I replaced the Vanos seals, so yes, that is a potential source of worry. I have a spare ring and I might just exchange the one in bank 2 again. The check-valves are put in with a threaded bar from the front and AFAIK it is not possible to reverse them. Will look again if I can ascertain the position of the reluctor ring through the inspection ports but I feel that the Bank 2 valve cover needs to come off to be sure of anything.
If it is not the reluctor ring, once I am in there, I might as well take the upper and lower timing covers off and check everything again. It is quite a bit of work but at least the engine is clean and I know where everything is at this stage....when I started it was a mystery to me what I was working on.....
Nevertheless, it wont be happening before Feb 7 as I have to catch a flight this afternoon and deal with some stuff in Europe, one of which is getting my e70 shipped back to the USA.
PS: My spark plugs didn't mysteriously change location....they are only there in the picture to cap the injector holes
