M42club.com - Home of the BMW E30/E36 318i/iS

DISCUSSION => Engine + Driveline => Topic started by: 5m1dy on April 03, 2012, 06:05:10 AM

Title: Timing Chain Replacement
Post by: 5m1dy on April 03, 2012, 06:05:10 AM

I replaced the timing chain tensioner a few months ago, but the chain rattle-grinding sound has come back.

I'm considering replacing all of the timing components to get it sorted for sure, and give me the piece of mind for the next X years.

The engine has had it's head rebuilt 30k km ago, and now has 250k km on it. At some point I would love to stroke it out and get some higher compression pistions, but that's another day.

I've priced up the cost of following this guide http://www.esatclear.ie/~bpurcell/318istimingchain.html
It comes to around $600 for all the components from Pelican Parts.

Is this too extreme? Or would being thorough be worth it?

I don't want to cheap out and only buy a chain etc, then open the case up and realise all the sprockets need replacing, then have the car out of action while I wait for more parts.

Has anyone performed this before and can give me some advice?

Title: Timing Chain Replacement
Post by: locknload on April 03, 2012, 09:22:27 AM

Good place to start:
http://www.m42club.com/forums/showthread.php?p=104101&posted=1#post104101

Title: Timing Chain Replacement
Post by: DesktopDave on April 03, 2012, 08:09:10 PM

Could be the idler gear bearing too.  Don't forget to check them.

I'd suggest doing it right...ask about the restocking fees to cut your expenses.  15% is cheap insurance for a job like this.

Also check your local BMW dealers...they might cut you a break on a purchase this big, possibly even be cheaper.  They'll also discount if you have a current BMWCC membership.  I've seen a lot of odd prices - sometimes an internet parts dealer can save you a lot.  I bought some parts at South Atlanta BMW and they beat out Pelican pretty significantly.  If you want to gamble on aftermarket parts, RockAuto can save a lot too.  I just picked up an e24 master cylinder rebuild kit for $30!

Idler gear (Beck/Arnley) is only $38.79+shipping...at Pelican the OEM part is $150...

Here's the link (http://www.rockauto.com/RSS/vehiclefeeds.php?carcode=1011249&m=wc&l=en) for RockAuto's clearance feed.

Here's the '91 318i link (http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframecatalog.php?parttype=5748&a=RSSW1011249&carcode=1011249) (though you might want to select the Euro model).

Title: Timing Chain Replacement
Post by: d.hitchcock on April 04, 2012, 08:39:30 AM

I just did all this on my 318is. It was a pretty fun project.

The prices of the OEM parts can be horrifying, but I'm very leery of using budget aftermarket parts on my cars.

You should check the parts pricing at Blunttech ...

Good luck!

d.hitchcock

Title: Timing Chain Replacement
Post by: tfrain on April 04, 2012, 10:56:22 AM

I second looking at Blunttech.  I think it will be closer to $450 there.