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

[genocide98]

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.

You install it compressed, then you press the guide against it to release it, it'll take a while for the pressure to build, so you might want to rev it for a few (30?) seconds on startup.

[bmwm42]

i would suggest the same replacing the tensioner on already worn parts is flat out retarded, you are going to wear the guides at a faster rate. do your self a favor and replace them all at once.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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

[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

[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.

[thebutcher37]

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

[xoneslosentrax]

I just ordered my tensioner

[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 :/

[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!!

[Gerta]

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

[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!

[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..