impee shows you how to replace a BMW 3 Series e46 N42 Timing Chain Tensioner. Visit: http://www.impee.com for more BMW DIYs.
impee shows you how to replace a BMW 3 Series e46 N42 Timing Chain Tensioner. Visit: http://www.impee.com for more BMW DIYs.
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Great i got a quote for a pcv valve fix for €450 in a independent bmw garage is that a fair price? Thanks
no, I am not aware of any official BMW timing chain tensioner replacement guide…it is simple unscrew and screw in a new one.
hi i replace my chain tensioner and it seems it did not resolve the problem engine still rattle i brought to a bmw dealer and he said the pcv valve needs to be change and he noticed a new chain tensioner and he ask if i follow a guide before installing and i said i just unscrew it and put a new one ……..is there a bmw proper guide to do this …….because i found yours easy to install thanks again
I think the best bet and cheapest option would be to just replace your timing chain tensioner yourself (provided you have the old one at the moment). If you have new type fitted, then you are at the mercy of your mechanic.
This should be changed at 80,000 miles – provided you have the old type currently fitted, if you have the new type, then I don’t believe it needs to be changed. There is more detailed information about this DIY on my website, Thanks.
great video what made you decide to change the chain tensioner is it giving problem?thanks again
Hi there, thanks for the vid! liked & subbed. I have a 3 series e46, my mechanic told me that the timing chain is loose, what he did was opened the oil cap and saw that the chain inside was a little loose. First of all i never new there was a chain in there, he said it would cost 600 to replace the Timing Chain but now after doing some research I’m thinking could it only be the Timing Chain Tensioner? Please reply
Im going to change some of the O rings myself because its a easy job. If it still leaks i will let my garage change the rest. thank you 😉
That’s really bad. I think you need to recontact your garage, and explain the oil usage. There are a number of weak spots in this car concerning oil leaks, and are usually solved by replacing simple O-ring. However, it will require some digging into the engine to find the source of the leak. Goodluck.
Just checked my oil stick yesterday and it was close to empty. I changed my oil with castrol a month ago so its leaking pretty bad. However i think the leak is from the vanos solenoids because the oil has clogged up around there. Need to clean the area before i can remove them tough its pretty dirty.
Most of the N42’s oil leakages are caused by bad O-rings. Try to determine the source and see if you can replace the O-ring, or find a garage who can.
Most important factor; what is the oil consumption of your car? If that’s not too bad, you’re in the safe.
You helped me a great deal mr impee. I used this diy on my 2003 318ci. It was quite easy, even for me as a newbie-mechanic.
I have the pre facelift type with the N42 engine. My engine is also sweating oil close to the oil filter. My local garage said it wont do any harm but the bottom of the engine is full of oil.
This should be changed at 80,000 miles – provided you have the old type, if you have the new type, then I don’t believe it needs to be changed. There is a lot more information about this on my website.
How do you know when to change it?
Over a period of 2 years every now and then I searched for a decent DIY for this as I needed to change my part soon, but could not believe the quality and lack of information out there…so I had to do a DIY myself 🙂
Sorry for the late reply, I just noticed your question. I bought the part from BMW.
There is a lot more information on my DIY page, i.e. in the link in the video description
I hope your new car is going well 🙂
I changed the tensioner on my N42 a while back, it’s nice to know there’s finally a DIY video for this, nice one… Btw I follow your DIY website too. 😉
Found the details on your website – thanks!!!!
Hi, can I ask where you bought the Timing Chain Tensioner and how much it was please? We may be buying a 318 n42 this week and want to get this swapped out asap. Many Thanks.
thank you
thanks impee for this tutorial! I find it really helpful.