timing chain job

[B318M42W]

Hey everyone,

   the timing chain is due and i was wondering what i would need as tools and patience to do the job. also, what else should I do "while i'm in there"

On a seperate thing, my lifters are noisy and getting on my nerves... is it THAT hard to replace them? what's the works involved and any special tools?? I'm someone who likes to do things by the book (and right the first time, no shortcuts, with correct tools)

Thanks!

[nicknikolovski]

Hi, here the list of things to replace and tools needed.

Timing Chain Job
- Timing Chain, All 4 Guides (Lower, Upper, Main, & Tensioner), 2x Cam Sprockets, Crank Sprocket, Idler Sprocket, Tensioner Piston, Crank Seal, Crank Pulley Bolt, Thermostat Housing Gasket, BMW Coolant, Profile Gasket (Front One)

Special Tools & Misc
- Cam Holding Tool, Flywheel Pin, Gasket Sealer for the timing covers.

Optional Additions
- Water Pump w/"O" Ring, 3x Drive Belts, Thermostat w/"O" Ring, Valve Cover Gasket, Fan Clutch

It would be a very good idea to change the lifters while the chain is off.

Lifter Job
- 16x Hydraulic Lifters

Special Tools
Same as Chain job.

To change the lifters, the chain must be removed, the cam bearing covers & camshafts must be removed. The cams require a very precise and careful sequence in order to remove them.

Good Luck

[16v of E30]

so whats the ballpark labour time for a shop to do a timing chain job, assuming your doing all the sprockets and guides?

thx

[B318M42W]

Thanks for the precise info! very appreciated! doesn't sound too hard, on a 1-10 scale (one being least probable), what are the chances i screw something up if it's the first time i'm touching M42 (and any engine) timing/"internal"

And how difficult is it to change the lifters and where can i get the sequence for removing the camshaft?

very appreciated!

[nicknikolovski]

16V of E30:
Labour time is around 8 hours for the timing chain job itself. It took me about 9 hours because I also changed water pump and thermostat.

B318M42W:
To change the timing chain, I would say 3.
To change the lifters, I would say 6-7.

For the lifter job, there is a special camshaft removal tool but it is about $1000+, so you'll have scrap that and go manually. You have to turn each bearing nut a 1/4 of turn and in sequence similar to a cylinder head bolt removal.  Start from the middle and work your way out. Then repeat until each nut is off. Do one camshaft at a time and don't rush it. Once the nuts are off one cam, remove the bearing cap being careful of course. Then simple lift the camshaft out of position remembering the way it came out. Remove the 8 lifters, replace them, re-install the camshaft and bearing caps. Then tighten the bearing cap nuts evenly a 1/4 of a turn. Tighten to spec using torque wrench and move onto the next camshaft.

If you decide to carry out this repair with the timing chain and get stuck you can always ask for help in this post.

[B318M42W]

thanks a lot for the tips! i'll try and see if i have a place to do the job on about a 1 month span along with some help. hopefully i'll be able to do the job

thanks again!