Timing chains can be bought with a master link (m) (archive)

I ordered all my timing chain parts (chain, guide rails, tensioner rails, tensioner, gaskets) from Eurasian. The total was around $550. This is about 65% of the BMW list price. He sent me a chain with a master link ($38). Since I was disassembling the front of the engine to install the guides and rails, it made no sense to use a chain with a master link. So I exchanged it for an endless chain, like the car was originally equipped. It was the same price. Yes, you can cut the old chain, fasten the new chain on the old one with the master link, and roll the new chain in place without taking the front of the engine apart. But, YOU CAN`T INSPECT OR REPLACE THE GUIDES AND RAILS IF YOU DO IT THIS WAY. In my experience, at 155K miles, the real wear items were the slide rails, tensioner rails, and the tensioner. Only the tensioner can be changed without disassembling the front of the engine. The tensioner rails were deeply grooved where the chain runs, and the rubber coating was much harder than on the new rails. The lower slide rail, which is all plastic, was so brittle it actually broke apart as I took it out. The chain rarely breaks; the usual mode of failure involves skipping a few teeth as a result of inadequate tension, or slapping of the chain because of worn guide rails. The engine stops, but only after the valves have hit the pistons.
Just my `02 cents.
John
88 ///M3 Cinnabar
If you live in S. California-I got the machanic for you- He has a couple M3s. He does really good work, and owns a shop in Glendale. Lets put it this way-I was charged by my old machanic 100.00 to install front wheel bearings.not a terrible price-this guy installed all my coil overs which include installing bearings amoung loads of other stuff- 80 bucks..Cat was 220. timing chain 230 all parts included-Yes Bmw factory chain seals/gaskets ETC. I brought my truck there too--brand new rotors/pads/labor. 220 total, and that required dealing with my 4X4 bearing removal--I call him the 220 man-Now I'm thinking of buying one of his Black m3s for 5,000-Do I need 3 of em? the proof is in my car. I sh!t you not-best prices in the world! Some people think I;m crazy-It's not me man-it's him...

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