Re: S38B35 front cover is removable without head/b (archive)

Thanks Greg, the part numbers helped me understand this (with the diagrams from circle bmw's site). I didn't know if the timing cover down low gave access to the rail attachment. I am going to order the parts. Actually I wanted to avoid undoing the crank hub too, as I understand the hub doesn't fail until someone tries to undo it and put it back on. But with your warning, and my desire to drive this car for at least twenty more years, I guess I will go in and do the rails along with a new chain. Thanks guys, you're better than a shop manual!

Mark, your English is very good. Yes, the pin, or bearing bolt as BMW calls them, can be undone to avoid taking head and cam box off. The long plastic chain guide (pn 11311308495) extends about 3/4" into the head cavity so its not that difficult and can be changed by greasing the bearing bolt that holds it and turning the guide sideways as you ease it over the bolt. The upper chain pad (pn 11311309945) that belongs to the chain tensioner can be tricky. Note that it does not have the tendancy to break like the plastic guide pieces so some may choose to leave it alone if it only has some groove wear, which is acceptable. If it is to be replaced with the head and cam box still on the engine, the bearing bolt (pn 11311307399) that holds it can indeed be loosened from above to remove the unit and mounting point together. Hope this clarifies.

Greg K

Those plastic rails and chain tensioner are going up under and into the cam box front.
On the M88, the European engine, i could not get them off the vertical steel pin.
Maybee i could unscrew the steel pin behind the plastic rails. I did'nt try.............!!

Sorry my writing, my speech is Danish.

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