The timing chain connects the crankshaft to the camshafts so everything stays perfectly synchronized. This engine also has a secondary chain that drives the oil pump, vacuum pump, and high-pressure fuel pump, all riding on plastic guides that wear over time. When those guides fail or the chain stretches, it can lead to serious engine damage.
In today’s video, I’m refreshing the timing system on my twin turbo BMW N54 for my 2008 E90 335i. We’re replacing both timing chains, guides, and all related hardware as preventative maintenance while the engine is out and accessible.
Even though nothing has failed, I want this engine to last another 150k miles—this is one of those “do it now or regret it later” jobs.
I’ll walk you through how to properly time the engine using a timing kit, plus cover front crank seal install, vacuum pump cover, VANOS components, sensors, tensioner, and torque specs.
It didn’t go perfectly—but that’s part of the process. Real wins, real mistakes.
If you enjoy the video, drop a like, subscribe, and let me know your favorite part!
Dont forget to check out the “Fix & Give” series and I’ll also link any tools used down below!
BMW E46 GIVEAWAY SERIES PLAYLIST!!!
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PARTS USED:
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-screw-set-aluminum-11410426472
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-engine-timing-chain-guide-11317516093
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-engine-timing-chain-guide-11317523884
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-engine-timing-chain-guide-11317542837
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-engine-timing-chain-11318618317
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-hex-bolt-11211439395
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-engine-timing-crankshaft-sprocket-n-a-11317502180oe
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-collar-screw-m10x1x94-11367524954
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-torx-bolt-m6x35-07129903192
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-securing-f-engine-sprocket-11317523891
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-assembling-hook-113175238924
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-bearing-bolt-11317584170
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-bearing-bolt-11317592878
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-asa-bolt-m6x16-11417549370
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-grip-disc-11417563246
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-oil-pump-chain-iwis-11417584079
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-timing-chain-tensioner-oe-supplier-11317584723
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-non-return-valve-11367541692
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-vanos-solenoid-gasket-set-elring-11367548459
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-crankshaft-seal-corteco-11117547842
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-engine-crankshaft-position-sensor-seal-n-a-12141748398oe
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-access-cover-plate-11117530262
TOOLS USED:
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-bracket-no-119280-83300493940
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-crankshaft-front-rear-seal-removal-installer-kit-cta-manufacturing-7643
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-timing-tool-kit-cta-tools-2886
Drill Bore Brushes:
https://amzn.to/4cp0f2V
Seal Pullers:
https://amzn.to/4e3qiOu
https://amzn.to/4sfQh8O
1/4″ Torque Wrench:
https://amzn.to/3On5ffk
3/8″ Torque Wrench w/ Angle:
https://amzn.to/4sjkjsm
1/2″ Torque Wrench:
https://amzn.to/4ttn3nR
Assorted Brush Set:
https://amzn.to/4v5K4Pr
Sil-Glyde Lubricant:
https://amzn.to/4sQO98y
Reinzosil Sealant:
https://amzn.to/4vaRwsL
Scotch Brite Pads:
https://amzn.to/3QlG5hG
Ultrasonic Parts Cleaner:
https://amzn.to/4mbk1SZ
Chain Wrench:
https://amzn.to/4sUAq0I
Plastic Dead Blow Hammer:
https://amzn.to/3Qjn1AG
Automotive Paint Marker:
https://amzn.to/4vj1TLd
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En el ISTA están descritos todos los pasos a seguir, antes de empezar una reparación como esa, hay que repasarlos a conciencia, para no fallar.
are you going to replace all of the coolant hoses? when putting the engine back in.
can't wait until you get a hole of a b58 timing chain job =) (in the rear)
Yeah just adding to what others said, I've done a few of these and the problem with trying to do it with the spring tensioner is that the spring is messing up your timing by creating slack every time you turn the top or bottom, or when you torque the cam screws. The mechanical tensioner from the kit has no springiness so you get no movement happening when you torque up the top, and timing stays correct. The mech tensioner wants like 0.6nm torque but basically finger tight works fine. Hope that helps.
Snap on sells a nice 3 set torque wrench with angle degrees a bit pricey but worth it