This is a X-post on the E30 forum also because I'm at a spot where I need to make sure I'm doing this right. There seems to be some very contradictory info out there (realoem.com, pelican) concerning the 3-step torque sequence on an M20 head. I've always done and felt a 3-step process was:
1. 22 ft/lbs each bolt by pattern
2. 90 deg.each bolt by pattern
3. 90 deg. each bolt by pattern

I've seen two articles that say 22 ft/lb by pattern, then 90 deg. twice and move to the next bolt by sequence even on a totally new HG. If that were the case why wouldn't they just say it's a two step or 22 ft/lb then 180 deg.? I feel this is wrong and each step should be repeated on each bolt in sequence. Sorry for the dumb question but the internet is flush with bogus info and I'm waiting to be sure in case I'm mistaken and the Torx head bolts are something different..

Thanks,
Steve
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chances are if you do it that tight on the first run it may not seat properly. I have always done it 22ft lb then 92 all through the bolts then 92 once again through all the bolts. Thats the way it is on bmw repair info as well.

chances are if you do it that tight on the first run it may not seat properly. I have always done it 22ft lb then 92 all through the bolts then 92 once again through all the bolts. Thats the way it is on bmw repair info as well.

Thanks I think! Well that confuses the issue even more. I'm replacing the cracked head the shop missed and was amazed the difference in torque required to pull the just installed headbolts out. How close do you feel the 92 ft/lbs equates to the stretch needed on a 10 mm head bolt? Don't get me wrong, I'm not questioning your technique, I just want to do it right once and be done with it. I've cleaned the bores on the head and dried them. Your info is the first I've seen with a torque value for the last two steps. Did you notice any creep on the last step requiring more to get them to 92? My last head was machined poorly after a warp. My main question is the sequence but a workable torque value is even better in my book. BTW: The 3-step deg. method is what's in Bentley and every manual I've seen for a full HG replacement.