e53 4.4i timing chain job question or hint! set up tools ?

[Hulk40x5]

why does every single instructions say must use alignment tools on the cam reluctor wheels that have no keyways? after doing the job we noticed on each front upper cover there are torx bolts that are the exact alignment for the whole in the reluctor to set it up without the tool! this way worked better and more accurate since the set up tool we borrowed my buddy told us the drivers side bank was a hair off so we guestimated and were within a 64th inch then we took the torx bolts out and used an exact size dowel and lined it up so easy ...i just wanna know why is that not mentioned anywhere on any blog about doing timing chains? do not all covers have them? seems to me this way is easier and more accurate.... i did quite a bit of searching and couldnt find any info on what the purpose of the torx bolts were(i know what they are for i just wanted to read or see someone else using them) i think its better than the tools and easier just my opinion... looking for feedback on this also i think it could help alot of people out on this job!
align flywheel and pin at TDC...adjust pin with ohm meter, then pib through torx hole and tighten...so cake that way! I hope this helps someone out there doing this job!

[CapeX5]

I hear your frustration. I was not liking the "factory" timing tools. Felt there was too much play in many areas. I went with the GAS tools, much better than OEM. My one thought about your method is that you still need to get the cams in the exact position for TDC etc. So, without some sort of mechanical method of doing that, your cam timing could easily be off. It would run, but not exactly right. Curious to hear how yours comes out.

[Hulk40x5]

right, i hear what you saying.. we still had to pin the flywheel and use the cam locks and preset that pin with the ohm meter preloading the cams , then just used that torx hole to align reluctors.. but yes still need mechanical to get set up but then easy as pie doing the reluctors...scanner data is DEAD on for both sides and we re checked the driver side that we knew the tool was true and it was dead on with that alignment whole in timing cover! i just cant believe no one mentions those holes when doing this job i have searched many forums and lots of info no one even talks about them! ..but cam sensors are more than happy and data is dead nuts which is good cause they say you can have -.05 to +.04 varience on the cam sensor readings .ours are reading 0.0 both sides! they flicker a tad to .01 at times but at the same time so they are dead nuts

[David.X5]

I've heard of them before this. In one of the VANOS repair instructions I think.