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I just used a 32mm wrench on the...

...fan nut. With the plugs out and valve cover off, it was a cinch to rotate the engine. HTH.

You need to use 3rd, 4th or 5th gears

Re: Use finesse and a firm hand....

I've tried with multiple people... couldn't get it to budge. The diagnostic connector thing sounds promising.

Or you could do like I did once

I used to use a remote starter using a couple pins in the diagnostic connector. At that time our garage wasn't real deep, just a bit longer than the car. One day I connected the the remote starter switch and mindlessly jogged the switch. Well, the car was in gear and my left foot was just in front of the tire so the car jumps forward onto my foot. So, no problem as it wasn't hurting too badly (yet), I'll just pull it out.

That didn't work, as did neither plan B which was to just jog the switch again to drive the car off my foot as the there wasn't space ahead of the car. Plan C involved yelling until my wife heard me from upstairs.

Since that time I've always put the car in 3rd gear and pushed it ahead by hand.

Use finesse and a firm hand....

and if all else fails, just push harder! It takes a certain rhythm to get her to turn over... Or maybe my baby is a little bit looser than yours.

Re: You can also just put the car in gear and rock

I've tried rocking without the plugs. I can't seem to get it to move.

You can also just put the car in gear and rock it

back and forth to get the engine to turn over enough to adjust the valves, but make sure the engine is turning the right way... if rolling the car backwards put it in reverse. It's even easier if the spark plugs are out.

last I check Koala doesn't rent these anymore

If you plan to keep the car for any long period time, you should probably just get a stock of shims. Or if you can have the car down for a long time, figure out what you need and just purchase that.
It isn't a bad job to DIY, if you are methodical and careful. Expensive to shop it out.

Re: Valve adjustment advice

I would have gone with the koala motorsports tool kit rental. They give you the tool and a shim set for a weekend and you pay based on which shims you use. The average DIYer should be able to do it, the thing that's kept me from doing it is my inability to get the engine to turn (I need to buy a breaker bar and a 33 or whatever mm socket).

http://e30m3performance.com/maintenance/valve_adjustment/valve_adjustment.htm

Valve adjustment advice

So the M5 is long over due for a proper tune up and valve adjustment. I bought the valve compression tool but do not have the shims.

Dose anyone have any advice as to the most economical may to go about buying the shims, buy a few of each size, etc. Is this something a average DIY can handle or better left to a pro?

Thanks in advance.
eldon
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'87 M5
'90 325iX
'04 325xi