M50 chain replacement, oil pan.

[DanielOrdal]

Hi. Do I need to remove the oil pan to remove the drive chain?

[MauiM3Mania]

Hi. Do I need to remove the oil pan to remove the drive chain?

Did you get an answer on this?

[DanielOrdal]

The M50 has 3 chains, one from the exhaust cam to the intake/vanos, one from the crank and up to the exhaust cam, and one that goes down into the sump. One only need to remove the oil pan if the last chain is to be changed. If the main chain that goes from the crank is to be changed, one must take off the lower front chain cover, which is fastened to the engine block with a lot of bolts, and 4 bolts that goes through the oil pan. Also one must remove the water pump, all belts, trigger wheel, main pulley and a huge 22mm bolt that goes through the crank. I found out this when doing this job myself. There is a guide on the internet that says its mandatory to remove the tensioner for the airconditioner, but that is not necessary.