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

DISCUSSION => Engine + Driveline => Topic started by: JoeDellio on February 07, 2009, 04:25:20 PM

Title: Just picked up a 318i. Some pics and few ?'s
Post by: JoeDellio on February 07, 2009, 04:25:20 PM

Been into DSM's for awhile but I picked up a cheap BMW. Car is clean, but has 241K. Car came with a timing chain and tensioner, there is little noise at idle and none on deceleration like I hear happens. I was wondering if I should just change the tensioner right now instead of pulling out the chain. I dont have any cover gaskets so I didnt know if the revised M42 tensioner could be installed without pulling the timing covers off to pry on the chain and guide while the tensioner is released. The haynes manual I have kinda sucks. Any help is appreciated, I have to learn a new car now.

http://www.tamparacing.com/forums/bm...3500-00-a.html

Title: Just picked up a 318i. Some pics and few ?'s
Post by: Eurospec on February 08, 2009, 02:06:04 AM

Welcome!

At 241k chances are the tensioner has been replaced to the new revision. However, it wouldn't hurt to replace it. Installation is rather straightforward unlike replacing the chain. I would advise you to use the search function to find details on the procedure as it has been covered extensively. Good luck.

Title: Just picked up a 318i. Some pics and few ?'s
Post by: JoeDellio on February 08, 2009, 02:46:34 PM

Thanks, changed it out. Kinda a pain to access thats all. The one in the car was the old one, didnt seem to change any noise though.

Title: Just picked up a 318i. Some pics and few ?'s
Post by: naika on February 09, 2009, 02:15:54 PM

What's the problem with the tensioners? Mine has 130K and i have no idea what has been done to it. I might replace the tensioner if it is a potential trouble maker

Title: Just picked up a 318i. Some pics and few ?'s
Post by: JoeDellio on February 09, 2009, 09:12:13 PM

Quote from: naika;66185

What's the problem with the tensioners? Mine has 130K and i have no idea what has been done to it. I might replace the tensioner if it is a potential trouble maker

Im new to these cars, but I guess the original M42 tensioner was a bad design and the revised one is better.