4.6is Dinan full timing chain/guides/vanos
 

Well I went through the soul searching of do I sell my 4.6is Dinan, don't sell, sell, don't sell. Finally decided to keep it and at 162k and some rattling/oil leaks, had a friend do the whole timing job. As for parts, chain, tensioner, all guides, gaskets, vanos seals, pulley tool, belts, it came to about $950 for those thinking about it. Labor of course is extra. I used the shower valve socket in place of the special 32mm thin wall socket and rented the M62 cam lock set. Both worked great. Used the Besian website procedure for much of the step by step - very thorough. For the real info - Lower U guide had a couple chips out of the plastic but otherwise guides were in good condition. Chain was fully stretched. Motor looked really good for 162k miles on the clock. Glad I went all the way and did it even though it may have held on for another 50k. No more rattles, a little more peace of mind now. I did a full compression check too - all good there. I bought a Peake code reader in case anyone wants to buy it. Didn't really even have to use it - no codes logged or anything.

One hang up - got the reluctor sensor rings backwards. That stalled us for a week and a half. DME saw the camshaft off time (even though it wasn't), did not log a fault but would not fire the engine, just crank. Tough to troubleshoot with no codes. Oh, the jesus bolt (crank pulley) took two days to free up and claimed the life of a half inch rachet and breaker bar. Be prepared for that.

Best thing is knowing I saved a rare vehicle from certain demise if I had sold it to the masses for $10k. Another 4.6is Dinan will live on for at least awhile.

Pics are coming if anyone is interested in seeing the journey/old parts.

Where did you get the parts and tools from?

Great save! I heard there were 900 built in 2002. Not sure if that is worldwide or just U.S. Whichever, you are correct that it is rare. I suspect it won't be long before I will be scheduling the same surgery as have rolled past 108,000mi. When I retire the 4.6 from daily driver it will take a place of honor in my garage--well maybe just a stall, but it is not going anywhere. I grew up in Michigan, still have family there. Really miss the big lake but not the winters.

Parts came from FCPEuro - I just bought the whole timing kit so I didn't miss anything. I did plugs and belts as well. Tools came from BimmerToolRental. Vanos seals from Besian. All great experiences.

I now own the 32mm pulley wrench, 1 -11/32 shower socket and a Peake code reader and the Besian pick tools. I would be happy to lend these out if anyone wants.

Sorry to revive such an old thread. So the 4.6is uses the same timing tools as the "regular" 4.4 liter version of the M62TÜ?

Yes, it does. The special tools needed are available for rent or purchase.

Awesome! I already have the tools and have done the timing chain service on a 740i, which of course has the 4.4 liter. Good to know that I can use what I have and not track down more special tools.

What were the measurements between new/old chains.