Just to be sure, what parts are required to rebuild the timing chain system?

[geezerman402]

I'm going to replace the timing chain, tensioner (m44 tensioner is better?), the sprockets (worn)... what other parts are involved in this process? Such as what gaskets (other than the obvious valve cover), if any? Etc etc.

Living in Canada and ordering parts from the states means if I forget an important bit, I have to wait quite some time.

Thanks.

[PumpItUp]

theres plenty of threads on this, but i hope someone helps you anyway. i personally haven't done this yet so i'll stay out except to say
the guides are most important in the long run. the chain,etc is bulletproof. worn guides cause everything else to wear

you can only buy m44 tensioners now, m42 one is long discontinued. and stay away from the febi one. get ina/oem bmw. you might be able to save like $40 if you just replace the spring inside, rather than the whole piston. and try to see if they> http://www.rmeuropean.com/ have your parts because its the cheapest & best service.

[RED IS 91]

http://www.esatclear.ie/~bpurcell/318ismaintenance.html#timingchain

[mmkale]

did mine a month ago. went well. followed esatclear write up. used realoem.com diagrams. had some trouble with the fan clutch. finally made the holding tool from a hacksaw frame with a hole drilled in it. borrowed a 32mm wrench. changed thermostat and waterpump. shoulda ordered cooling hoses,too. You'll need the chain and guides, sprockets, timing case upper and lower gaskets, profile gasket for between the two timing cases,  water pump gasket, front crank seal, new crank bolt, oil pan gasket, valve cover gasket. look at the realoem diagrams for the parts numbers. good luck.

[monko141]

The only thing I didn't see in that write up is where you are supposed to put pressure on the upper timing case cover on to the small profile gasket.  Whoever opened mine up previously didn't do it and mine leaked oil horribly.