Nice write up Duke, don't think I would have the patience to do this myself, especially after seeing the other write up about this...lol!

http://www.bimmerboard.com/forums/posts/876903

Duke - Do the sprockets spin freely on the camshafts when the bolts aren't tight or are they splined?. I'm assuming the timing tools that you bolt on hold the cams in the right area while you tighten the chain and then once it's all in place you tighten the bolts (that hold the sprockets to the camshafts) and that's it. - Would that be a correct statement?

Also from what I read the Cam bolts themselves are on backwards, i.e clockwise loosens them and anti-clockwise tightens it

I think you are correct on both statements. Well at least based on reading that long as DIY.

both your statements ARE correct :)

Been there allready lol, mauybe i should use the parts off the old engine :rofl:

I had mine done, the INDy ended up rebuilding the whole engine.................good luck.....

I know this was months ago but could you have replaced the guides without removing the timing chains? I've nearly got mine apart and it looks like you can perhaps. I'd like to avoid buying the special tool kit.

740ilDuke........WHY, WHY did you say "and a friends E38 (4.4) has 325k on it. His OEM guides failed last week". I am only at 160k miles, have EVERYTHING on hand for the chain guide replacement B4 failure and my KW Var 3 coilovers (up to 3 in drop) just got delivered last week!!!! Guess I'll be "rollin' the dice" and installing the coilovers.

David Copperfield probably could...........

How difficult was it to remove the Bolt from Hell?
Also,is it a regular thread or the opposite?