United Bimmer Community - BMW Forum - View Single Post - 1995 325i mechanic says he thinks my timing chain needs replaced.

**Manolito** · 08-02-2011, 08:40 AM

I agree with 3050 RPM. Tensioner maybe, chain unlikely.

If it sounds like there is a can of marbles in there, the problem is the VANOS, not the timing chain. This would not be surprising at this mileage. I have a '97 with 275k miles that has never even had the O-rings replaced in the VANOS and I know I am running on borrowed time.

The bad news is that while a VANOS is easier to replace than a timing chain, the parts alone are $600 if you bolt in a complete new one, which most folks do, so you are still looking at a $1000 bill. Sorry Bro.

08-02-2011, 08:40 AM	#3
Manolito Name: Manolito Title: Member Status: Offline Join Date: May 2006 Location: Sacramento Rate My Car: 337 / 340 Your Ride: (2) '97 328s; '04 330; '04 325iT	I agree with 3050 RPM. Tensioner maybe, chain unlikely. If it sounds like there is a can of marbles in there, the problem is the VANOS, not the timing chain. This would not be surprising at this mileage. I have a '97 with 275k miles that has never even had the O-rings replaced in the VANOS and I know I am running on borrowed time. The bad news is that while a VANOS is easier to replace than a timing chain, the parts alone are $600 if you bolt in a complete new one, which most folks do, so you are still looking at a $1000 bill. Sorry Bro.