Timing Chain Rattles and WEIRD driveline noise

[///Motorsport]

So I'm selling the Alpineweiss 318is.  I never thought I would, even in the long-term outlook, but an equally pimp 325is in the family for cheap is the culprit.  I still like the m42 over the m20 any day.  Well most days.  I'm selling it rather cheap to a friend, just so that it sells and I don't have to worry about money, money that I need to pay off that m20. :rolleyes: Can't afford two cars in college, all I need is a bike.

The timing chain rattles, and I'm at 155k.  It has a new timing chain tensioner  (the tampon thing, right guys?) but it seems the chain needs to be replaced.  What does this cost from a BMW mechanic?  Are there other related parts that will need replacing as well?

Also, I thought my diff was shot.  At high rpms in lower gear while accelerating, the rear end would shudder or stutter.  Now, it happens in almost any gear, only when it seems the car has to work with the gas on.  Slight uphill, whatever, just not when carefully / barely using the gas pedal in order to prevent hearing it. The noise has mulktiplied and now it part of it seems to come from closer to the front, as iff the driveshaft was now loose.  basically, it sounds like thigns are loose.  Wed. I will have time to jack it up and take another look, any ideas?

[sheepdog]

Changing the chain alone will not solve the issue.
When a chain stretches it also stretched the tooth spacing on the sprockets.

You will need sprockets (all of them), chain, another tensioner, and possibly guides. All totaling few hundred dollars. If you pay someone, expect several hours of labor at whatever rate they charge.

You could do it yourself in a weekend, though I do not recommend trying. Reason being is there is a lot of gaskets to and such to get through and you will likely find other things to replace as well (thermostat, belts, hoses, gaskets you forgot to order, something else worn out, etc...), along with the usual radiator coolant, oil, filter...

Oh, and yes I said another tensioner. I don't recommend re-using the old one. On a chain that is worn, it will wear out fast.

[sheepdog]

The noise could be the driveshaft, center support bearing or guibo. Fix it soon, or you may be replacing a transmission rear seal and bushing, or the rear end's pinion bearing and seal, possibly the ring and pinion themselves. Guibo is cheap and easy (hour or 2 at most). CSB is not too difficult, same with the driveshaft itself (few hours, depending on you and your exhaust, requires the same procedures), trans and rear end seals... Bend over.

[///Motorsport]

Thanks for the help, trying to get guesstimates for my buddy who will be buying the car.  He has about 3k to get it running nicely, so about 1.5 of it might be going to these two issues...

I'm really pissed about the driveline noise, starts up riiiight when I am selling the car.  It has a new guibo, but the rest is up in the air.

[ten2doyle102]

I would seriously not wait around with that.  I had the same problem with mine and within about 1 week to 2 weeks before the driveshaft disconnected from the tranny.  My center bearing and my guibo were completely shot but those would be the two areas that i would look at first.

[///Motorsport]

Thanks.  

e30s are so hard to part with!  I will have another BMW 4cyl in my day.