Xoutpost.com - E53 X5 2003 4.4 Timing Chains

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the CPS sensors are in the front of the engine right abouve the vanos solinoids

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fish71 (Post 1027772)

Good day,

I am just curious to hear from people that have actually completed changing timing chains on their X5

Did you take the entire front end off to complete the repair?

Is it possible to complete with the front end still on?

How hard is it to remove the front end

When I say front end I'm talking about radiator support, bumper, headlights the whole 9 yards

I plan on doing valley pan, vanos rings, valley pan, timing chains, cooling refresh, and a ccv rebuild.

Any help would be appreciated.

Fish..I did not do it myself but had a dealer shop foremen do it on a weekend. I have a 2002 4.4.

Also replace the "Pipe" that goes under the valley pan. The timing chain itself does not go bad, it's the plastic guides is what breaks from age. Also install a new timing chain tensioner. I would also buy a radiator, when mine can out it broke a few weeks later. Make sure you get valve cover gaskets too.

You do need to take out the radiator and everything back to the chains...nothing else.

The chains I feel are not a DIY job. My tech had a lot of problems with codes when he was done and had to do it again. The timing chain cam gears on the vanos system is the hard part. Just make sure you really do your research, if you get stuck on this and can not finish it not many people will work on it in that state. I'm just trying to tell you this is NO WAY like changing a timing chain on a American car. Just don't want to see you get burned..thats all.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rockit (Post 1027928)

I totaly understand. I ordered orings for both coolant tubes, valve cover gaskets with bolt washers, guide rails and chains ( i know the chains usually are not bad but i do not want to go back in there) and all associated gaskets/ bolts and so on.

I wouldnt say im an expert but i do know my way around cars. I know this is not an amature job but i am willing to take my time and double check and tripple check everything. It really sucks living in this state becuase there are no good mechanics around that will do this for an honest price. This is why i do all the homework and buy all the special tools to do the job right. I ordered the German Auto Solutions kit becuase it seemed to be a little more "user freindly" then the other timing kits available.

I planned on taking out the radiator but it was just replaced not to long ago.

Thanks for the comments and concerns! Im sure i will be back with questions.