A slidably movable member such as an adjusting shim used in a valve
operating mechanism of an internal combustion engine of an automotive
vehicle. The slidably movable member is used in contact with lubricating
oil and comprises a substrate. A hard carbon-based film is coated on a
surface of the substrate. The hard carbon-based film has a surface
section which contains at least one of nitrogen and oxygen in an amount
ranging from 0.5 to 30 at % and/or hydrogen in an amount of not more than
10 at %.