2.8 Z3 M52tu Timing Chain

[KilpatrickAn]

I recently bought a 2000 2.8 z3 with 172k miles on it. As you might expect, it has lots of issues. I'm tackling them a handful at a time, but when I took off my valve cover I noticed some heavy wear on my cam to crank timing chain. It looks like the chain has been slapping the block. I reached down below the Vanos to see how loose the chain is and it was very sloppy. Looks like a guide is broken or my tensioner has failed. I want to install a new chain and guides as well as rebuild my Vanos.

I'm considering pulling the engine to make it easier to do other jobs such as rod bearings, and I also need to pull my trans for a clutch and shift pins/detents. I have all of the equipment to pull the engine but I'm wondering if its worth my time? Any thoughts?

[ProductUser]

Think of the ease of R&R-ing all of the other aging bits while the motor is out.