v8 timing chain questions

[the shreksta]

hi

as per my other posts i am really considering buying a x5 v8 (not fussed which size)

i know they are timing chain, do they ever need replacing? if so how much?

does the tensioner ever need replacing? if so how much?

many thanks

[Slick]

The chain guides themselves  break, very expensive to replace........be prepared for 1000 plus

[the shreksta]

[quote="Slick"]
The chain guides themselves  break, very expensive to replace........be prepared for 1000 plus
[/quote]

Would that be at a main dealers?

[X5Sport]

No.  Add a fair bit for main dealer.  Not all indy's can tackle it unless they have all the tools, a number of which are specially made.  A fair bit has to come off the car before you can get at things (most of what is in front of the engine!).

[Horizon]

http://i.imgur.com/8irU8gV.jpg
This was a timing chain/ tensioner renewal strip down., so that's where the expense comes from.
I think if you go for an X5 you will be constantly waiting for something to go wrong with it.
I'm sure it will spoil the enjoyment of owning one

[the shreksta]

[quote="Horizon"]
http://i.imgur.com/8irU8gV.jpg
This was a timing chain/ tensioner renewal strip down., so that's where the expense comes from.
I think if you go for an X5 you will be constantly waiting for something to go wrong with it.
I'm sure it will spoil the enjoyment of owning one

[X5Sport]

Not common.  Like most cars, if you keep an eye on things and regularly service them you should be fine.  High mileage cars will be more likely to suffer....say 130,000 miles upwards.....but that's no real surprise.

The latest 'N' series IL6 engines such as the one in my X6 has the timing chain at the back of the engine!!  Not the most 'maintenance friendly' location...

And there's a recall going on currently with the 4.4 twin turbo (used in the series50 models) for timing chain failure but that's a different....well newer series.....engine.

Complex cars mean complex issues unfortunately, regardless of manufacturer.  There are thousands out there which are absolutely fine, and there have not been many with major issues on the forum be they 4.4/4.6 or 4.8.

Second/third or fourth owners who scrimp on maintenance because they can't afford the costs but want 'the look' of owning an X5 is where the bad ones come from.  Well looked after, cherished examples should be fine and as long as you do your homework carefully there are really good ones out there. 

If it's cheap, there's a reason!  If it's in Cowboy Motors with a bad warranty, there's a reason!  That being said even AUC cars have proved to be poor but at least you get a warranty that should cover things.

Members on here will do everything we can to help.....

[Greydog]

Remember that most contributors on Forums are looking for a solution to an issue. As Richard has said don't be put off.
When buying we looked at all manufacturers we were looking for a tow car to pull a horse box after selling the horse lorry, and something competent off the black stuff with space for dogs and my shooting kit and buddies.
Due to my hobby there was plenty of "input" from friends about what to buy very, few considered the X5 as suitable.
Well we are on our second the first was a 4.4 (76k when brought) apart from bushes and servicing a great car pulled the horse box with no issue or signs of getting stuck. It coped with two seasons of "shoot off roading" (snow and mud) without a murmur. I am now in a 4.6 (78k when brought) and apart from the pesky bushes and a water pump no problems. You can change the tensioner for an upgraded one £40 and simple DIY for peace of mind (it wont cure a rattling engine though)
When looking I had the help and advice from an excellent BMW Specialist, like Richard, his advice was SERVICE HISTORY plus receipts for parts essential. Get a good warranty. He also advised if there are any rattles at start up walk away as engine fixes on a older X5 could exceed its value.

As a car they drive really well go like stink when needed and in my experience are very reliable. You will find what you want then enjoy it and dont worry

[the shreksta]

Thanks for all the info guys, I've been offered a mint 4.8 v8 from a member on here but it's a tad out of my price range. Glad to hear about the upgraded tensioner aswell

As for going like stink............I'm coming from a 440bhp impreza that cracked 0-60 in less than 4 seconds so whichever model I buy it will seem slow lol

Cheers guys for all the info

[Greydog]

Performance is relative to the car your driving, I was running a 6.3 AMG CLS prior to buying the X5 I sold it as I just used the X5 more, my wife's car is a 3.0 Outback running Perrin upgrades we still have that (watch out for the little old lady in the silver Subaru)
In daily driving a V8 X5 you wont feel inadequate in the power stakes, it's just different: more relaxed somehow