Page 3 of 7 FirstFirst 1234567 LastLast
Results 51 to 75 of 167

Thread: DIY: Timing Chain Tensioner Replacement (M62TU)

  1. #51
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    Monterey CA
    Posts
    96
    My Cars
    99 540iA
    Thanks for this DIY! Just did mine today on my 540iA. Took me 30mins.

  2. #52
    Join Date
    Nov 2008
    Location
    Sacramento, CA
    Posts
    1,417
    My Cars
    540it-318ti-318ic-Z3
    So, I've replaced tensioners on my M42, M30, M50 and M62TU. Basically all the same procedure once you get to it. Solved a cold startup rattle on the M42 at 140k. Same for the M50 at 200k.

    Easy and quick to do.

    1999 540it - Schwartz II/Sand Beige, style 5 rims, Conti DWS 235/45 tires, Billy HD/Sports, Stoptech S/S BL, F1 Pinacle 35% tint, Zionsville Cooling kit
    1998 318ti Cali Sport - Schwartz II/Schwartz Anthratz, staggered style 23
    1997 318ti Sport - Schwartz II/Schwartz Anthratz, staggered style 68 ,

    1995 318ti Active - Alpineweib III/Schwartz, squared style 32
    1994 325i - Bostongrau/Tan, Billy Sports, H&R springs
    1991 318ic - Schwarz/Anthratz Stoff, Bilstien HD, Z4 3.0 SS, Magnaflow, S/S Stress bar, x-brace, M20 FW, Elipsoid/HID, K&N

    BMWCCA# 160411

    1995 318ti Sport Schwartz II/Schwartz Anthratz - Sold
    1985 635CSI - Schwartz\Sand - Sold

    1984 533i "Max" - Schwarz/Schwarz, - Sold
    1984 318i - Champagne/Tan, Stock - Sold

  3. #53
    Join Date
    Dec 2004
    Location
    Mill Creek, WA
    Posts
    4,028
    My Cars
    98 740iL, 01 Suzuki TL10
    Quote Originally Posted by ganzibye View Post
    very nice write up but when do i need to replace the tensioner?
    Good question that never got answered.
    650hp 10 X5///M5
    PERFORMANCE:JB4 w/ meth, stage 2 tune, wrapped downpipes, custom intake
    INTERIOR:AVIN 10.25" screen, Blackvue 550 dashcam, 7" tablet for JB4 logging
    EXTERIOR:Niche staggered 20's or AC Forged staggered 22's, H&R 2" suspension, LED AE, CF front splitter
    325hp 98 BMW 740iL6
    PERFORMANCE:///M5 6spd swap, iron sleeves, L/W Teflon coated & silicone impregnated pistons, Sealed Power rings, 3 angle valvejob, P&P head, perf cams, electric fan, CF intake tube w/aluminium heatshield/wrapped MAF tubing, Magnaflow 14816'd, Eaton M112 in-work
    INTERIOR:Android Dynavin, hardwired V1 above rearview, 12" RE Audio DVC sub, MTX 81000D monoblock, CF silver trim, 5% tint
    EXTERIOR:///MPar staggered 19's, H&R Stage 2/Bilstein HD, custom notched bumper, Shadowline trim, 750iL brakes w/ Axxis pads
    190hp 97 328ci
    PERFORMANCE:Single mass flywheel, ///M3 clutch
    EXTERIOR:Z4///M staggered 18's, rolled fenders, tinted markers

  4. #54
    Join Date
    Sep 2003
    Location
    Everett, WA
    Posts
    795
    My Cars
    01 540i6
    Replace when you hear a brief start-up rattle which quickly quiets itself. There isn't a specified service interval.
    Richard
    BMW Convert

    Let us redefine "progress" to mean that just because we CAN mod a thing, it does not necessarily follow that we MUST mod that thing.

  5. #55
    Join Date
    Dec 2004
    Location
    Mill Creek, WA
    Posts
    4,028
    My Cars
    98 740iL, 01 Suzuki TL10
    Thankfully my 98 7 has a completely rebuilt engine w/ no VANOS, and my 01 X hasn't had any engine issues as of yet. This is just good preventative maintenance for a decent price while already tearing into an engine or while doing simple things like changing the oil and/or air filters.
    Last edited by m5james; 03-16-2010 at 02:51 PM.
    650hp 10 X5///M5
    PERFORMANCE:JB4 w/ meth, stage 2 tune, wrapped downpipes, custom intake
    INTERIOR:AVIN 10.25" screen, Blackvue 550 dashcam, 7" tablet for JB4 logging
    EXTERIOR:Niche staggered 20's or AC Forged staggered 22's, H&R 2" suspension, LED AE, CF front splitter
    325hp 98 BMW 740iL6
    PERFORMANCE:///M5 6spd swap, iron sleeves, L/W Teflon coated & silicone impregnated pistons, Sealed Power rings, 3 angle valvejob, P&P head, perf cams, electric fan, CF intake tube w/aluminium heatshield/wrapped MAF tubing, Magnaflow 14816'd, Eaton M112 in-work
    INTERIOR:Android Dynavin, hardwired V1 above rearview, 12" RE Audio DVC sub, MTX 81000D monoblock, CF silver trim, 5% tint
    EXTERIOR:///MPar staggered 19's, H&R Stage 2/Bilstein HD, custom notched bumper, Shadowline trim, 750iL brakes w/ Axxis pads
    190hp 97 328ci
    PERFORMANCE:Single mass flywheel, ///M3 clutch
    EXTERIOR:Z4///M staggered 18's, rolled fenders, tinted markers

  6. #56
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    CA
    Posts
    58
    My Cars
    BMW 5.25i 03', BMW 6.35
    thanks everybody, i got a diagram from the website: www.bmwpartscounter.com #9 is the tensioner. however, i was wondering if anybody replaced the whole assembly. i got the cold rattle noise, sounds like a pulley tensioner but im pretty sure its the timing chain tensioner because the noise goes away after a minute, being the oilpressure builds up. what do you think?

    I found a spring that supposed to be the spring for the timing chain tensioner, is this right, http://www.eactuning.com/ssf/part_nu...01%20706%20809 they want 4 bucks.. Is it supposed to replace the tensioner's spring?
    Attached Images Attached Images
    Last edited by sickdeathshappe; 03-23-2010 at 07:35 PM.

  7. #57
    Join Date
    Mar 2006
    Location
    Lithuania, Klaipeda
    Posts
    303
    My Cars
    2001 E39 540i 6speed
    Quote Originally Posted by sickdeathshappe View Post
    I found a spring that supposed to be the spring for the timing chain tensioner, is this right, http://www.eactuning.com/ssf/part_nu...01%20706%20809 they want 4 bucks.. Is it supposed to replace the tensioner's spring?
    Have you compared it with the old OEM spring? It WILL be a bit longer, but it also gives me one idea. A lot of us changed the tensioner to get rid of that phukin' rattle on startup and it almost had no effect (more or less). What if you put another spring that is even more longer and stiffer. You know....., just to push the tensioner even more against the chain. Keep it there for a few days and listen to the engine upon startups. Anyone interested, huh?

    BTW: The spring in the pic doesn't look like the one from the tensioner if I remember correctly.
    Last edited by Geralt; 04-13-2010 at 11:35 AM.

    540i 6speed.

  8. #58
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    Charlotte NC
    Posts
    1,100
    My Cars
    E34 M5
    I gotta wonder about some things. I replaced my tensioner in January, and I now have a rattle for about two seconds upon startup that sounds like chain slap. Are new tensioners known to fail? Is there some particular way the tensioner is supposed to be installed, like is that hole in the metal piston supposed to face a certain direction? Something's definitely fishy, and I can't see why I'd have the noise with a new tensioner after it was gone for two months.

    Any ideas?
    1991 M5 (in progress)

    Restoring an old BMW, God help me.

  9. #59
    Join Date
    Apr 2010
    Location
    Macungie, PA
    Posts
    34
    My Cars
    1981 320i
    Hi everyone. I just registered today but I've been snooping around for quite some time.

    I posted earlier but it doesn't seem to have made it through. So here's my second, shorter attempt:

    Regarding the chain tensioner, is it possible for it to also cause an oil leak?

    I'm not a BMW owner yet, but I'm considering a very clean 2001 530i 5spd auto with 132, 600 miles and an front engine oil leak that spans the steering rack onto the inner part of the CV boots on both sides (had it on a lift at the dealer but splash pan was in place). My brother thinks it's an older leak (kinda gritty/grimy) but there is some new oil over it. It also has the described "cold start rattle".

    I'm hoping the leak could be something as minor as the tensioner (worn seal ring perhaps) and not a front main/crank seal. Or should I be looking somewhere else on the engine? Or forget this candidate all together?

    This is a really great site. Thanks for any help.

    John

    P.S. I also have my eye on a 1999 528i 6spd manual, 116,200 miles. Checking it out on Saturday.

  10. #60
    Join Date
    Dec 2004
    Location
    Mill Creek, WA
    Posts
    4,028
    My Cars
    98 740iL, 01 Suzuki TL10
    The M62 is the V8, and you're asking about the I6. You'll have better luck using the search feature and/or spending time over on the 3 series boards when it comes to engine issues. They share the same engine as both of the cars you're talking about, not to mention there are thousands more 3 series cars out there vs just about any other BMW on the road.
    650hp 10 X5///M5
    PERFORMANCE:JB4 w/ meth, stage 2 tune, wrapped downpipes, custom intake
    INTERIOR:AVIN 10.25" screen, Blackvue 550 dashcam, 7" tablet for JB4 logging
    EXTERIOR:Niche staggered 20's or AC Forged staggered 22's, H&R 2" suspension, LED AE, CF front splitter
    325hp 98 BMW 740iL6
    PERFORMANCE:///M5 6spd swap, iron sleeves, L/W Teflon coated & silicone impregnated pistons, Sealed Power rings, 3 angle valvejob, P&P head, perf cams, electric fan, CF intake tube w/aluminium heatshield/wrapped MAF tubing, Magnaflow 14816'd, Eaton M112 in-work
    INTERIOR:Android Dynavin, hardwired V1 above rearview, 12" RE Audio DVC sub, MTX 81000D monoblock, CF silver trim, 5% tint
    EXTERIOR:///MPar staggered 19's, H&R Stage 2/Bilstein HD, custom notched bumper, Shadowline trim, 750iL brakes w/ Axxis pads
    190hp 97 328ci
    PERFORMANCE:Single mass flywheel, ///M3 clutch
    EXTERIOR:Z4///M staggered 18's, rolled fenders, tinted markers

  11. #61
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    Charlotte NC
    Posts
    1,100
    My Cars
    E34 M5
    Well, here's something folks can check if the noise/rattle is intermittent.

    Make sure your oil filter is properly seated. Mine was not. Apparently there's a check valve underneath it or soemthing. Anyways, I (knocking on wood) haven't heard the noise since my indie reseated my oil filter and such. He says it's good to go. So far, he's right.

    Not saying this is common. Just saying to check it if you aren't sure.
    1991 M5 (in progress)

    Restoring an old BMW, God help me.

  12. #62
    Join Date
    Jun 2009
    Location
    Toronto
    Posts
    750
    My Cars
    540i
    I just installed my tensioner today and I wanted to give everyone a little tip to help eliminate the 5 sec startup rattle. Before installing the tensioner open it up to the point where you can see the spring and fill it 50% of the way with fresh synthetic oil, reassemble and install. (don't worry if some oil comes dripping out...the point is too create pressure in the spring chamber)

  13. #63
    Join Date
    Oct 2004
    Location
    Seattle
    Posts
    7,069
    My Cars
    potato
    anyone know of a DIY write up on replacing the guide rails?

  14. #64
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    CA
    Posts
    58
    My Cars
    BMW 5.25i 03', BMW 6.35
    Hey I was wondering because of this rattle, Does that mean the guide rails, timing chain, tensioner all need to be replace? because its worn? i got 48K miles

  15. #65
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    The Lou
    Posts
    300
    My Cars
    E39 540/6, E70 X5, F06
    Quote Originally Posted by boondocksaint View Post
    Make sure your oil filter is properly seated. Mine was not. Apparently there's a check valve underneath it or soemthing. Anyways, I (knocking on wood) haven't heard the noise since my indie reseated my oil filter and such. He says it's good to go. So far, he's right.
    Can anyone expand on this??

  16. #66
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Location
    Plainville, CT
    Posts
    85
    My Cars
    2003 540i M-Sport (6 spe
    I just wanted to report on my tensioner issues:

    I bought a new tensioner earlier this year to install to try and eliminate a random timing chain rattle on startup. A few people have posted saying when they removed their original tensioner, there was little to no resistance when compressing the spring inside the tensioner. After they replaced with a new tensioner, the noise was gone....

    I removed mine and found the old tensioner and new tensioner had the exact same resistance when compressing the tensioner by hand. The springs both felt exactly the same. I decided to reinstall my original tensioner and planned on looking into other causes.

    I didn't end up selling the new tensioner I bought so during my recent oil change I figured I would throw the new tensioner in for the hell of it. It couldn't hurt. They both still felt the same, but I installed it anyways.

    The noise is gone! I'm kicking myself for not installing it sooner. The point of this post is to let everyone know the spring pressure may not have anything to do with the tensioner being bad. It works on oil pressure so the spring is not the critical part of this.
    Last edited by CSVT1214; 10-07-2010 at 07:41 PM.
    Tony



    1998 SVT Contour (B/MNB) #542 3L
    2000 SVT Contour (SF/MNB) #1533
    2003 BMW 540i M-Sport (6 spd)
    2002 Lexus IS300 SOLD!!

  17. #67
    Join Date
    May 2005
    Location
    Tulsa, OK
    Posts
    1,547
    My Cars
    99 540i6
    Quote Originally Posted by CSVT1214 View Post
    The noise is gone!
    Is it still gone? I have an intermittent rattle on startup, and would like all the input I can get on whether this will cure it.

    My 540i is a 4/99 build date with 116k miles.

  18. #68
    Join Date
    Dec 2004
    Location
    Mill Creek, WA
    Posts
    4,028
    My Cars
    98 740iL, 01 Suzuki TL10
    Run 0w40 Mobil1 oil, maybe do an engine flush with Seafoam, and if all else fails, at least the tensioner replacement isn't a hard job and a far cheaper fix than replacing the VANOS.
    650hp 10 X5///M5
    PERFORMANCE:JB4 w/ meth, stage 2 tune, wrapped downpipes, custom intake
    INTERIOR:AVIN 10.25" screen, Blackvue 550 dashcam, 7" tablet for JB4 logging
    EXTERIOR:Niche staggered 20's or AC Forged staggered 22's, H&R 2" suspension, LED AE, CF front splitter
    325hp 98 BMW 740iL6
    PERFORMANCE:///M5 6spd swap, iron sleeves, L/W Teflon coated & silicone impregnated pistons, Sealed Power rings, 3 angle valvejob, P&P head, perf cams, electric fan, CF intake tube w/aluminium heatshield/wrapped MAF tubing, Magnaflow 14816'd, Eaton M112 in-work
    INTERIOR:Android Dynavin, hardwired V1 above rearview, 12" RE Audio DVC sub, MTX 81000D monoblock, CF silver trim, 5% tint
    EXTERIOR:///MPar staggered 19's, H&R Stage 2/Bilstein HD, custom notched bumper, Shadowline trim, 750iL brakes w/ Axxis pads
    190hp 97 328ci
    PERFORMANCE:Single mass flywheel, ///M3 clutch
    EXTERIOR:Z4///M staggered 18's, rolled fenders, tinted markers

  19. #69
    Join Date
    May 2004
    Location
    Ohio
    Posts
    5,663
    My Cars
    540i/6, 02 Excursion Pow
    Quote Originally Posted by CSVT1214 View Post
    I just wanted to report on my tensioner issues:

    I bought a new tensioner earlier this year to install to try and eliminate a random timing chain rattle on startup. A few people have posted saying when they removed their original tensioner, there was little to no resistance when compressing the spring inside the tensioner. After they replaced with a new tensioner, the noise was gone....

    I removed mine and found the old tensioner and new tensioner had the exact same resistance when compressing the tensioner by hand. The springs both felt exactly the same. I decided to reinstall my original tensioner and planned on looking into other causes.

    I didn't end up selling the new tensioner I bought so during my recent oil change I figured I would throw the new tensioner in for the hell of it. It couldn't hurt. They both still felt the same, but I installed it anyways.

    The noise is gone! I'm kicking myself for not installing it sooner. The point of this post is to let everyone know the spring pressure may not have anything to do with the tensioner being bad. It works on oil pressure so the spring is not the critical part of this.
    While the spring is the thing that people notice the most, don't forget that the clearances for the piston could be different from your old vs new. That will also improve the tension it applies.

    Quote Originally Posted by autophile View Post
    Is it still gone? I have an intermittent rattle on startup, and would like all the input I can get on whether this will cure it.

    My 540i is a 4/99 build date with 116k miles.
    If you haven't replaced it, I would. They changed the spring and improved the design. It's easy and worth doing.
    "If everything seems under control, you're not going fast enough. - Mario Andretti"

  20. #70
    Join Date
    Nov 2008
    Location
    Seattle, WA
    Posts
    1,816
    My Cars
    M550iX, 540M-Sport, Scud
    Quote Originally Posted by autophile View Post
    Is it still gone? I have an intermittent rattle on startup, and would like all the input I can get on whether this will cure it.

    My 540i is a 4/99 build date with 116k miles.
    The part is around $55, and potentially can also protect your chain rails from damage as well. Whether it gets rid of the start up rattle or not, consider it "preventive maintenance".

    It worked for me on my 540. It greatly reduced the incidence of the start up rattle, and the few times it still happens, it is much quieter.
    2001 540 M-Sport (cdn), ST X (KW) coilovers, H&R 15mm spacers, Eibach anti roll bars (28mm/18mm), Beastpower rear antiroll bar brackets, M5 rear chassis reinforcements (traction rods), Strong Strut front upper strut bar, Dinan Stage 1 software, factory M-Audio subs, Bavsound speaker upgrade, Bluebus bluetooth integration, Stop Tech SS brake lines, ATE coated brake rotors, ATE ceramic brake pads.

  21. #71
    Join Date
    Mar 2011
    Location
    Chandler, Arizona
    Posts
    1
    My Cars
    1999 BMW 540i
    Hello,

    New to this site and to BMW.
    I build, repair, and customize many other makes but, like I said, new to BMW.
    My 99 540i all of a sudden started making a noise like a rattle or even a bad tick (can't really decifer) from right in the front of the passenger side head like under the oil filler cap.
    Could it be the tensioner? would it be a good place to start?
    Please help, its a wicked cool car and I just want it to be somewhat nice to me... at least until I get more familier.

    Thanks,
    Eddie

  22. #72
    Join Date
    Jun 2010
    Location
    Gold Coast, Australia
    Posts
    575
    My Cars
    4 x Assorted BMWs
    Hi Guys
    I am going to change my tensioner this coming week, My question is I have that normal tapping noise that the M62TU V8 is known for but my noise continues while the car is warmed up. The previous own had the Guide rail and Chain replaced as well as Vanos Solenoid seal replaced.
    Has any of you guys that have the continue tapping noise noticed a long term noise reduction from changing the Tensioner.
    Also does the Tensioner replacement kit come with all the seals needed or do I have to order them as well.
    Any help would be great
    Thanks guys
    Addam

  23. #73
    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    Location
    Forked River,NJ
    Posts
    8
    My Cars
    1999 540IM

    Question Tensioner replacement

    Was there a rattling noise that developed before replacing tensioner. What I read on this forum that the VANOS may be bad. Researched all nite and could not find info about 1999 540i VANOS only tensioners and guides.

  24. #74
    Join Date
    Dec 2005
    Location
    blackwood nj
    Posts
    39
    My Cars
    1999 540 i
    i did the repair also
    I had a rattle last winter and when i reved the engine it souded like something broke loose the rattle got really worse
    I thought it was the oil beeding from the tensioner i GUESS ill have to drop the pan and check for plastic in the oil pan

  25. #75
    Join Date
    Apr 2006
    Location
    California
    Posts
    71
    My Cars
    2008 BMW 750LI
    so to clarify this for me,

    are this tensioner's oem? that we purchase from online?

    i have a 2001 bmw x5 v8 and i have the 3-4 sec knocking/rattle then it goes away,

    (i have 170k miles)


    i had the x5 for about 1 year 1/2 and did change oil with some full syntetic brand and oil filter some brand from kragen,
    and few days ago when the time come up to change oil ,i purchased the oem bmw filter and oil.
    so now i want to test few days if that knocking/rattle went away,,from what i was reading in the forum,oil may have to do with it also.

    but i may change that tensioner also,now are they oem or any of them are okay to buy?

    thanks....
    Last edited by bosanci28; 09-03-2011 at 11:29 PM.
    2008 Bmw 750LI

Page 3 of 7 FirstFirst 1234567 LastLast

Similar Threads

  1. DIY 2001 E38 M62TU Timing chain tensioner replacement
    By jblindy in forum 1995 - 2001 (E38)
    Replies: 24
    Last Post: 12-13-2018, 10:42 PM
  2. Replies: 0
    Last Post: 05-29-2016, 05:40 AM
  3. HowTo-> Engine: E38 M62TU Timing chain tensioner replacement
    By jblindy in forum E38 Common Problems and DIY Fixes
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 10-22-2011, 05:23 PM
  4. Upper Timing Chain tensioner replacement . . . DIY?
    By siggyfreud in forum 1992 - 1999 M3 (E36)
    Replies: 21
    Last Post: 04-01-2007, 12:32 AM
  5. M42 timing chain tensioner replacement question
    By Anetsberger in forum General BMW Mechanical Help sponsored by RM European Auto Parts
    Replies: 8
    Last Post: 01-27-2004, 10:47 AM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •