E53 D Sport Timing cover Hydraulic Tensioner swap out

[X5-D-Sport]

E53 D Sport Timing cover Hydraulic Tensioner swap out.

I have a major rattle that occurs at about 3,500 rpm only regardless of engine load, seams to be from timing cover.

Came on over a 2 month period of 40 miles a day.
I have gone thru the engine with a stethoscope & its defo from timing cover area.
SO
before I order bits & pull it all to bits....

I spotted that the TOP 1/3rd of the timing cover is removable on its own, and want to know if the hydraulic tensioner can be removed from under this cover on its own... as I don't want to have to pull the whole front end off the car if I can possibly help it...

It may possibly be that the chain guides are worn out or maybe the hydraulic tensioner has gradually failed, but the tensioner change is the easiest bit to start with either way.

Any one got a good manual, or done this, or can look up the info, or have a pictorial ?

Much appreciated.

[X5Sport]

Have a look here.....

Newtis dot info

Copy of the dealer manuals and not that old looking at all of the models covered.

[lezmtaylor]

Have a look at Pelican site, good diy guides.

Lez

[henrym3]

I mention this only because I’Ve been there, before you start ripping things apart put your stethoscope on the cat, especially when hot and then rev.