Timing Chain Tensioner (4.4)
 

Just a note to help prolong your engine.

BMW redesigned the Timing Chain Tensioner from the original that dates
back pre X5 days. The new tensioner is much stronger and has a firmer spring and better overall design. The part is around $50 and simply threads in to the front of your 4.4 on the passenger side. I replaced the one in my 740il (4.4) this year and it was not doing anything helpful. The spring was shot and it was basically just in there doing nothing.

If you replace it, you will hear an ugly sound - which is normal - upon the first start up after replacement. The sound is the new tensioner aligning itself. The tensioner should reduce or eliminate rattle when you start the engine and reduce wear to the chain and guides by keeping it tight. If you've never replaced it, I would consider it. It's a small investment that could be the difference in how long your engine lasts. It's always the small things that make big impacts. I just bought one for the X5 today from this forum, and just wanted to share.

Good piece of 'headsup' advice Duke.:thumbup:

I found mine to be shot when I had my timing chain guides replaced! I replaced it (amongst a list of other things, with the 'while you've got the engine apart' logic), shame I didnt replace it sooner, perhaps it might have saved me my timing guides, and a few £££'s! :rofl:

Thanks! My hope is that people will changing it because it really does make a huge difference.
All you have to do is remove the airbox/MAF and remove the old and in with the new.
Its on the front left, you'll see the head of the tensioner. This is a shot of the 4.4 in my 740il.

Side Note: When you do valve cover gaskets, consider having the valve covers powder coated. They will look like mine, and not all flaky. Cost about $100, and will outlast most of us. LOL. Cheers.
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e78/NC0LLEGE/-1-9.jpg

Is there only one tensioner ? Shouldn't there be two, one on each side of the v8?

Where did you buy yours?

The one I replaced is Part# 11 31 7 531 813. This one costs $55 and can be had here: at X5 Engine Mechanical & Under Hood Parts


There are other tensioners, but there is NO access to them without tearing down the engine - this is the only one you can replace to help prolong the life of your engine and timing chain guides. :) Wise investment, IMHO.


UPDATED.

Only one.. LHS (looking towards the bulkhead). Part number 19 on Realoem.. RealOEM.com * BMW E53 X5 4.4i Timing - Timing Chain Lower P

Duke, it was in my mind to get the covers blasted when I did my valve cover gaskets a few months back (103k miles). But they didnt look too bad so I didnt bother. ;)

My last two E38s had fUGLY valve covers. I rattle canned one set with silver heat paint, and they looked O.K., but powder coat is the way to go. Helps to find a set before doing the job, have them coated and then sell your own, that way there's no down time. :thumbup:

Thanks! I ordered mine tonight!

Guys, if we're talking about the N62 V8, it does have two timing chain tensioners one on the lower right side of the block (pass side in LHD) and one on the upper left side of the intake manifold (driver side in LHD).


Lower right - Part #13

https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=11_3267


FCPEuro:
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...-11317504440oe



Upper left - Part #12

https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=11_3268


FCPEuro:
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...-11311439552oe

^I believe discussion here is M62 related. Post above yours was concerning a 2002 4.4i.

mbzgurl... It sounds like time for a tensioner has passed and it is time for that engine to get the guides themselves. Fairly costly expense if you aren't doing the work yourself. Might steer clear of that particular X5.

Edit: mbzgurl, reading is apparently not my strong suit. You already bought the truck. In that case, probably going to be an expensive trip to the indy mechanic. I think the job runs about $2000 +/-. But, you could have them drop the lower oil pan and inspect the guides. If everything is intact put a new tensioner on it and cross your fingers. Best of luck.