember right, the recommendation has always been to set the valve lash at .013 cold instead of the factory .012 setting to help the engine idle better. I also believe the recommended plug gap should be set at .032-.034 instead of the factory .028-.032, again to promote better idle. Am I remembering this all right???

    Grace and peace,

    Robert K
    1991 535i

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