bp's timing chain shopping list question

[///m42 sport]

I plan on doing my timing chain pretty soon.  I was wondering if these items are absolutely necessary. I have no maintenance history on my 318 and have driven it about 80k.  It currently has 250K + on the odometer.  
# Crankshaft sprocket 11211247338
# Camshaft sprockets (2 off) 11311721887
Guide rail 11311247470

Also I was wondering if this is an opportune time to replace the rats nest of cooling hoses?  Thanks.

[rhogg]

It' s a tough question because you don't know what you have until its open.  I replaced everything on mine, but the rails could have been left with the exception of the bottom one which fell apart in my hands. The only sprocket that could have been left in was the one with the bearing.  

In the end I found it was just easier to replace everything.

[Wise Old Dog]

You need to pop the valve cover off and look at the condition of the gear teeth. Rounded, or sharp means you need to replace. Flat means you could get away with not replacing them. Although there are others who will tell you that you should replace everything.
The rails can fool you, they can "look" very good, but they will be brittle after all these years and fall apart soon after you do the job. The wear material on the rails should be slightly rubbery feeling, and should give a little when you push your fingernail into it.
Replacing everything is probably the best long term fix, and the gears are not terribly expensive in the overall financial outlay for the job. I guess it comes down to how long you plan on keeping the car, and how deep are your pockets.
I have seen new cam gears for $12ea on e-bay.

[Cristian G in Oz]

Cam gears for $12ea!!!!
Wow.
Where abouts? can you post a link?