Should I replace these timing gears?

[juliea_1962]

Responding to a bit of a noisy chain, we took the front cover off my e30 m42, and had a look at the chain & components.

Camshaft sprockets looked OK, but the crankshaft sprocket teeth looked pretty worn. What are people's thoughts on which of these I should replace? Photos posted here: http://picasaweb.google.com/juliea456/CarPhotos# - there's one for the camshaft sprockets and another for the lower ones.

If possible I'd like to get away with only replacing the crankshaft sprocket & chain, as the total setup is pretty pricey, but will this cause problems down the road? Don't want to be pennywise & pound foolish....

Thanks for the thoughts.
-Julie

[individualist]

Crank sprocket looks a bit suspect. I'd do like you said and change it out along with the chain. Check the guide rails while you're in there and replace the tensioner if that hasn't been done already...

[5KWattson]

/\ he speaks the truth...crank one looks a tad bit fishy...a nice timing set w/gears should do the trick :)

[KenC]

Cam gears look great.

I'm not sure what to make of the chain wear on the face of the crank gear, but the teeth look fine. They're pointy when brand new, which makes sense when you think about how small the diameter of the cog is and how much of it makes contact with the chain at all times.

[xwill112x]

mine are worn out. here's what worn cam sprockets look like

[gone002]

i think its the opposite...when the gears a shot they get pointy
heres a pic when i replaced mine in my m10...

[dude8383]

Yup those cam gears look good. The crank sprocket might need replacing though.