Did everything including all sprockets, all guides, tensioner, chain, gaskets etc. Total including parts was about £1,350. Chain was in a terrible state with two lodes missing. Chain had also jumped two teeth on the crank sprocket. Very lucky I think!.

This is not really a DIY job as the crank sprocket is an interference fit and you need an oil bath to heat the new one up to about 300 degC. Getting the old one off cold is trouble.

Mine had to be done due to the chain condition. Everyting was done for peice of mind. Changing the tensioner would be a good starting point as clanking when cold is sympomatic of the piston bleeding back. This may well cure your problem. How many miles?

Side to side movement on my old chain was excessive but it was the two missing lobes which caused the noise at about 300 rpm.

There are some useful drawings on CIRCLE BMW web site

Best of luck

Ian

In light of recent events, this seems pretty trivial, but life goes on.
Car makes noise on cold start that could be t/c, a tensioner or piston slap. Pulled cam cover to inspect. Chain has approx +/- 6mm up and down play (perpendicular to deck w/top rail removed) This does not seem excessive compared to other T/C engines I've done. Also has approximately 1-1.2mm axial slop (front to rear slop within chain itself. This does seem excessive.) What is the typical failure mode of these chains? Are any of the tensioners hydraulic. (Maybe check valve is bad and it takes a while to pump back up?) The following info would be very helpful.

Reprint of appropriate pages from manual (if available, will gladly buy these!)

Looseness (wear) spec for chain.

Any info about tensioners and failure mode.

Approx. time for skilled mechanic with well equipped shop to do job?

Required parts list

Any recomended enhancements (Dinan exhaust sprocket? Fahey hub?)

I am planning to do chain and tensioners if needed but want to ensure I fix root cause of problem. Any help or advice would be appreciated.

TIA, as always
Mark