M50 engine has chain, no timing belt (more) (archive)

Congratulations you have the M50 engine in your 525i! There's no timing belt. It uses a timing chain. The M50 was designed with low cost of maintenance, longevity, and economical operation in mind. Additionally, you have the following features:

* hydraulic valves - quieter operation and no adjustments!

* four valves per cylinder for good breathing a good performance across the rpm range. I believe the exhaust valves are sodium cooled - they're hollow and filled with sodium which is a metal that melts at a low temperature and conducts heat from the valve face as it circulates within the valve. The valves are $25 each via mail order.

* dual overhead cams

* individual ignition coils over each spark plug

* this is a high-compression engine with knock sensors - use ONLY PREMIUM !!

* VANOS? You may want to check to see if you have the VANOS engine. I'm not sure what year the M50TU engines with VANOS were installed. It variable valve timing. The latest iteration is even more sophisticated. Perhaps someone on the board can tell us what year VANOS came out.

Happy driving,
Larry

Follow Ups:

Sorry Larry, no sodium filled exhaust valves on Bill R. 23:42 9/16/2001 (1)
- My '72 Alfa GTV had 'em & leaks,funny carbies etc Quentin 00:36 9/17/2001 (0)
VANOS=1993+ 92 5er 22:24 9/16/2001 (0)

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