Picked my X5 up from the shop (previous post I suspected the chain rails finally went). Found out the hydraulic tensioner was bad. They did do a thorough check on the rails to confirm they were ok. No plastic parts in the oil pan or in the valve covers. They also replaced the oil separator valve, thermostat, pvc valve, both serpentine belts and flushed the engine twice before a new oil. They mentioned the engine was very clean for an engine with that many kms (226,000kms).

Sounds and runs great! Parts $850, labor $650, figured I got off easy considering what I thought it was going to be. Lets hope I get at least 6 months out of it before the next major repair...!

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Cheers!
Bill

2002 X5 4.6is
Estoril Blue, born 11/01
~226,000km's
rebuilt tranny (11/12)
New paint (8/12)
Chain rails inspected and are good (01/13)