timing chain replacement
 

looking to do a timing chain and tensioner, looking for a good step by step diy if anyone has a site with a good one or a link to a thread on this site of someone doing it, i have a 99 323i 2.5 automatic. as well, any other things i shiould replace while i have it apart. thanks.

What makes you think this needs to be done ?

I am also wondering the same thing. Josh, what indicators are leading you to this conclusion?

We have no idea why the OP wants to replace the timing chain ... but nonetheless ... simply typing /timing chain F3 in the bestlinks nets these which may be of use to the OP on the I6:
- How to replace the timing chain tensioner and rail guide on the I6 (1) & on the M62 (1) & on the M62TU (1) (2) (3)

Maybe he is confused with a timing belt, that would need changed after so many miles. :dunno:

None of the E46 6 cylinder models have a timing belt, all have timing chains.

i know it has a timing chain not a belt, i just want this thing to last me for a long time, i bought it from a friend who owned since 60xxx and they never did any maintenence at all, one time the fan broke so they replaced the radiator and fan and belt, then about 150xxx the rear diff locked up so they replaced that with a used one, other than that nothing has been done, i figured the chain is good but i thought maybe it would be a good idea to replace it with a tensioner and guides or whatever else is inside there, i dont think i need to take the timing cover off to do the water pump? but i wanted to do a few things like that all at once since tax return time is coming up. but i guess it doesnt need to everyone is pretty stern on these engines being "bullet proof" so i guess im just over thinking eberything.

Your car doesn't need a timing chain replacement. My last e46 went 255k (sold it for another car) miles with no issues and my current ZHP has 171k miles on it with no issues either. The ZHP sees 6800 rpm many times on a daily basis. Hell, a buddy of mine has 310k miles on his 2000 328i without a new timing chain.

If you want your car to last then keep it filled with 93 octane gas, do all cooling system replacements, keep the oil changed at 7500 mile intervals, and make sure you do a proper tune up every 80k miles. The bottom end will outlast the car. I speak from experience

Sent from my One X using Bimmer App

ok, what about exhaust it smells like rotton eggs, do i replace the cat or the whole thing. or is that smell from something else?

Now that sounds like something that can be googled.

After cooling system is in order, you can look at the suspension.
I believe there's something to fix/improve down there.

As if you have extra money and don't know what to do with it. :thumbup:

It has been said you can clean a cat ...
- How to remove & replace a catalytic converter (1) & how to fix rattling cat shields (1) & BMW P0420 codes related to cats (1) (2) (3) & cat autopsy photos (1) & what kills cats (1) & an EPA fact sheet on catalytic converter warranties (1)

If you try these methods, let us know the results.