Timing guides
 

Can the timing guides be replaced with out changing the chains and locking down the crank and camshafts ?

Which engine??

the engine is 4.4 2001
 

2001 x5 4.4

Well you can on a 4.6, but you will be 99% of the way there when you do the guides so I would be changing the chain as well. You will need the timing tools as you cant get the timing correct without them due to the vanos units turning. There are 3 chains BTW.

No need to change the chains. Unless they are shot. I had my 01 4.4 timing chain guides changed at the start of this year after they broke. My mate (a BMW Indy) used the timing chain tools as prescribed and its been running like a sewing machine since!

M5James helped me out on this issue, you might wanna fire him a PM.. :thumbup:

I'm replacing my guides, Vanos, chains, etc., right now. If your guides broke apart you most likely have some damage to the chains which may be minor or may be significant but you can't tell until you get the covers off and look at them. As mentioned, if you're already changing the guides, the chains are not that much more work and the cost for the chains compared to a failure is IMO small. Either direction you go, I would highly suggest that you get a new chain tensioner (part# 11317531813)

If you do replace the chains you are going to have to reset the timing which you probably already know and are probably trying to avoid. If however, you have to replace the chains because of damage watch this video it helped me understand how to use the tools and how to set the Vanos.

RE: BMW Vanos Repair - YouTube

I have to agree. I just did this on my 4.6....you're better off spending a little extra and doing the all of the guides, the chain(s), and tensioners while you're in there. Cheap insurance if you ask me. I also had a failing bank 2 vanos that I also replaced. Holy crap, I couldnt believe how much power I'd lost along the way.

If your guides have broken up, make sure you clean the oil pump suction strainer before running the engine.