Adjust the cam timing on an E36 318i?

[sand_m4n]

Hey guys, i recently read that the E36 motor has adjustable cams, and that if taken to a specialized shop they can make adjustments for you? Also it said the ideal set up is too adjust the intake cam 5 degrees (advanced) and leave the exhaust cam alone.  Is this true? i always thought you had to get them reground or upgraded to after market ones?
Also would this mod work if i already have a jim conforti chip in?

[bmwman91]

I tried this a while back, both advancing and retarding the intake.

My advice is to leave it alone.  My mileage went to hell, and the powerband was terrible.  Adjusting the cams just moves the power peak around, basically, and it turns out that the ignition maps the ECU uses will not be optimal for the new setup.  Overall, the car ran like poop.  You'd need custom tuning to really make the adjustments run properly, and that is $$$ for virtually no gains.

Hope this helps!

[sand_m4n]

Are you positive? I got this information from what i thought to be a very credible resource (http://www.r3vlimited.com/Tech/318is.htm).  I have read it is the same as adding shrick cams with less then half the price. I forgot to tell you i have a port and polished head, air intake, and cat back exhaust. with those mods (-the chip) wouldnt adjusting the cam add some decent HP?? :eek: i could be wrong and so could revlimited :confused:

[bmwman91]

Well, I have heard a lot of stuff about this "mod" over the years.  When I tried toying with it, I was pretty annoyed at how much of a waste of time it was.  I probably could have worked some extra hours and just bought some hot cams & a custom chip lol (well, I don't make THAT much...I wish).

I forgot about that article.  Stu used to be a real big M42 head.  My first car is referenced in the last paragraph lol.