e34 M5 - timing chains

[silver16v]

Hi,

Im new to this forum, wondering if anyone can give a definitive answer to my question which is:

Do the timing chains on an E34 m5 need to changed at approx 100k miles? Some people say yes, others say no, you can just change the tensioners for those off a later M power engine (not sure which one)

Im seriously tempted by an E34 but I know the above work is expensive, and its hard to find a car with mileage under 100k

thanks in advance

Bob

[davejw]

Hope Ted doesn't mind me doing this, but as the E34 M5 is specialist car, I'd go and look on www.m5board.com as there is an excellent community there. You must Search the forums before asking for advice as all the info you need is there - you just need to make an effort!

You won't need to change your timing chain at 100,000 miles if it's been serviced regularly. A popular upgrade is to fit a later tensioner, which doesn't rely on hydraulic oil pressure to function - details are in the forum.

Cheers,

Dave

[mmm-five]

No you don't need to routinely change the timing chain - just either keep on replacing the normal tensioner & diaphragm which BMW will gladly do for you, or upgrade to the S50 (M3) tensioner (no diaphragm) which the dealer won't touch.

If you're looking at at sub-100k car then they are out there, but be prepared to pay £9k for one - also don't just take the seller's word for the mileage as the condition of the car can tell you a lot more about its history than just the service/MOT history will.

Also check to see if the suspension has ever been overhauled - the late models had EDC suspension and these will be very tired by 100k miles and if they do need replacing you won't see any change from £4k at a deal (including labour, vat and all the other little bushes, mounts, etc that the dealer will find) or £3.5k at a specialist (not a lot of labour, but expensive parts).

As said previously, the M5 Board is a great resource for us e34 M5 owners - as long as you stay away from the thousands of yanks in the e39 & e60 forums as they just seem to want to brag about how many mods they've got, and list every little detail they've added, down to what type of air freshener

The e34 section is much more Europe-orientated although the humour can be a bit harsh for newcomers!

[MrBreidsheid]

Can't the EDC suspension be replaced by standard or after-market springs/dampers? That would certainly knock the cost down to £1-1.5k even if it were for something like KW coilovers.

[bmgm3]

I think its the early E28 M5 that has a single row timing chain,and which is best to change the chain,sprockets and tensioners on. I think the later E34 M5 has the twin change and doesn't need changing.

[mmm-five]

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