S50 Lower Timing Chain Tensioner on an M50?

[squirrelhill]

I had all new timing chain guides installed not too long ago as part of a top end rebuild on my 1995 e34 525it (GD25067 - Aug 1994 build date). However, we did not do the primary/lower chain tensioner as it must have looked o.k. at the time. Several months later, I am getting a bit of what I think is timing chain rattle on cold starts and would like to try to address this issue by installing an uprated S50 timing chain tensioner (11311405081) on my m50.

Has anyone done this upgrade to an m50? If so, would you mind sharing your observations and any suggestions? In researching this issue, I did not come across anything definitive relative to the compatibility between the s50 tensioner and its use on an m50. I am most concerned that the s50 tensioner will put too much pressure on the chain causing the guides to prematurely fail or worse.

Also, the Febi s50 chain tensioner that I have does not seem to lock in place and does not have the retaining ring referenced in figure #1 on this e36 link: http://www.unofficialbmw.com/e36/eng...tensioner.html Is the tensioner supposed to lock together prior to installing? The Febi tensioner I have goes together, but does not lock or click in place (i.e., the two pieces comes apart if I turn the tensioner upside down). I can add some pictures if it would be helpful.

Thanks all!!!

[S61Dan]

Why not use a stock m50 tensioner? Save yourself trouble.

[bluptgm3]

You want the M52/S52 tensioner, as it is an upgrade for the multi piece S50 tensioner.


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[squirrelhill]

Why not use a stock m50 tensioner? Save yourself trouble.

Is there a part # for the entire m50 lower chain tensioner?

[bluptgm3]

M50 is also a multi piece unit. You can use realoem.com to determine the part numbers required using your VIN.

The S52 part is the single piece component

P/n 11317838675
- http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...diagId=11_6121


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[squirrelhill]

My e34 is from 8/1994, which I believe uses the tensioner with the two prongs (versus flat end).

[Wishno87]

You want the M52/S52 tensioner, as it is an upgrade for the multi piece S50 tensioner.


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This is what I did on one of my M50s. Worked great. My 11/95 wagon also sees to have came with it from the factoy.