M42 Timing chain guide rails

[downforce22]

Interesting info here: With oem parts you know you are getting another 150k out of the engine, but are there really that many catastrophic m42 engine failures due to timing components?

I suppose most cars are probably junked when it happens rather than reported and repaired.

[ThatOneEuroE30]

I just spent 1200 on doing a cooling system and timing system. Its not cheap but OE parts are the way to go

[Lmg]

Just want to confirm. My buddy and I successfully replaced the m42 timing rail (metal & plastic) with the beck arnley z3 1.9 year #0241997(plastic). Everything lined up perfect and his car is now running quiet and smooth again. Note two things, Z3 rail is more beefy, & it Was missing the set screw which is the cylindrical adjuster with two notches on the surface facing forward. If you're not sure what I'm referring to look up the most current (and most expensive) rail. The "set screw" comes on the $248 dollar part. Rock auto has the best price @ $69.99 but you will need to get that adjuster from Bmw (can't find the pn). Napa is the next best price @ $138 for the older part number : 1131173447. Hope this helps! Cheers-

[jaredmac11]

Yes, you can. I did. You need to get the bolts and spacer/cylinder for the corresponding rail but they work. Just hop on to RealOEM.
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...diagId=11_6106

$69!? I wish I had that option when I bought mine. Nearly paid double and I thought I was getting a deal. Its a damn ripoff how much these rails are.

Edit: Just to note, I have the LATE M42 timing case, which is different than your early but Im fairly sure you can. It should be the same, but caveat emptor. Since I didnt do it for the early, I cant 100% verify but its the same part numbers and everything for both rails on the early and late models.

[Lmg]

Does anyone know if we can use the m44 timing chain guide in our m42? Pelican parts lists the m42 guide at $240 dollars and it's supposed to work with 96-99
Z3 1.9l m44. Rockauto.com has an identical timing guide for a z3 1.9l for $69. Only slight difference is the upper bolt.

[TobyB]

I think it's partly because they really didn't sell many M42's. I haven't found any
aftermarket timing parts either. $200 for the E36 slider? That just... burns...

t

[jaredmac11]

M42s are just expensive engines, the more complex engines get the more expensive they are to refresh. Try pricing out a full rebuild for M42 vs M20, BTDT, you could build a 2.8 stroker M20 for the cost of a stock M42.

It has been more expensive than I originally thought, unfortunately. I figured 4 cylinders 1/3 less in costs but since all of these timing components are pretty dang expensive and blow my budget up.

[varg]

M42s are just expensive engines, the more complex engines get the more expensive they are to refresh. Try pricing out a full rebuild for M42 vs M20, BTDT, you could build a 2.8 stroker M20 for the cost of a stock M42.

[fresh_TD]

I spent about $700 for all new timing components and gaskets for my M42 build. Through FCP euro. The timing components are not cheap for these emgines

[AndrewBird]

That's just kinda the way it is with M42s. Why these parts are so expensive, I don't know.

[Gerta]

Contact Blunttech - steve@blunttech.com.

He can advise you on the best route to go.

[jaredmac11]

Im in the middle of a rebuild, engine has 150k miles.

I opened up the timing case and the sprockets look good. Teeth do not look worn, etc.

However, 2 of the chain guide rails are a bit worn, one has a lot of microfractures and likely needs to be replaced.

Here are photos of the 2.

http://imgur.com/a/jQKui

The timing tensioner rail looks mostly ok. It has 2 worn stripes down the middle and a small patch of microfractures, however, the other timing guide rail likely needs to be replaced.

The problem is, I cant find these parts at a reasonable rate anywhere. I'd be spending $300 for both of these together, which is literally a third of what I've spent on this project. For plastic rails.

Bavauto, pelicanparts, ECStuning are all no help. There has to be an OEM-like make for these... right?


I did note the guide rail has 2 part numbers, 1 is significantly lower cost.
11311247470 - $65
11311247483 - $200+

If I were to replace the entire timing case, I'd be looking at easily $750 worth of parts, or the cost of the entire engine.