When to replace timing chain?

[cmFenso]

I'm a relatively new owner of my e39, a little over a year now. I bought the car at 94,000 miles and it's at 106,000 now.

The guy I bought the car from is a BMW enthusiast so I'm assuming he replaced the chain once before selling me the car considering the mileage. Then again, I have no idea how to check since it's so far in the car and I'm mechanically challenged.

What should do people do, just wait for a maintenance indicator to beep? Additionally, how else should I make sure the car is running tip-top? I know small fixes prevent big ones, but when do I know when I'm need of a small fix aside from those free 40 point inspections from mechanics at oil changes. Thanks!

[540iEP]

I would not think the timing chain has been serviced before....just my $.02

[tmvE39E53Z32TT]

You don't need to replace the timing chain. Usually the guide and the tensioner get the attention.
What symptom do you have?

[MDGearhead]

The timing chain/guides are not something that anyone would replace without some sort or warning sign becasue of how expensive the repair is ($2500-$3500). Some of these engines go forever on the stock guides and some die right around your mileage. Mine has 134k and is in the shop right now getting them replaced after they starting make some terrible noises. The best thing that you can do right now to prolong the life of the engine is to replace the external chain tensioner. Cheap fix and easy to do. Other than that just drive it like you stole it and enjoy it, thats why we bought these cars isn't it?

[auaq]

I believe you are referring to the guides and not the chain itself.

[tour]

The timing chain/guides are not something that anyone would replace without some sort or warning sign becasue of how expensive the repair is ($2500-$3500). Some of these engines go forever on the stock guides and some die right around your mileage. Mine has 134k and is in the shop right now getting them replaced after they starting make some terrible noises. The best thing that you can do right now to prolong the life of the engine is to replace the external chain tensioner. Cheap fix and easy to do. Other than that just drive it like you stole it and enjoy it, thats why we bought these cars isn't it?


I believe you are referring to the guides and not the chain itself.

+1 on both replies.
AUAQ- Love your sig! Senna was my idle and easily the best driver of our era.

[auaq]

Thank you. Am an absolute F1 fanatic and although Senna was a great legendary driver there are others that I rate equally and or more. F1 is my favourite topic and so you can find me being active in the professional motorsport section.

[tour]

Thank you. Am an absolute F1 fanatic and although Senna was a great legendary driver there are others that I rate equally and or more. F1 is my favourite topic and so you can find me being active in the professional motorsport section.

As is mine. I've followed F1 since the Chapman days. It's very difficult, and arguably so, to find a better driver than Senna in respect to the ability that was required to drive a 1000hp+ turbcharged, manual shifted, sans drivers aid (DRS/KERS,etc). To put it into perspective, today's drivers get it pretty easy compared to the add on technologies. It will be very interesting to see the turbo cars next year and the rule changes. Watch for the Kimi/Fernando battle.

[cmFenso]

The timing chain/guides are not something that anyone would replace without some sort or warning sign becasue of how expensive the repair is ($2500-$3500). Some of these engines go forever on the stock guides and some die right around your mileage. Mine has 134k and is in the shop right now getting them replaced after they starting make some terrible noises. The best thing that you can do right now to prolong the life of the engine is to replace the external chain tensioner. Cheap fix and easy to do. Other than that just drive it like you stole it and enjoy it, thats why we bought these cars isn't it?

I don't have any symptoms right now. I just had a friend tell me something his mom's engine getting screwed up because she didn't replace the timing chain at 60,000 miles as recommended. Got me thinkin'...

[rf900rkw]

Timing chains are not regular interval service items. Timing belts are. People confuse these all the time. Same job, very different mechanical design and service requirements.

[ojomo]

when you start hearing metal on metal noises, just drop that oil pan (super easy) and look for plastic bits, or check your filter, might as well replace the chain too. my car is making the chain noise (140k) and when i dropped the pan, i found one small piece of plastic that looks like it came off the edge of the u shaped guide, im gonna live with it for now and check the pan again in the summer.

[philly98540]

when you start hearing metal on metal noises, just drop that oil pan (super easy) and look for plastic bits, or check your filter, might as well replace the chain too. my car is making the chain noise (140k) and when i dropped the pan, i found one small piece of plastic that looks like it came off the edge of the u shaped guide, im gonna live with it for now and check the pan again in the summer.

If you got the noise and a piece in the pan, you miles are numbered. Your likley not making it to summer. Unless you are not driving it of course.

If you replace the guides before the chain rubs on the metal too long, usually the chain can be re-used.

[cwise12]

Just a note - there is evidence that shows that these chains DO stretch over time. With the great cost of the guide replacement, it's worth it to drop that extra $100 for a new chain as well when doing this job. I did, and now I have a SWEET souvenir from the engine...