Manual transmission, 90,000 miles.
When should I change the timing chain on 2001 BMW 325xi?
I got 150,000 out of mine before it broke.
I live in the Mountains of Arizona and I rally race so that could have been part of it.
On your 325i its not that bad, should take a weekend.
Remove Valve cover, and all thats on it, timing chain cover thats on the front. You may have to get a crankshaft holding tool to do it.
AutohausAz.com has them the cheapest at 80 for the set of them.
Oh since your car has the Double VANOS, DO NOT MOVE THE CAMS OR VANOS ON THE FRONT OF THE CAMS IN ANY WAY. If you do you'll have to replace it (286 a piece).
You will also need new gaskets for everything that you take off.
When should I change the timing chain on 2001 BMW 325xi?
It has a timing chain. And it also has a variable valve timing chain. Plus an oil pump chain. All of which are single chains.
But BMW does not state a specific time or mileage within which to replace any of these chains.
The decision to replace is dictated by factors such as noise, and bad ignition timing. Usually you change the chains, the gears, tensioners, guides, etc. based on noise.
Changing any of the chains without changing the gears/
sprockets lead to faster chain wear for obvious reasons.
Re-using the old tensioners and guides simply does not make sense if one wants to minimize noise.
U sure it's a chain? I suspect it's a rubber belt. if it is a belt It should be changed at no less than 100,000 mi. If it be a single row chain with plastic gears it should also be replaced at 100,000 mi. Gears and all. If it be a real double row chain on steel gears It's doing just fine up to about 300,000 mi. Newer is not always better. Old cars over 50 years old had timing gears and chains that would last over 500,000 miles without replacement.
If u are not getting any noise,u can go another 8000miles safely.
If there is any noise,please renew chains and fittings,
changed at one time.it may be little expensive,but is very safe for your car.
take care and happy motoring
