camshaft timing

[napuli]

Can someone explain this to me? I while back I was told that it would be a good idea to check the camshaft timing on my car. Have any of you ever done this...if so did you see any great improvements? Is this part of regular maintenance? I read the manual but I still don't really understand the process and I am afraid to mess things up. Is there a DIY? Oh yes, I have an M60 540iA.

[uk525td]

checking camshaft timing isnt part of maintanence
unless the timing has been touched in someway, be it new tensioners, head gasket replacement or whatever there is no reason for your cams to require timing.

who and why recommended you have them checked?

[whiskychaser]

Have a look at the pics on this page:
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/partgrp.do?model=HE63&mospid=47410&hg=11&fg=25
Basically, the long chain connects the camshafts to the crank. Valve timing is making sure the valves are going to open and close at the right time relative to the position of the pistons. Once it is set you cant move it. Any slack is supposed to be taken up by the tensioner.