Service interval for Chain Tensioner

[dude8383]

I can't for the life of me find it, so what say you? How often does the timing chain tensioner need to replaced on these motors?

The tensioner in question:

P/N#15 - 11 31 1 405 081

[gobuffs]

1,000,000 miles

Seriously, they rarely go bad- if ever.

[dude8383]

1,000,000 miles

Seriously, they rarely go bad- if ever.

Fuckin aye. Thats good to know! Thanks :)

[KenC]

False. Like 30k

[gobuffs]

30k miles on an S50 tensioner? LOL!

[nando]

1,000,000 miles

Seriously, they rarely go bad- if ever.

Yeah, because the plastic guide rails will have long disintergrated before the tensioner could have a chance to go bad.

;)

[dude8383]

False. Like 30k

Is this according to BMW service manual?

[sharky]

if you have a obd1 engine upgrade to the S52 tensioner, they do go bad especially in earlier motors. Takes 5 min to replace.

[dude8383]

I have the s50 unit, I was under the impression those were more robust.

[e30rapidic]

I am rebuilding my motor, one of the plastic tabs that hold it in place was broken...

[KenC]

Is this according to BMW service manual?

I was on my phone and didn't see the 24V section. Thought you were talking about an M42.

[JGood]

There are two tensioners, one for the primary chain and one for the secondary chain (the one that connects the two cam sprockets). The primary chain tensioner bolts into the side of the block from the outside, the secondary tensioner bolts in under the valve cover between the cam sprockets, and is a bit more of a job to replace.

Doesn't answer your question, but I'd think you'd need to be more specific to get your answer, since they aren't the same part or design.

[dude8383]

There are two tensioners, one for the primary chain and one for the secondary chain (the one that connects the two cam sprockets). The primary chain tensioner bolts into the side of the block from the outside, the secondary tensioner bolts in under the valve cover between the cam sprockets, and is a bit more of a job to replace.

Doesn't answer your question, but I'd think you'd need to be more specific to get your answer, since they aren't the same part or design.

You're right, I edited my post above to be more specific =)

[JGood]

Have you pulled it out and looked at it? It's just two metal sleeves, one fits tightly inside the other, with a spring between them. I would think as long as there's no scarring of the machined surfaces, and the spring appears to be not broken or corroded, you'll be fine. Unless you have some excessive chain noise. I'm not sure that there is a maintenance interval specified.

[dude8383]

I bought mine new when I rebuilt the motor, there's approx 15k on it now. Doubt that there are any issues with it, I was just wondering for future reference.

I remember on the m42 they "recommended" that the tensioner should be replaced at each oil service. I was like fuck that because its nearly $50 per, just wondering if its the same dealio for the M5x/S5x motors