bad timing chain tensioner

[matt91m42]

My car sounds awful up front, I ruled out any accessories by removing the belts and firing it up, so I ordered a new timing chain tensioner figuring that's probably what it is. I just pulled out the old one and it was a bitch, I had to use vice grips to wiggle it out. Once it was out I couldn't get it to move at all, as you can see in the picture that's how far out it is and is stuck solid where it's at. My question is, isn't the piston thing suppose to stick out further and its junk right?

[Gerta]

It's got a measurement that it is supposed to have fully extended. I know the Haynes manual has the measurement in it. FWIW: The old style piston was replaced by the M44 version which is compatible with the E30 M42 engine. That looks like the old style to me so it was probably due to be replaced anyhow.

[matt91m42]

Thanks, I ordered one from Turner motorsport and it said it fit the m42 and m44 so I'm guessing it's the new style, and I looked all over for the measurement and couldn't find it so I'll keep looking, basically just to see how far off it is

[Gerta]

Yeah, I would throw that old one out.

[Vanilla Gorilla]

Thanks, I ordered one from Turner motorsport and it said it fit the m42 and m44 so I'm guessing it's the new style, and I looked all over for the measurement and couldn't find it so I'll keep looking, basically just to see how far off it is

I just changed mine out with one from Turner as well. Made 150% difference in my engine. It sounds so nice even with cold starts now.

You will be thrilled. I'll be changing mine as a maintaince item now every 30k miles.

[matt91m42]

Just got done changing the tensioner and wow did it make a huge difference. All the noise and racket is completely gone now. I even thought i had an exhaust leak it sounded so bad but now it sounds like a new engine.

[Gerta]

I just changed mine out with one from Turner as well. Made 150% difference in my engine. It sounds so nice even with cold starts now.

You will be thrilled. I'll be changing mine as a maintaince item now every 30k miles.

30k seems a bit low to change out that tensioner? What does BMW recommend or is that a BMW maintenance spec?

[matt91m42]

Those who have replaced your timing chain tensioner did you have to readjust your timing after replacing the tensioner. I haven't checked my timing yet but I'm tempted to take my valve cover off just to check it.

[red2.4srt]

I just did mine last week and I still have the same noise. My cam gears are shot though, so idk if that's the basis of my noise or not. Find out soon enough !

[matt91m42]

I checked the timing about 2 weeks ago and it was dead on. I just removed the valve cover to check the timing again since I replaced the tensioner and now it's it of wack. Just wanted to let you guys know if you change it out it might be worth it to recheck your timing.

[irish44j]

Those who have replaced your timing chain tensioner did you have to readjust your timing after replacing the tensioner. I haven't checked my timing yet but I'm tempted to take my valve cover off just to check it.

no, you shouldn't.

[Vanilla Gorilla]

30k seems a bit low to change out that tensioner? What does BMW recommend or is that a BMW maintenance spec?

It is most likely quite low, but for the $50 it cost and the peace of mind it gives me that will be my plan going forward.

[Gerta]

It is most likely quite low, but for the $50 it cost and the peace of mind it gives me that will be my plan going forward.

fair enough.