Alternator, fuel pump, and timing chain questions

[GnarMachine]

So I'm looking at buying a 318is that needs a little bit of work.

First the alternator needs to be replaced. Is there a cheaper unit than the $200+ bosch one? And is it a fairly easy replacement?

Also the fuel pump seems very expensive , is there a less expensive unit available? I've also read that it is an easy replacement as well, is this correct?

And lastly, the car has 123k miles on it and hasn't had the timing chain replaced, the current owner is a mechanic and says he isn't concerned since it is not making any noise. Should it be replaced anyways? I've gotten a quote for $800 to replace it at a local european car specialist. However I'm wondering if this is at all replaceable by myself or I should not even bother and just take it to the shop?

[archemedes]

chains don't need to be replaced like belts. Alternators are available from most parts stores, but are reman, reman is used, and will fail I don't care what brand, teh people rebuilding them always cut some corners. Fuel pump if you want cheap go used

[LovableSheep]

If the timing chain isn't making any noise, I wouldn't worry about it. My car has almost 197k on the original chain, and I believe there are plenty of others floating around with more than 123k as well. Often even if it is a little noisy, replacing the chain tensioner will do the trick.

The alternator shouldn't be too difficult to replace, I had mine out and it seemed pretty straight forward, and I'm a pretty inexperienced mechanic.

[morningsmiler]

Both of those fixes are pretty easy. I would source both used as they are easy enough to replace and you can usually get a used alternator for about $30.

The day you buy your car(or even before if you are positive you'll be getting an e30) get a Bentley. You can get a good idea of how involved a job is just by looking at the book.

Good luck with your search.

[2002maniac]

before you replace the alternator pull out the votage regulator and check the brushes for wear.

Just remove the two screws on the back side of the alternator and pull it out.

I'd say 50% of the time a bad alternator really only needs a new voltage regulator which is a ~$30 part.

Dont worry about the timing chain, but it wouldnt hurt to replace the chain tensioner. It is a pretty cheap part and can be changed using only a 19mm end wrench and take less than 5 minutes to accomplish.

[GnarMachine]

Thanks for all the help everyone.

I guess I was pretty worried about the timing chain breaking or something, is that at all common?

[SpecM]

Thanks for all the help everyone.

I guess I was pretty worried about the timing chain breaking or something, is that at all common?

you're thinking of timing belts. Timing chains almost never break, but can slip if the tensioner/guide rail wear exessively.

and +1 on trying to replace the volt reg + brushes on the alternater.

[GnarMachine]

you're thinking of timing belts. Timing chains almost never break, but can slip if the tensioner/guide rail wear exessively.

and +1 on trying to replace the volt reg + brushes on the alternater.

Sounds good. The only chains I'm really familiar with are on bikes, and they take a lot of load and are exposed to a lot. I'm not sure what the forces are like on a timing chain, but I guess they are fairly low in comparison to what it can withstand?