2006 N45 116i Surprise Surprise...Timing Chain
Discussion
Hi guys,
Newbie to the forum!! Just looking for some friendly advise and general knowledge on chain issues with the for mentioned vehicle above. I’m more of a classic mechanic myself (simpler technology, spark+fuel=bang) I work with 50’s/60’s Jaguars mostly although I do work on the occasional modern banger, hence the 116i.
I bought it with timing chain issue and upon stripping it found that the inlet camshaft had jumped 45 degrees, the chain was slack so set about removing the timing gear. I’ve got the timing chains, sprockets, tensioner and guide rails all on the bench now and can’t see anything wrong with any of them as to explain what would make it jump?
Has anyone else tackled the repair themselves and what was your findings please.
What parts need to be replaced? Chain, guides and tensioner as a minimum but oil pump chain? Vanos units on both camshafts? Two Vanos solenoid valves in the front of the engine?
Appreciate any feedback and apologies if my first post is a little long winded.
Newbie to the forum!! Just looking for some friendly advise and general knowledge on chain issues with the for mentioned vehicle above. I’m more of a classic mechanic myself (simpler technology, spark+fuel=bang) I work with 50’s/60’s Jaguars mostly although I do work on the occasional modern banger, hence the 116i.
I bought it with timing chain issue and upon stripping it found that the inlet camshaft had jumped 45 degrees, the chain was slack so set about removing the timing gear. I’ve got the timing chains, sprockets, tensioner and guide rails all on the bench now and can’t see anything wrong with any of them as to explain what would make it jump?
Has anyone else tackled the repair themselves and what was your findings please.
What parts need to be replaced? Chain, guides and tensioner as a minimum but oil pump chain? Vanos units on both camshafts? Two Vanos solenoid valves in the front of the engine?
Appreciate any feedback and apologies if my first post is a little long winded.
BMW of course has a special tool for measuring the cam chain wear...
https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/e87-116i-sha/re...
https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/e87-116i-sha/re...
naturalaspiration said:
What a great site, didn't even know it existed. Thanks 
Be aware that you need the specific N45 cam timing kit for these. Many cheaper timing tool kits list N42/45 and 46. On the N45 the front plate that locates onto the Vanos gear timing discs is different. Getting the crank/fklywheel locking pin in can be a challenge but don't be tempted to go on TDC with a dial gauge as it rarely works.
Here we go:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-Timing-Setting-Lock...
They're not a bad chain to do but you may find the chain has worn into the Vanos solenoids.
Buy a Febi Bilstein chain kit - NOT a cheap one with Lucas branding as they're shyte. Timing kits come with crank and Vanos pulley bolts which are use once only - they are stretch bolts.
Here we go:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-Timing-Setting-Lock...
They're not a bad chain to do but you may find the chain has worn into the Vanos solenoids.
Buy a Febi Bilstein chain kit - NOT a cheap one with Lucas branding as they're shyte. Timing kits come with crank and Vanos pulley bolts which are use once only - they are stretch bolts.
Edited by Touring442 on Tuesday 18th February 11:01
Edited by Touring442 on Tuesday 18th February 11:02
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