4.4 4.8 Timing Chain Guide

[TiAgX5]

Originally Posted by e30cabrio

I ordered the tensioner today and will replace it.

I would hold off until we find out when EXACTLY the revised tenisioners were put into production M62s. You have an '03, and may ALREADY have the revised units.

[e30cabrio]

Mine has a 12/02 production date. It couldn't hurt to replace it can it?

[AquilaBMW]

Originally Posted by TiAgX5

When exactly was the revision of the tenisioners? Having one of the last '03 MY M62s with over 175k on OE guides, I wonder if the revision could have been sometime during the '03 MY production run.

That is the tough part - I have not been able to find out the revision date. I recently changed the tensioner on my car which has a June 2003 build date and now I am getting an occasional rattle at start up. Now I am jumping through hurdles to get it replaced by the dealer.

The general rule of thumb is that if it is on the shelf, don't take it. If it has to be ordered in - then it is the revised one. Some suppliers are not even aware there was a change or revised tensioner. I do think it was sometime during the final production year of the M62TU.

[TiAgX5]

I wonder if I can get my inspection camera probe down thru the oil fill opening to view the tensioner. Will try.

[TiAgX5]

Originally Posted by e30cabrio

Mine has a 12/02 production date. It couldn't hurt to replace it can it?

No harm in replacing.

[e30cabrio]

Thanks. Any idea where this is hiding in the Bentley? Under Timing Chain it only shows the 6 cylinder in the index.

Found it uninstall 117-55 install 117-86. Torque is 65nm/48ft-lb.

[bobzdar]

Originally Posted by TiAgX5

I wonder if I can get my inspection camera probe down thru the oil fill opening to view the tensioner. Will try.

You wouldn't be able to see anything, anyway. I think the updated tensioner just has a stiffer spring in it. Either way, it takes about 10 minutes to take the tensioner out if you want to inspect it, very easy job.

[e30cabrio]

Tensioner came yesterday. I was concerned it might not be OEM. Not anymore. lol

[Rockit]

I went to have nine installed and the shop told me the A/C compressor has to come off on my 02 4.4. They said they managed to get a wrench on it but it was stuck on. They said a two day job.

I'm going to wait until I change the water pump in the spring and I will have them take everything off the front of the engine and do it then. I don't want to work on the cars anymore or I would do it.

Funny story, I went to open the box at the shop...on the box it said handle with care. These are put together a certain way that the plunger stays in. Well I dropped it and the plunger dropped out and it went in pieces. The picture is after I dropped it and you notice it's longer than the box and wont fit back in. They returned that and I have a new one ready to go. I use an independent shop and he used to work for BMW. He buys aftermarket German parts that BMW uses.


Please post if you were able to do it without taking the A/C compressor off.

[e30cabrio]

I watched this 540 video. No compressor movement. I just looked at my X. Looks like the compressor is not in the way.

BMW E39 540i M62 Timing Chain Tensioner Replacement - YouTube

I plan to try in the next week so I'll post my results when
I do.