Timing Chain Guides ????

[Zchild]

Just trying to gather some much needed information on the timing chain guide issue that the E39 540i faces. What are the signs and or symptom's that precipitate this event. Is there a certain mileage i should just concede to getting this done. Is there any case in which this failure can either be averted or can be delayed. I purchased my 99 E39 540i with 205,000 miles and I've just crested 251,000 miles. I have of course replaced all of the cooling systems and sub-systems, suspension hardware, valve cover gaskets, oil separator and hoses. I have a few more important items that I have on my list such as pixels in the dash odometer, windshield washer system, control arms, brakes and rear axle half-shafts. Just wondering where on my list I should place the timing chain guide issue. Thanks in advance.

[jclausen]

I’ve seen them go at different mileage there is a knocking noise and fault code 0012 I believe that’s the code you will definitely hear it when it happens

[Zchild]

Is this an issue that will definitely happen in the future because of the design and I should look to get ahead of or is something that could happen... I suppose I'm trying to gage the likelihood or certainty...

[jclausen]

Ya know it’s like my sewer pipe at my house that I had to have replaceD recently for years I knew it was going to be a problem and I should have started to save money for it and didn’t then it was over we had to get it done quickly. The timing chain guides are kind of the same start saving money and get it done if you are going to keep the car

[Zchild]

I definitely keeping the car, it's one of the vehicles I've always dreamed of having once I was old enough to control my urges to drive at insane speeds... lol I'm finally mature enough to drive a V8, so I shall begin planning on getting this done and putting the necessary ~$4,000 away for this job.... Thanks!

[edjack]

Surprising that they lasted that long. Most need replacement at circa 150k. They may very well have been replaced earlier.

If you are super paranoid, you can drop the lower pan and look for plastic bits, although this is not a conclusive symptom.

The 4 liter M60 had a double row chain, and a sprocket instead of the U-shaped guide. Probably a cost-saving redesign, or overly clever Germans.

The S62 (in the M5) also has a double row chain.

Prudent to save the money, just like for a sewer pipe!

[Zchild]

I was actually thinking they may have been replaced, I received a huge folder full of paperwork detailing all of the repairs done to the car prior to my purchase, it's just that the last owner didn't take care of the car.... I will look through the paperwork and see if this work has already been accomplished.... Thanks for the reminder!

[Chedley]

Replace the timing chain tensioner, regardless whether the guides have been replaced or not.
It is a very easy job, and cheap insurance policy that could delay or prolong the inevitable : death, taxes and timing chain guides...!!..LOL..

[scubajim20]

$4000 if you are paying someone to do the job $1500 if you buy good parts yourself.

[Chedley]

About $60 if you do it yourself and replace the timing chain tensioner, or $0.50 if you only replace the spring of the tensioner (buy it from a hardware store)...

[Zchild]

Thanks, I didn't even consider the replacement of the timing chain tensioners as a possibility... I will definitely make that a priority especially if it will provide some breathing room and delay the inevitablity of the approching doom.... lol