cam tensioner rattle

[Ryoken]

cars not been run for 2 days, (145k 4.4 v8) noticed a rattle on start up , I presume its the lower cam chain tensioner,
ive seen posts regarding the "febi" branded types, anyone got comments on this brand , or do you suggest bmw part for this?

cheers

Steve

[Greydog]

I changed the chain tensioner as a precaution on my 4.6 (81k) the one I removed (which I assume was original)was at least 20mm shorter at rest than the Febi replacement.
I did it after reading on the US Forums about known issues, fitting was fiddly not difficult and took about an hour with tea and no swearing. I turned the engine over half a dozen times without letting it fire to make sure oil was in the new tensioner and bingo job jobbed
For £40 or so its worth doing but remember a rattle at start up can be other things Vanos? Sticking tappets?

[Ryoken]

I don't think mines been changed, or im assuming mines not been changed at 145k. its only done the rattle a couple of times , so I thought id get in and change it before it either gets worse , or I have to ,
I too have read a few forums regardingthe hit/miss febi  components, I just threw it out to the masses , as ive only had the car about a month

[davesavage257]

I replaced my tensioner last month with a Febi one (109k miles) it's removed the start up rattle I had.  The spring provides the tension on the chain until there's enough oil pressure.