M3 E92 timing chain

[Lucas CR]

hi guys,
The M3 uses timing chains, not belts. They're supposed to last the life of the car. That's regular standpoint of BMW. But is it really true? Because they also recommend to change the oil after 15k mil... I have on mine M3 E92 from 2011 60k mil, so I change rod bearings now.

And the timing belt is really immortal? I'm driving very gently, till 2500 rpm before motor is warm, no races...

Generally, if the chain isn't in god condition and is already pulled out (a little bit bigger), you can hear rattles while idling, or some clicking noise, right?

[SYT_Shadow]

The S65 timing chain is for all effects and purposes immortal

[Scrippy]

I am not the most knowledgeable here but I have read threads about the timing chain guides wearing and allowing too much slack in the chain and that being an issue. I would then wonder is this based on how the car is driven (hard/soft).

[deansbimmer]

The chain will outlast your car. I've only come across a couple with link wear enough to warrant considering replacement.

The chain isn't the source of startup noise. Worn oil check valves throughout the engine contribute more to that.

[Scharbag]

^ as said above, the chain clatter at startup is just the delay when waiting for the tensioner to re-pressurize.

Timing chains in the S65 are robust. They are not prone to failure like some of the other BMW V8s, such as the guide issues in the older 7 series vehicles.

My car clatters a little every time I start it after sitting for a day or two. No big deal.

Cheers,

[Scrippy]

Originally Posted by deansbimmer

The chain will outlast your car. I've only come across a couple with link wear enough to warrant considering replacement.

The chain isn't the source of startup noise. Worn oil check valves throughout the engine contribute more to that.

Dean are there more than 8 non return valves?

[nrubenstein]

Originally Posted by Scharbag

^ as said above, the chain clatter at startup is just the delay when waiting for the tensioner to re-pressurize.

Timing chains in the S65 are robust. They are not prone to failure like some of the other BMW V8s, such as the guide issues in the older 7 series vehicles.

My car clatters a little every time I start it after sitting for a day or two. No big deal.

Cheers,

Yeah. Just look at the dual row, one-per-head timing chains in the S65 (basically four chains), and compare that the the insane single row single chain in the M62 that got routed up to one head, down below the valley, up ANOTHER head, and back down to the crank. The M62 was obviously destined to fail. The S65 is completely different.

[LookItsAnM3]

I'm having the same issue, but i have no idea if this is the same sound you are getting. Does it sound like a thik thik thik sound?

video -

http://vimeo.com/468352210

[chocstraw]

on the topic of startup noise, can anyone confirm if the S65 has a bit of piston slap on cold startup?

[timothy2001]

Originally Posted by LookItsAnM3

I'm having the same issue, but i have no idea if this is the same sound you are getting. Does it sound like a thik thik thik sound?

video -

http://vimeo.com/468352210

I believe your noise is very different from what Scharbag is describing as mine does what I think is the exact same noise especially after sitting a few days.

In the early 90's GM had a similar problem in some of their 350 engines and a simple check valve prevented all of the oil from draining back into the sump.

I don't think it is piston slap, sounds to me like the timing chain going across guides that maybe don't have enough lubrication yet.

[amrazM]

Originally Posted by chocstraw

on the topic of startup noise, can anyone confirm if the S65 has a bit of piston slap on cold startup?

no, its valves within the engine that allow oil to seep back into the sump after sitting for a period of time..


usually being the vanos adjuster that rattles or makes a clank on cold start which goes away in a second once oil pressure has been built.