E46 M3 Service Query - Valve Clearances

[Vroom2]

Hi Chaps,

I have owned a 2002 E46 M3 Coupe for 2 years. It has covered 76,000 trouble free miles. Full BMW Service History to date.

The car is now due an Inspection 1 service, having covered 12,000 miles since last service Feb 2008.

I have heard mixed reports on the need for checking Valve Clearances. Obviously the franchised dealers are happy to take the rocker off at a cost of £700+.

Other garages I have spoken to adopt the "if it ain;t broke, don't fix it" approach to valve clearance checks.

I would be most grateful if you could provide any guidance / thoughts regarding the above.

Many thanks,


John

[Vroom2]

I live in Belfast and plan to use a local non franchised garage.

Just need a little reassurance on whether valve clearances really need to be done, in which case will probably go to Belfast BMW garage.


John.