True, wear depends on usage, not just miles... (archive)

My car has led an easy life then, judging by the condition of the chain, sprockets and guides. I'll replace them when I finally rebuild the motor. You don't sound much like a 'newbie' to me :-)

The hard parts (gears, chain, rails, etc.) are bullet proof.

Well, you can believe that if it makes you feel better, but they are certainly not bulletproof. They do wear. The chains stretch (my last chain stretched 1/2" in 112k miles), which causes slop which the tensioner must take-up (if it can), and it also retards your timing. The rails also wear, but I doubt you'll wear-through the rail covering in < 200k miles (but, the wear in the rails also diminishes the ability of the tensioner to keep proper tension on the chain).

So, while the parts are pretty tough, they *do* wear and *will* require maintenance. Your usage scenario should dictate whether or not you replace them preventatively....

-jefrem

I intstalled a Dinan cam gear and the original gear (135K miles) shows no signs of wear at all.

Folks, welcome a newbie. Looking at getting into an E30 M3 - i've got the choice of two, one has higher miles - almost 140k, and i've read around the traps that it's wise to change the time chain, sprockets and tensioner around this time. How much will the bits cost, how much will the shop charge me an can I do this myself (i have rebuit a 6 banger bimmer)

Thoughts and advice. What would you do and why?

Thanks

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