Timing Chain.

[Chris S]

I was wondering if it is necessary to replace the timing chain or if that is a waste of time.
The car has 110K Kms (323i) on it and i dont think the timing chain has been replaced yet so Im trying to decide if it goes on the to-do list or not.

Thanks.

[motorwerks]

I was wondering if it is necessary to replace the timing chain or if that is a waste of time.
The car has 110K Kms (323i) on it and i dont think the timing chain has been replaced yet so Im trying to decide if it goes on the to-do list or not.

Thanks.

No need, timing chains aren't prone to the wear issues of timing belts. It is recommended that you replace the timing chain tensioner though. It's an incredibly easy DIY.

part #s
11311703746
07119963418
11411706809
11311703747

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=BJ73&mospid=47474&btnr=11_1339&hg=11&fg=25&hl=31

[HyphE36]

Philip-Wot told me that these cars have mechanically adjusted timing chains and they never need adjustment or replacing. I'll try to find the actual quote for your piece of mind, but philip knows these cars like the back of his hand and is very trustworthy on BMW information.

[strogg]

yeah, chains are pretty much bullet proof, but i'm still tempted to replace mine to reduce the chain slapping noise i hear (it's just ANNOYING!). any thoughts on that? i've replaced both chain tensioners, and the vanos checks out fine. the noise sounds like, well, chain slapping.

[DNRC]

Philip-Wot told me that these cars have mechanically adjusted timing chains and they never need adjustment or replacing. I'll try to find the actual quote for your piece of mind, but philip knows these cars like the back of his hand and is very trustworthy on BMW information.

LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:rofl::lmao::bustingup

[Chris S]

ok thanks for the info guys.

whats the opinion on chain tensioners tho? should they be changed?

[bboyvek]

chain tensioners are crap, and even new ones wont solve your vanos noise. Get a Dr. Vanos Kit and u will be gold.

[jason_recliner]

LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:rofl::lmao::bustingup

Actually I would give what PhilipWOT says about BMWs pretty serious consideration.
Sure he may have a different way about him, but he's usually on the money where the cars are concerned.

[motorwerks]

ok thanks for the info guys.

whats the opinion on chain tensioners tho? should they be changed?

The chain tensioner isn't much more than just a really stiff spring, and a few guide parts. The spring gets weak with age, and heat. When I changed mine I could see a length difference in the springs, and the old spring was noticeably softer than the new one.