@Spanker - so I ended up not touching the VANOS units. Mine don't make any noise, and dealing with the timing frankly freaked me out. So I replaced the main timing chain, and left it at that. I know it's not ideal, but frankly I was already scared just starting it after putting it back together. However, everything seems to be running fine.

It's a bit sluggish at low RPM, but I remember this engine is always happier higher in the rev range. I know it sounds weird, but there is definitely a pickup in power around 2500RPM. Since the battery was disconnected for over 30 days, I'm guessing there will be a period of learning. Any idea how long this will take?

I'm having an issue with my scanner. I've always used Carly for BMW, both Android/iPhone, and while it can scan everything it cannot scan the engine computer. Don't know why, it just can't. So I need to find out what kind of scanner to get to read the engine codes. I'm hoping it's just something tiny and easy...but knowing my luck I'm not holding my breath.

Everything seems to be running fine otherwise. Temp gauge has been fine for the past 2 days, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed there too. All told, I'm happy to get my X5 back!

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Nathan
01 4.4i Pearl Beige Metallic