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timing chain tensioner
Posted: Wed Jan 29, 2020 10:32 pm
by Loperamide
Can anyone tell me the best brand to buy for the timing chain tensioner on the M62TU ?
Most seem to be Febi Bilstein, are these any good?
This is for a 2003 4.4i
Re: timing chain tensioner
Posted: Thu Jan 30, 2020 7:02 pm
by henrym3
I fitted Febi Bilstein to my lads 4.4 some years ago and mine 7k ago so I’m a fan.
Re: timing chain tensioner
Posted: Thu Jan 30, 2020 10:16 pm
by Loperamide
henrym3 wrote: Thu Jan 30, 2020 7:02 pm
I fitted Febi Bilstein to my lads 4.4 some years ago and mine 7k ago so I’m a fan.
can u link me to where you bought yours, and some installation instructions please?
Re: timing chain tensioner
Posted: Thu Jan 30, 2020 10:31 pm
by henrym3
Re: timing chain tensioner
Posted: Fri Jan 31, 2020 12:13 am
by Loperamide
on RealOEM the part number is different? 11317531813
https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showpa ... Id=11_2264
and what about the washer?
Are there any special instructions for the X5 on gaining access to the bolt? How awkward is it?
Re: timing chain tensioner
Posted: Fri Jan 31, 2020 12:51 pm
by henrym3
372858625461
You can go for this same piece from febi which lists the bmw p/n. Both are the same I checked at the time. As for the washer mine came with a washer but if not then you’ll have to go to dealer. I change mine every 30k initially because those in the know recommended it but now having done it there is a noticeable difference in length after 30k. If that keeps better tension on the chain and makes the guides last longer then in my book it’s worth the money.
Re: timing chain tensioner
Posted: Sat Feb 01, 2020 1:03 am
by Loperamide
henrym3 wrote: Fri Jan 31, 2020 12:51 pm
372858625461
You can go for this same piece from febi which lists the bmw p/n. Both are the same I checked at the time. As for the washer mine came with a washer but if not then you’ll have to go to dealer. I change mine every 30k initially because those in the know recommended it but now having done it there is a noticeable difference in length after 30k. If that keeps better tension on the chain and makes the guides last longer then in my book it’s worth the money.
Are there any special instructions on gaining access to the bolt? How awkward is it on the X5?
Re: timing chain tensioner
Posted: Sat Feb 01, 2020 9:37 am
by lezmtaylor
Not that difficult, you may need to remove the air cleaner for more access,
One tip : do NOT play with the new tensioner, ie:, undo it to measure against the old tensioner, I did and found it was impossible to lock new tensioner in the closed position and had to fit unlocked, took ages .
Lez
Re: timing chain tensioner
Posted: Sat Feb 01, 2020 7:41 pm
by Loperamide
lezmtaylor wrote: Sat Feb 01, 2020 9:37 am
Not that difficult, you may need to remove the air cleaner for more access,
One tip : do NOT play with the new tensioner, ie:, undo it to measure against the old tensioner, I did and found it was impossible to lock new tensioner in the closed position and had to fit unlocked, took ages .
Lez
So how will it open by itself? Is it not dangerous to install it closed without any tension on the guide?
Every single youtube video out there installs the tensioner in the open position.
Re: timing chain tensioner
Posted: Sun Feb 02, 2020 11:11 am
by lezmtaylor
Cannot remember how I did it , but I do remember that it was impossible to get it to lock back up to fit it. and refitting against the open spring was hell of a job, perhaps so one on here who has done the job can explain,
Lez
Re: timing chain tensioner
Posted: Sun Feb 02, 2020 11:54 pm
by sleepyfolk
Bought mine from Cotswold bmw with the forum discount - price was similar to elsewhere to be honest but it was a couple of years ago.
When you’ve managed to squeeze your hand in and change it - it’s awkward as opposed to difficult or requiring any skill! As Lez says don’t open it beforehand or it will be bloody difficult, the oil pressure will open it when you start the engine.
Unfortunately there will be an almighty clatter and you’ll think you’ve totalled your engine for about 1.5 seconds but that’s normal, or you can pay someone to do it and you just won’t hear it!
Re: timing chain tensioner
Posted: Mon Feb 03, 2020 8:13 pm
by Loperamide
sleepyfolk wrote: Sun Feb 02, 2020 11:54 pm
Bought mine from Cotswold bmw with the forum discount - price was similar to elsewhere to be honest but it was a couple of years ago.
When you’ve managed to squeeze your hand in and change it - it’s awkward as opposed to difficult or requiring any skill! As Lez says don’t open it beforehand or it will be bloody difficult, the oil pressure will open it when you start the engine.
Unfortunately there will be an almighty clatter and you’ll think you’ve totalled your engine for about 1.5 seconds but that’s normal, or you can pay someone to do it and you just won’t hear it!
That clatter for 1.5 seconds could cause the plastic guides to break off with the chain slapping around, if they are already very brittle with age.
Re: timing chain tensioner
Posted: Mon Feb 03, 2020 9:51 pm
by sleepyfolk
If you find a way round it post it up, I couldn’t find one
Re: timing chain tensioner
Posted: Tue Feb 04, 2020 10:17 pm
by henrym3
I took the tough route, it is doable, just needs a lot of pushing in while trying to turn.
Re: timing chain tensioner
Posted: Fri Feb 14, 2020 9:07 pm
by Loperamide
lezmtaylor wrote: Sat Feb 01, 2020 9:37 am
Not that difficult, you may need to remove the air cleaner for more access,
One tip : do NOT play with the new tensioner, ie:, undo it to measure against the old tensioner, I did and found it was impossible to lock new tensioner in the closed position and had to fit unlocked, took ages .
Lez
Too late. It arrived in the open position today!