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If you know BMW's you know lifter tick. It's a common problem, usually just an annoyance, in most BMW engines. In hopes of having a nice quiet engine we called Pelican Parts and ordered up a new set of OEM lifters. 
Hydraulic lifters do have their drawbacks, especially if you want to have a high reving engine. We've been tossing around the idea of going with a solid lifter conversion which would allow us to safely rev above the 7400 RPM's we are currently limited to. 
Now here's where I'm sure a lot of you will comment “Why?” We chose to start this build off with a set of OEM S52 M3 cams instead of upgrading to a more aggressive option. Well the answer is pretty simple, budget. I know in the short block it looked like budget wasn't a factor in this build with all new rods and pistons, however there comes a point where we have to step back and take a look at what our goals are. Between wanting to build a relatively stock S52 and looking to produce around 230whp once done we figured the M3 cams would do the trick. Plus it leaves us room for more editorial when/if we upgrade to either a solid lifter cam or a more aggressive hydraulic option. 
In order to make our exhaust valves nice and cozy in their new home our head was sent out for a fresh surface cleaning. The exhaust side of things got a nice 3 angle valve job for complete valve sealing and sufficient seat width for good heat transfer to ensure proper valve cooling. 
The intake side of our head got a nice radius cut on the valve seat for the best possible flow. 
Unfortunately for pictures sake, our head was sent out for surfacing and the valve jobs so it came back fully assembled. Here you can see the Supertech valve springs already assembled and ready to do work. 
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Are there more articles on this project? I was curious about the end result and software tune used.