S54 oil pump chain

[bigjae46]

Anyone else have success R&R'ing the timing cover without head removal? Mine is already leaking but I suppose that could be made worse.

BMW's repair instructions require removal of the heads. So if you have a dealer do the work, they will remove the head. Say what you will about BMW, they are thorough with their repairs and BMW wants to minimize comebacks. You can remove the cover without removing the head, you run the risk of the head gasket leaking around the timing chain overhang. Honestly, I think you'll be OK on a well-maintained engine or at least have a much higher chance of not having an issue.

[cobra]

I did it without removing the head. Just loosened all the bolts, tapped on it with a hammer and it came off the front. On reinstall, I carefully cleaned the gasket and interfaces and used a RTV sealant between gasket layers as well as between timing cover and gasket, and it slid back in no problem. Snug up the bolts incrementally so it pulls it in and up towards the head little by little into the corner. Been about 7k miles, no leaks, no issues.

[chris719]

Thanks for the confirmation guys, it sounds like it's not worth the trouble. I was just hoping that when I was down there for rod bearings it could be changed, but I suspected it was not possible since no one does it as common practice.

[cobra]

Thanks for the confirmation guys, it sounds like it's not worth the trouble. I was just hoping that when I was down there for rod bearings it could be changed, but I suspected it was not possible since no one does it as common practice.

Only reason I had to do it was because my timing chain guide broke during install. The chain was perfectly fine like new. Not a wear item.

[chris719]

Only reason I had to do it was because my timing chain guide broke during install. The chain was perfectly fine like new. Not a wear item.

I was just hoping to do the tensioner because it looks like the chain gouges the pickup tube over time.

[Cubieman]

I want to do the tensioner during RB service and since my timing cover already leaks I think I am just going to go for it and glop RTV on the HG.

[cobra]

I was just hoping to do the tensioner because it looks like the chain gouges the pickup tube over time.

Yeah my tensioner appeared fine, but during the rod bearing job, I had pushed it out of the way and it slipped off my finger and slapped against the chain, and shattered. That was frustrating... what was already a big job turned into a bigger job with timing cover + front main seal, making custom tools to do that job properly, etc.

[Cubieman]

Yeah my tensioner appeared fine, but during the rod bearing job, I had pushed it out of the way and it slipped off my finger and slapped against the chain, and shattered. That was frustrating... what was already a big job turned into a bigger job with timing cover + front main seal, making custom tools to do that job properly, etc.

Lol, I benefitted from that frustration, your special tool worked great on my S85 and I'm sure will on the S54.