Stupid Q

[Hellrot]

Hi Guys

Being my first BMW...and possibly chain driven vehicle. Iv got a 1997 E36 328i convertible. Im sure this has a chain instead of a timing belt right? When does the chain need to be replaced?

Iv always only owned belt driven vehicles and know how important it is to replace in time....not too clued up on chain vehicles?

thanks

 

[RAArmstrong]

You've got the M52 Motor which has a timing chain. It should never need replaced. Perhaps in time, depending on mileage you might have to replace the tensioner but I'm not sure. The more clued up guys will be able to answer that.

 

[Ralf*]

+1

:thumbs:

chain should never need replacement, but tensioner might need replacement in time.

 

[Hellrot]

ok awesome. But I spose the chain would need replacement eventually as nothing lasts forever...esp mechanically.

Thanks guys

 

[Peter@AEW]

If oil changes are regular (say 10K intervals) and a good quality oil is used the chain should last longer than the car.
Equally the tensioner is not prone to excessive wear however the deflection rail is prone to wear and depending on how the engine has been maintained it may need replacement sooner rather than later.
A worn deflection rail will/might allow the chain to "skip" a tooth thus rendering the head valves and piston crowns into an assortment of damaged metal.


I guess your question has elements of "how long is a piece of string"

 

[Hellrot]

If oil changes are regular (say 10K intervals) and a good quality oil is used the chain should last longer than the car.
Equally the tensioner is not prone to excessive wear however the deflection rail is prone to wear and depending on how the engine has been maintained it may need replacement sooner rather than later.
A worn deflection rail will/might allow the chain to "skip" a tooth thus rendering the head valves and piston crowns into an assortment of damaged metal.


I guess your question has elements of "how long is a piece of string"

What are the signs of a badly worn deflection rail?

 

[Peter@AEW]

None that will be seen by an inexperienced eye

 

[Hellrot]

None that will be seen by an inexperienced eye

Shit...and nothing to listen for?

 

[Luis Malhou]

BMW chains almost never heard of one break. The E30 swapped over to belts at a point, a few failures and BMW went back to chain. I don't think they ever built belt driven ever again!

Unless you hear chain rattle (experienced ear will know) then dont touch. If you ever open the motor, then do a new chain, tensioner and rail.

 

[Hellrot]

Ok thanks guys