E53 X5 2003 4.4 Timing Chains

[Fish71]

Good day,

I am just curious to hear from people that have actually completed changing timing chains on their X5

Did you take the entire front end off to complete the repair?

Is it possible to complete with the front end still on?

How hard is it to remove the front end

When I say front end I'm talking about radiator support, bumper, headlights the whole 9 yards

I plan on doing valley pan, vanos rings, valley pan, timing chains, cooling refresh, and a ccv rebuild.

Any help would be appreciated.

[J.Belknap]

Follow TIS procedures and you will know exactly what to remove.

The front end stays on.

[David.X5]

The really long how-to on the Beisan Systems webpage (he sells vanos rebuild kits) goes through most of the same steps in great detail with lots of pictures.

P.s. I did all this when I had the engine out. Easy that way...

[Fish71]

Ok that's what I needed to know. I'll keep the front end on.


Yep I've read the beisan instructions about 4 times and printed them out to follow while I'm in there. I've also printed out the German auto specialties timing procedure and bought the professional kit with the crank holder tool and the vanos press. I have pices together and entire kit with all the parts diagrams from realoem. I'm hoping I didn't forget anything.

I have read and searched all forums for how to's and read all of them. Most of the forums showed e39 and e38 cars with the front end off so that's why I asked.

[chivas]

I think I need to do the same as I'm hearing rattling noise on the driver's side when cold. Going to replace the tensioner first as it's such an easy job to see if it's just that.

Keep us (well me) updated. Interested in how hard it is our if it's just tedious. Thanks

[Fish71]

Im sure it is just tedious work. I dont have any noises or rattling but i have a P-0011 code that i cannot get rid of. I have replaced the solinoid but no luck. I figured mind as well do a complete preventitive maintenence on the truck just for pice of mind. All in for parts im at about $1000.00. Specialty tools is another story but i figured i will use them again.

[X5only]

Originally Posted by Fish71

Im sure it is just tedious work. I dont have any noises or rattling but i have a P-0011 code that i cannot get rid of. I have replaced the solinoid but no luck. I figured mind as well do a complete preventitive maintenence on the truck just for pice of mind. All in for parts im at about $1000.00. Specialty tools is another story but i figured i will use them again.

For that P-0011 check that the installation of the CPS are not swapped. In bank1 they look exactly the same and the hole they go into look the same and therefore it's very easy to inadvertently swap them. Take a look at my post http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...-misfires.html

If the install is correct you may want to try to do a DME Ram Backup via INPA toolset32 (Select d_motor.grp which will bring up the correct .prg file for your DME - scroll down the list of jobs - double click "RAM_backup"). This will reset all your adaptation values including the cams. I have read people even redoing timing and that code persists and only resolved by a Ram Backup.

Give this a shot and let us know what the results.

[Fish71]

Originally Posted by X5only

For that P-0011 check that the installation of the CPS are not swapped. In bank1 they look exactly the same and the hole they go into look the same and therefore it's very easy to inadvertently swap them.

That is very interesting..........The provious owner I bought the car from has stated that he had all the oil leaks fixed on the truck to sell and after the service the check engine light came on. Im curious if the mechanic had taken off the cam chain covers and possibly swapped them? CPS is cam position sensors correct? Either way I will be pulling the bottom pan to make sure there are no chain rail pices.

Car runs great. Once every 10 starts it cranks a little bit more but other then that is is quiet and hauls the mail..

[X5only]

Originally Posted by Fish71

That is very interesting..........The provious owner I bought the car from has stated that he had all the oil leaks fixed on the truck to sell and after the service the check engine light came on. Im curious if the mechanic had taken off the cam chain covers and possibly swapped them? CPS is cam position sensors correct? Either way I will be pulling the bottom pan to make sure there are no chain rail pices.

Car runs great. Once every 10 starts it cranks a little bit more but other then that is is quiet and hauls the mail..

Does your car have the N62 engine? I'm referring to part # 6 in this diagram, 2 per bank. What are the vanos adaptation readings for both banks?

[Fish71]

no it has the M62 2003