Finally figured it out.

There are some redish orangish guides at the bottom lower side of the valve cover that has to go in first. Then you close the valve cover like a book from the outside lower part to the topside inner part.

Engine is super smooth now. It's got lots of torque and power.

I'm back on the road for wife to drop of the college kid.
The electric i3 doesn't have the range required.
Wish this had the 8 speed ZF tranny.

Thanks everyone.

Hope my mishaps help someone else.

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