My 91 318i kind of sounds like a diesel when running

[90pioneer]

I just bought a 91 318i. It sort of sounds like a diesel when it runs/drives. It has 178k on it.

Would this be from exhaust? It doesn't seem rusted out, or would it more than likely be from the timing chain tensioner piston?

[mr ilia]

It is likely a chain tensioner issue. My does the same only during a cold start and only for a second or so.

[xoneslosentrax]

u are having the same problem as i am..look at my post and watch my video and see if it does sound like it..i took the tensioner part and its pretty much fucked..

[bmwman91]

It's the tensioner piston. Replace it now for $40 & 5 minutes of work, or spend $600 on parts and 20 hours fixing the damage later if you don't!

[Gerta]

^ This. Solid advice here boys ... do it now or pay for it later.

[hyperE30]

It's the tensioner piston. Replace it now for $40 & 5 minutes of work, or spend $600 on parts and 20 hours fixing the damage later if you don't!

yes indeed, happened to me but I had to replace timing guides too and so and so!!

fix it nao!!

[smyleboyd]

I need to put this one on the list. im getting the "diesel" noise aswell at 183k. i have a feeling that my chain is not in the best shape :/

[xoneslosentrax]

I just ordered my tensioner

[thebutcher37]

Hmm now school is out I want to do this.. Any write ups?

[Ryann]

How many times is this going to be covered before people wake up and search??

This sub-forum is in desperate need of some stickies.

[xoneslosentrax]

How many times is this going to be covered before people wake up and search??

This sub-forum is in desperate need of some stickies.

hahaha i know right...there a few write ups on it but they havent been stickied yet..dunno y

[EN318isPDX]

It's the tensioner piston. Replace it now for $40 & 5 minutes of work, or spend $600 on parts and 20 hours fixing the damage later if you don't!

He speaks the truth, I let my tensioner go and it took out most of my guides. 300 dollars and hours of work later. Wish I had fixed the tensioner sooner

"If your timing chain tensioner is more than 4 years old you should replace it too"
http://www.esatclear.ie/~bpurcell/318istimingchain.html
I let mine go for 8+ years and paid the price

[mr ilia]

Hmm now school is out I want to do this.. Any write ups?

Simple, take a 19mm wrench, find a bolt that fits this wrench size....it is located on the engine block, just above the a/c compressor.

One the bolt out, replace the inside part with the one you already received from your BMW parts supplier.

[thebutcher37]

Simple, take a 19mm wrench, find a bolt that fits this wrench size....it is located on the engine block, just above the a/c compressor.

One the bolt out, replace the inside part with the one you already received from your BMW parts supplier.

Ohhh... I thought there was more to it!

thanks for pointing it out.

[roguetoaster]

Desktop Dave from M42 club advocates caution when replacing a tensioner in an unknown condition timing gear setup. I would suggest that you start saving for an entire timing gear/chain overhaul, if you want to keep the car that is. Also, be sure to read up on installing the piston, I cannot remember if it is to be installed compressed or extended, and what the break in procedure is exactly.