Affordable Valve Adjustment Solutions for Your BMW M3
Exploring the WiseCo VSK4 Valve Shim Kit
Back in 2014, we faced a dilemma while considering a valve adjustment for our 2004 BMW M3. The cost of the BMW valve adjustment kit was around $400, which felt excessive. We quickly decided to seek alternatives. The motorcycle community had been using Wiseco shims for valve adjustments, so we decided to explore this option. We documented our findings on a now-defunct website. Fortunately, I discovered our initial post from 2014 and wanted to share it for others to reference.
The Cost of OEM Kits
The title might seem misleading at first. After all, Wiseco shims are priced at less than $4 each. Why bother with them? As the self-appointed guardian of the motorsport enthusiast M3 community, I felt it was essential to challenge the status quo. We need to protect the financial interests of fellow M3 forum members.
Sometimes, it makes sense to buy shims individually, especially if you have a nearby dealer who sells them at a reasonable price. However, in most cases, it’s better to read on.
My friend and I were frustrated after a valve adjustment that cost $440 for a full set of shims. We wanted to keep shims on hand for our own and others' adjustments. Since his car would be down for a few weeks, we decided to order the shims we needed and move on. It would have been nice to have an assortment of shims, but the money for a full kit was better spent on track time.
The Search for Alternatives
As we know, the typical overcharging by BMW drives us to seek alternatives without compromising performance or quality. Hence, I’m here to share my review of the WiseCo VSK4 valve shim kit. This kit includes three each of 8.85mm shims, ranging from 1.72mm to 2.60mm in 0.04mm increments. The OEM BMW kit contains the same shims but has six of each of the 23 different shims.
The difference in price is significant. The VSK4 costs about $38 plus shipping, making a full replacement set just over $75 plus shipping. This results in a staggering difference of $364.
Quality Assurance
Despite our skepticism, we ordered a set anyway. After all, this is WiseCo, a reputable brand, not a cheap knock-off. When the set arrived, we mic'd a new OEM 2.12mm shim. After three measurements at different points around its circumference, it measured 8.853mm in diameter. The WiseCo 2.12mm shim measured 8.849+mm in diameter, showing a difference of about 0.003mm (0.00012" difference). We also tested the magnetism, which was very similar to that of the OEM shims.
Most OEM shims have some variance in thickness. For instance, a 2.12mm shim may measure slightly more or less than 2.12mm. Our new OEM 2.12mm shim measured 2.126mm, while our WiseCo 2.12mm shim measured 2.128mm.
Comparing OEM and WiseCo Shims
So, what’s the difference? Are the OEM shims hardened differently than the WiseCos? They are certainly not shaped differently. The hardness has been verified—see the results at the end of this post. The WiseCos are through-hardened and precision-ground. Additionally, WiseCo is a recognized name in high-quality aftermarket engine parts. They produce pistons and piston rings for several aftermarket BMW engines, including the S54.
I know there will be skeptics who argue that there’s no substitute for OEM valve shims due to "BMW Quality." However, BMW has not always lived up to its quality standards regarding the valve train. A simple search for 'VANOS failure' will reveal that. While the shims are not directly responsible for that issue, it raises questions about their decision-making.
Testing and Results
WiseCo produces quality parts, and I see no reason why these shims would tarnish their reputation or fail to perform as intended in the S54 valvetrain. We plan to test both the WiseCo and OEM shims for hardness to determine the differences. However, I believe we already know the outcome. Both non-OEM shims have been tested and confirmed—results below! (Thanks to the University of Missouri S&T Metallurgical Department)
Conclusion
I’m sharing this information so others can order a set or sets and benefit from our experimentation and review. A valve adjustment and inspection should not be an expensive endeavor, especially considering its importance to the health and operation of the S54 engine.
Both Hot Cams and Wiseco offer refills. The part numbers are listed below, but $5.77 for a five-pack shipped via eBay is a great deal for the HotCams!
| Diameter | Thickness | Quantity | HotCams # | WiseCo # |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.9 mm | 2.60 mm | 5 | 5PK890260 | VS8260 |
| 8.9 mm | 2.56 mm | 5 | 5PK890256 | VS8256 |
| 8.9 mm | 2.52 mm | 5 | 5PK890252 | VS8252 |
| 8.9 mm | 2.48 mm | 5 | 5PK890248 | VS8248 |
| 8.9 mm | 2.44 mm | 5 | 5PK890244 | VS8244 |
| 8.9 mm | 2.40 mm | 5 | 5PK890240 | VS8240 |
| 8.9 mm | 2.36 mm | 5 | 5PK890236 | VS8236 |
| 8.9 mm | 2.32 mm | 5 | 5PK890232 | VS8232 |
| 8.9 mm | 2.28 mm | 5 | 5PK890228 | VS8228 |
| 8.9 mm | 2.24 mm | 5 | 5PK890224 | VS8224 |
| 8.9 mm | 2.20 mm | 5 | 5PK890220 | VS8220 |
| 8.9 mm | 2.16 mm | 5 | 5PK890216 | VS8216 |
| 8.9 mm | 2.12 mm | 5 | 5PK890212 | VS8212 |
| 8.9 mm | 2.08 mm | 5 | 5PK890208 | VS8208 |
| 8.9 mm | 2.04 mm | 5 | 5PK890204 | VS8204 |
| 8.9 mm | 2.00 mm | 5 | 5PK890200 | VS8200 |
| 8.9 mm | 1.96 mm | 5 | 5PK890196 | VS8196 |
| 8.9 mm | 1.92 mm | 5 | 5PK890192 | VS8192 |
| 8.9 mm | 1.88 mm | 5 | 5PK890188 | VS8188 |
| 8.9 mm | 1.84 mm | 5 | 5PK890184 | VS8184 |
| 8.9 mm | 1.80 mm | 5 | 5PK890180 | VS8180 |
| 8.9 mm | 1.76 mm | 5 | 5PK890176 | VS8176 |
| 8.9 mm | 1.72 mm | 5 | 5PK890172 | VS8172 |
Updated 04.04.2014: Shim hardness testing results are in - it's a match!