E39 M5 camchain tensioner replacement

[Hereward]

I renewed the driver's side (RHD) tensioner last night, easy job.

Can someone please confirm that there is only 1 of these to replace and there isn't another one on the passenger side bank of the engine, thank you.

All the DIY threads I've seen point to there being only one tensioner but just wanted to double check.

[Hereward]

Great, many thanks for confirming.

[Hereward]

Googie said:

Hope you don't mind me asking but did you do this a prevatative maintenance? Reason for asking is that I bought one a few months ago and not too familiar with common problems etc -car is 2001 facelift with 91000 miles with mostly weekend use

Thanks
G

Yes, preventative maintenance. Simple job. Golden rule is to not play around with the new part before fitting it - it comes in the compressed position and it's a right pain to screw in once uncompressed. A few teaspoons of oil will seep out so have some tissue ready if you're fastidious about such things.

As Patrick/Richard say the chain guide thingies need attending to, also. They're on the list...