should my timing chain be done or not?

[1991 e30 bmw 318is]

When i start it i can hear the chain it sounds like its slapping. rev it up and as the rpm's come down it goes slap slap slap slap. not sure what was done to it before so i'm going to assume nothing was done. so should i do the tensioner that pushes on the guide, or get a new chain and do it all? and its just over 160***miles

[hamann318is]

I would start with a tensioner. The sound you're describing sounds more like the tensioner not doing its job. They're cheap, and could save you the hassle of changing the chain.

[stevofthahill]

Do the tensioner first and then report back on whether or not the chain noise went away.

[1991 e30 bmw 318is]

just did the tensioner and ill be starting it today il let you guys know.

[1991 e30 bmw 318is]

well just got it going its much better a little noise but its not bad.

[BBY1104]

I have heard some of the guys at the sealership say theoretically the chain should never have to be changed; if kept well lubricated and kept taut and not super loose it should go till the car goes out

[stevofthahill]

I have heard some of the guys at the sealership say theoretically the chain should never have to be changed; if kept well lubricated and kept taut and not super loose it should go till the car goes out

They also tell you that tranny and diff fluid are lifetime fluids...hmmmmm.

[strad]

I have heard some of the guys at the sealership say theoretically the chain should never have to be changed; if kept well lubricated and kept taut and not super loose it should go till the car goes out

I would wager that the sprockets would wear badly before you'd notice the chain wearing out. I know that on my motor (201.5k, no major internal maintenance) the sprockets are about done. It's not making noise yet, but I'm making plans to do something about it. Chains will shed rollers into the oil pan too, which can under the worst circumstances go right through the oil pump, destroying it and the lower timing case.

[jerods87e30]

I always thought that E30's had timing belts...is it different on a '91 318is?

hmm.

[seiferguy]

I always thought that E30's had timing belts...is it different on a '91 318is?

hmm.

Yeah, it is. M42 is a timing chain, only e30 to have it.

[James Crivellone]

Yeah, it is. M42 is a timing chain, only e30 to have it.

With the exception of the M10 :p

[stevofthahill]

With the exception of the M10 :p

and the s14 :razz:

[1991 318is]

I would wager that the sprockets would wear badly before you'd notice the chain wearing out. I know that on my motor (201.5k, no major internal maintenance) the sprockets are about done. It's not making noise yet, but I'm making plans to do something about it. Chains will shed rollers into the oil pan too, which can under the worst circumstances go right through the oil pump, destroying it and the lower timing case.

Same here - mileage and condition of sprockets. I blew a head gasket before the chain went.

[James Crivellone]

and the s14 :razz:

Hah, was talking non M ;)