1 Series (E87) - petrol - timing chain TENSIONER

[aph202]

Hi,

We've an '05 plate 118i. A garage recently changed the oil sump oil seal. In removing the sump they "found" a length of the plastic timing chain tensioner.

They told me that replacing the tensioner (which I assume is the one located between the top end and bottom end of the engine, rather than the one at the top) is a massive, engine-out job. It was therefore left and the engine is running fine for now.

I've seen some information though that this isn't a massive job at all and is in fact about an hours worth of work, in which case, well worth getting sorted(!!)

Anybody know about how big a job this is? Is disintegration of the chain tensioner common?

Is the chain at the front or back of the engine? (I know it's the back on the N47)

Thank you,
Adrian.

[aph202]

Thank you, this is very helpful.

I'm no mechanic myself, so when you say quite involved, what might we be talking about hours-wise at a good specialist?

I'm assuming a slip has the potential to be as disastrous as a break?

Thanks again,
Adrian.