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.

[E30M3SE]

Yes, just the one chain tensioner.

[Hereward]

Great, many thanks for confirming.

[Googie]

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

[Patrick Bateman]

I did it as preventative maintenance.

There is potential for problems with the timing chain guides so hopefully chucking a new tensioner in doesn't allow for any period of time where the chain can have excessive play in it.

[leem5]

Anyone got a part number please, I can't seem to access bmminiparts.

Cheers

[RichardM5]

The cam chain tensioner is P/N 11 31 14 06 261, this connects to a chain guide (which is also described as a tensioner) P/N 11 31 1 407 337.

Changing just the tensioner won't do any harm, but that main item that fails is the Deflection Rail, P/N 11 31 1 406 366. The plastic part of the deflection rail cracks and pieces fall off into the oil pan. If you are unlucky these can block the oil pick up and educe oil flow around the engine. It is possible to check the deflector rail using a borescope, and/or check for debris in the oil pan if you take it off.

[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...

[Patrick Bateman]

I wouldn't say need attending to, it is something to be aware of though.

[Googie]

Thanks all-info apprreciated.

[leem5]

RichardM5 said:

The cam chain tensioner is P/N 11 31 14 06 261, this connects to a chain guide (which is also described as a tensioner) P/N 11 31 1 407 337.

Great thanks for that, it seems I can access it now!

Another job for the winter I think. Theres a lot of worry with the guides and bearings on these, some (lots) do seem to have issues but it seems owners do get excited and start changing parts out.