My understanding that BMW uses a chain as a timing belt rather than the usual rubber belt so I always thought that this shouldn%26#039;t ever be replaced during the life of an engine|||Timing chains (and their respective gears) have always been prone to some random breakage after long miles of use, just as the newer belt designs have been -- just not quite as quickly. The older/newer BMWs with their gear/chain configurations are no exception. Normally, they%26#039;ll last the life of the engine since they start to flake out at around 150K miles.
BTW: BMW used *belts* from around 1984 to 1995 on several of their models, not chains, and these were what we call %26quot;interference%26quot; engines.
.|||Unless BMW specifically recommends a change interval,I wouldn%26#039;t worry about it.Unless of course there is a problem like a very loose chain or worn sprocket(noise) on a high mileage engine or if it jumped time.
