Engine timing chain replacement

[ac427]

Is it possible to replace the engine timing chain with the engine still in the car?

I was hoping to get it replaced while i was getting the engine oil pump replaced.

I presume there is no getting away from removing the timing cover?

[JakeM346]

😂😂😂😂😂yeah I mean yes it’s possible but you don’t really want to. Believe me.
basically it’s the oil pan the front cover including fan clutch and vibration damper and most importantly a whole Vanos sprocket removal (aka Vanos job).
and in order to access all of this you have to at least remove the radiator and it still won’t be a pleasure.

also quick question why do you want to replace it…..
those things cost 100 bucks and last over half a million miles.
i mean if I rebuild an engine I just throw it in but only with an oil pump job…..it’s not a Volkswagen

and then other question you sure you mean the timing chain and not just the oil pump drive chain….

[ac427]

😂😂😂😂😂yeah I mean yes it’s possible but you don’t really want to. Believe me.
basically it’s the oil pan the front cover including fan clutch and vibration damper and most importantly a whole Vanos sprocket removal (aka Vanos job).
and in order to access all of this you have to at least remove the radiator and it still won’t be a pleasure.

also quick question why do you want to replace it…..
those things cost 100 bucks and last over half a million miles.
i mean if I rebuild an engine I just throw it in but only with an oil pump job…..it’s not a Volkswagen

and then other question you sure you mean the timing chain and not just the oil pump drive chain….

Thanks for the reply Jake.

I am going to get the conrod bearings done and replace the oil pump at the same time.

I thought the engine timing chain can get a bit slack. Are they definitely good for 500k miles?

Do the oil pump drive chains also last forever?

My thinking was the oil pump dive chain and the sprocket probably get worn over time.

[JakeM346]

Thanks for the reply Jake.

I am going to get the conrod bearings done and replace the oil pump at the same time.

I thought the engine timing chain can get a bit slack. Are they definitely good for 500k miles?

Do the oil pump drive chains also last forever?

My thinking was the oil pump dive chain and the sprocket probably get worn over time.

the sprocket is hardened and I reuse it for rebuild because can’t really say that they wear.
also the oil pump can and timing chain literally last for …. Ever. At least until you gotta rebuild the engine. BMW actually has engineered an active lubrication for the timing chain in the S54 and the oil pump chain runs in oil nearly completely submerged. So it will easily last as long a gearbox.
How many miles you got???
Unless it half a mil I wouldn’t worry and if it’s over I’d recommend you rebuilding the engine.
concerning that you can also look in the bores from the bottom and see if they are already washed out

[ac427]

the sprocket is hardened and I reuse it for rebuild because can’t really say that they wear.
also the oil pump can and timing chain literally last for …. Ever. At least until you gotta rebuild the engine. BMW actually has engineered an active lubrication for the timing chain in the S54 and the oil pump chain runs in oil nearly completely submerged. So it will easily last as long a gearbox.
How many miles you got???
Unless it half a mil I wouldn’t worry and if it’s over I’d recommend you rebuilding the engine.
concerning that you can also look in the bores from the bottom and see if they are already washed out

Thanks again Jake. I'm on 189k miles but had head gasket and timing chain done at 110k miles.

I've just had the head gasket replaced after finding coolant in cylinder one.

I'm thinking of getting the conrod bearings done just to be sure they are ok and whilst 'in there' replacing the oil pump too.

Thanks for your advice. I'll leave the chains then.