Yes I know it has a tensioner to tighten it up should it become a little slack. However what is the general consensus on when they should be replaced?
We know they are rock solid that's a given. But nothing is built to last forever especially when subjected to wear and tear, heat, etc.
I think 20 years is long enough on the original and a worthwhile change nowadays. Am I right that the car has 2 chains as well an upper and lower.
I think I'll get mine done next year.
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Timing Chain
- Mr Tidy
- Legend
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- Location: North West Surrey
Timing Chain
I don't know for sure, but it might help to know what engine your car has.
My MC needed a new tensioner at 78K miles because the original was sticking and leaking.
My MC needed a new tensioner at 78K miles because the original was sticking and leaking.
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Current - Silver Grey MC, Imola Red heated Nappa & carbon trim. Aeros, H & R Coil-overs, 224s, OE Strut brace, Nav, cup-holders, DSP Hi-Fi, pdc, cruise, MFSW, no CDV! E90 330i daily
Gone - Montego Blue
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Current - Silver Grey MC, Imola Red heated Nappa & carbon trim. Aeros, H & R Coil-overs, 224s, OE Strut brace, Nav, cup-holders, DSP Hi-Fi, pdc, cruise, MFSW, no CDV! E90 330i daily
Gone - Montego Blue
Gone - Ruby Black
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- Senior Member
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- Joined: Sun May 13, 2018 10:32 am
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Timing Chain
On the S54 engine there are 2 chains
One is the timming chain this is a duplex chain and the other is the oil pump drive chain this is a simplex chain
As shown on Real OEM https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/partgr ... _M32&mg=11
One is the timming chain this is a duplex chain and the other is the oil pump drive chain this is a simplex chain
As shown on Real OEM https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/partgr ... _M32&mg=11
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Timing Chain
Here is the old timming chain tensioner follower from my engine
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- Lifer
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Timing Chain
As far as I understand it, the timing chain shouldn't need changing before the engine gives up the ghost.
The tensioner/guides however can be inspected and replaced as needed - or on a regular basis, say 60-80k miles?
The tensioner/guides however can be inspected and replaced as needed - or on a regular basis, say 60-80k miles?
Last edited by mmm-five on Wed Jul 20, 2022 9:49 pm, edited 1 time in total.
- grannyknot
- Member
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Timing Chain
It is not just the chain that needs replacing but the guides.
To save $ you can get away without replacing #1, #2 will need it, #3 will be worn through or close to it, #4 you don't have to replace as there will be very little wear.
Replacing the tensioner for the main chain and the oil chain is a good idea too.
To save $ you can get away without replacing #1, #2 will need it, #3 will be worn through or close to it, #4 you don't have to replace as there will be very little wear.
Replacing the tensioner for the main chain and the oil chain is a good idea too.
2008 E86 M coupe
Toronto, Ontario
Toronto, Ontario
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Timing Chain
I have a pre face lift 3 litre. I believe it's an M54 engine and circa 230bhp.
Okay cool I'll have a look at realoem and get the correct part numbers for my car and speak with my mechanic and see what he saysgrannyknot wrote: ↑Wed Jul 20, 2022 9:31 pm It is not just the chain that needs replacing but the guides.
To save $ you can get away without replacing #1, #2 will need it, #3 will be worn through or close to it, #4 you don't have to replace as there will be very little wear.
Replacing the tensioner for the main chain and the oil chain is a good idea too.
Screenshot 2022-07-20 at 16-23-00 RealOEM.com - Online BMW Parts Catalog.png
- grannyknot
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Timing Chain
Seems like 4 guys with S54 engines replied to you so I just assumed, the diagram I posted wont help you.
Since you're going to do the work anyway maybe remove the front timing cover and have a look at the condition of guides before ordering, you will be able to see pretty clearly the tracks the chains make.
2008 E86 M coupe
Toronto, Ontario
Toronto, Ontario