Im done with my engine build, the last thing that worries me right now is the timing, I actually didnt tighten the 3 nuts on the intake sprocket all the way until i was done with the vanos installation but now that makes me worried cuz I couldnt move the sprocket by hand with those tightened.

My s52 motor has a spring plate in between the 2 stop discs on the intake sprocket, which I think might be causing the problem, Im using 2 stop discs (from this engine) 2mm and a 4mm. The 4 is on top. I also tried a different spring plate but that one was in unknown condition. Im wondering how much force does the vanos have to be able to move the cams freely?

Did it come with all those parts? Early vanos only came with 1 stop disc,later came with 2. Can you turn the sprocket with the bolts tight before you put the vanos actuator on (even with a small screwdriver). If you can you should be ok. If it is too loose it will do the vanos rattle. ///J.T.///

Sounds like you're fine...get the vanos on with them loose...then tighten them.

Sounds like you're fine...get the vanos on with them loose...then tighten them.

?? no way you can torque them down after you install the vanos- you gotta torque them to 10nm before the vanos gets put on...

Tom, sounds like you sandwiched the spring plate between the thrust washers. The spring plate goes in the intake sprocket and then the thrust washer over it... then tighten the bolts. I never used the spring plate also BTW

order-> intake cam + cam trigger plate + thrust washer + studs + intake sprocket + spring plate(optional) + thrust washer + deeeez nuts

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=CD93&mospid=47504&btnr=11_1437&hg=11&fg=25

#7 & #8 I didnt touch
#5 slides on there just fine
now goes 2mm the stop disk #9
then the spring plate #10
4mm stop disk #11

if i even hand tighten the nuts its almost imposible to move, not to mention if i torque em. I tried taking the spring plate out but then the nuts dont go all the way on there and everything is loose.

I also tried this with another intake cam, stop disks and spring plates... same result.