2001 bmw 325 CI TIMING NIGHTMARE

[jasperjduncan]

Victor reinz head gasket
Surfaced head
I bought the bmw timing kit with locking pin.
Set the timing up and torq down then put it enough together to start it and it barely starts runs like garbage backfires from intake manifold. Take back apart and set the timing and its way off..the blocks that go on the cams barely sit on it. Timing is all messed up...i repeat this process trying different things along the way hoping for different results...please help

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Ill add that i reset the timing each time and build it. I have a feeling it has to due with the caps by the vanos...or the vanos..or a massive vacuum leak im unaware of..at a loss of where to go

[bimmer7410]

Are the camshaft bolts on tight enough?

Maybe mark the position they are when you finish timing and see if they are at the same spot after it runs like crap.

I've also read that you have to be sure to rotate at least 720 degrees and recheck the timing.