M62 chain tensioner replacement..
 

I'm going to tackle the chain tensioner next weekend finally.

Does anyone have any tips or advice on which tools work best? As I understand it's quite tight and awkward.

Can I get it wrong? Or is it fairly straight forward?

Any tips or advice would be awesome!

Thanks :)

There are several DIY instructions if you search the forum and the following is part one of a two part video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGmni3iTkhk

Thanks. I tried searching for a diy but couldn't seem to find one.

Will have a watch later, all I'm worried about really is if I can get it wrong.

You don't need the cam tools for the chain tensioner. There is a port on the side of the engine that you remove and the tensioner falls out. Put the new one in (direction a.k.a. which end in first is the only concern) and close the port. You're not changing the timing guides or vanos gears or anything like that.

Don't be scared, usually, can be done within 15 minutes.

On my 2003, I bought a new tensioner.
I'm waiting to do my valve cover gaskets at the same time.
Thinking it will give a little more room, and I can actually see the tensioner
installed correctly.

I misunderstood. The chain tensioner is hard to get to but it is easy to do and very straightforward. There was an updated tensioner offered, that extends more. It is a very good idea to replace the chain tensioner. The new one will be the updated part.

Awesome, thanks for the replies guys.

I'm assuming all I'll need to move is the intake air filter etc and i should be ok to get to it.

Will I be likely to spill oil all down the side of the engine?

Very little, not to worry.

Just ordered all the parts from BMW.

1 x chain tensioner.
1 x gasket ring.
1 x lower oil pan gasket plus all new bolts.

Will do chain tensioner this week and then lower oil pan and oil change next weekend with the help of my bro in law.

Oil pan gasket doesn't want to stay in place when installing pan. Suggest you spread just enough high temp gasket maker on corners and a couple of spots down the sides, will eliminate that irritation and keep from damaging the gasket.