Timing chain

[Almar 48a]

At 111K I'm nervouse about the timing chain. Since I need to change the upper timing case gasket & head gaskets, might as well change the chain guides,tensioner and whatever else goes with it.

I need a list of what to buy before I do this, I don't want to miss out on anything. And approx how much should I be looking to spend on a job like this. Thanks!!!

[BobsBimmer]

It took me about 12 hours to complete the replacement of the chains and guides. Here is a link from the DIY section:

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1619734

[Nyc Dito]

At 111K I'm nervouse about the timing chain. Since I need to change the upper timing case gasket & head gaskets, might as well change the chain guides,tensioner and whatever else goes with it.

I need a list of what to buy before I do this, I don't want to miss out on anything. And approx how much should I be looking to spend on a job like this. Thanks!!!

if you are not doing it yourself,can i suggest take it to a shop that works on mostly German cars and or more BMW's..they'll be familiar with these engines and know all the little things you'll need as they go along (if other things are needed)

[kouks]

I am not a mechanic, it took me 40hrs+ just for the chains and guides. About $1,000 in parts, maybe more if you replace every gasket and o-ring along the way as I did. The write-up in bimmerboard is excellent, but it is for a VANOS engine (post 9/98 production). Similar on the pre 9/98 engines, but not the same.

One stupid thing I did. On the U-rail top right side there is a small set screw. I tossed the old damaged rail and when I was doing the installation, the new rail did not have the set screw. I had a 3 day delay waiting for BMW to send me the new screw, for $5. Save the old screw or order a new one with the original order.

I think there is a chain guide repair kit on oembimmerparts.com, but not sure.

Since you are doing the head gaskets, check with the BMW TIS procedure first and replace every o-ring and gasket along the way, along with all the bolts/nuts/screws that need replacing (most of these you can only get from the dealer, and only special order). I replaced all the screws on the valve and timing chain covers too. The timing chain cover screws are notorious for failing if they are old and stretched.

[Almar 48a]

I feel light headed now. I think I need to save up for this major job. I should also drop the oil pan and check for plastic pieces and whatever else needs to be checked out before doing anything.

[stritarja]

At 111K I'm nervouse about the timing chain. Since I need to change the upper timing case gasket & head gaskets, might as well change the chain guides,tensioner and whatever else goes with it.


Do you mean valve cover gaskets, not head gaskets?

[Almar 48a]

Do you mean valve cover gaskets, not head gaskets?

Ooops..Yes Valve cover

[zaherr]

At 111K I'm nervouse about the timing chain. Since I need to change the upper timing case gasket & head gaskets, might as well change the chain guides,tensioner and whatever else goes with it.

I need a list of what to buy before I do this, I don't want to miss out on anything. And approx how much should I be looking to spend on a job like this. Thanks!!!

Is your engine making noise like that or what ?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Akm9DjdxzYc&feature=youtube_gdata_player

[Almar 48a]

No noise.

[kouks]

No noise.

If there's nothing wrong with the car, do nothing. You may not have a chain issue until 180,000 miles or more. Just keep good oil in the engine and it will be fine. If the chain rails fail you can still drive the car. It will not leave you stranded. I drove mine close to 100 miles with broken guides. The actual chains on this thing are like the tracks on a Panzer tank, they won't break until the bitter end.

This is a big job. My view, if it ain't broke...

[shled]

Here is what my parts car sounded like when the timing chain guides failed.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6GG9agUUdQ

[zaherr]

Here is what my parts car sounded like when the timing chain guides failed.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6GG9agUUdQ
So what is the noise that i have
I changed the timing chain tensiner and running 0w40 oil
My car has 77k

[shled]

So what is the noise that i have

You forgot to include the sound file?

[Almar 48a]

If there's nothing wrong with the car, do nothing. You may not have a chain issue until 180,000 miles or more. Just keep good oil in the engine and it will be fine. If the chain rails fail you can still drive the car. It will not leave you stranded. I drove mine close to 100 miles with broken guides. The actual chains on this thing are like the tracks on a Panzer tank, they won't break until the bitter end.

This is a big job. My view, if it ain't broke...
Thanks, saves me alot of headaches.


Here is what my parts car sounded like when the timing chain guides failed.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6GG9agUUdQ

Wow thats bad. Sounds like a VW Beetle.

[COOPERDB]

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1843671

[Almar 48a]

^^ Good looking, Thanks.

I feel better I don't have to go thru all that yet. I barely drive the car. Since I bought in June it I must have put 400 miles on it. I'm just going to get it well maintaned and happy.