[ryanalex]

Originally Posted by DBU

I changed the TC on my N20 motor and wrote the attached DIY.

You will also see the oil inlet holes and perhaps get a better idea of how these work. Enjoy.

Helpful file, thanks - did you notice a difference in the sound of your engine? Also, what model year was your car?

[DBU]

Originally Posted by ryanalex

Helpful file, thanks - did you notice a difference in the sound of your engine? Also, what model year was your car?

It was a long time ago, but I don't recall any change in the sound of the engine. The car is a 2015 F26 (X4). My wife still drives the car - no problems. But also still low mileage. Away from the car, but I think about 35k miles.

[alohasurftoad]

okay, i just swapped my tensioner. thanks for the info in this thread and others. it's more tedious than difficult. the hardest part was getting one of the T40 torques off and screwing in the new tensioner.

since my TIC and turbo inlet pipe are aluminum, i had to remove the TIC pipe to increase access to the T40 closer to the engine.

[Grateful_Newt]

Originally Posted by alohasurftoad

okay, i just swapped my tensioner. thanks for the info in this thread and others. it's more tedious than difficult. the hardest part was getting one of the T40 torques off and screwing in the new tensioner.

since my TIC and turbo inlet pipe are aluminum, i had to remove the TIC pipe to increase access to the T40 closer to the engine.

Was it as simple as moving the wastegate actuator out of the way, removing the old tensioner, and then installing/torquing the new tensioner? This seems like a very smart preventive move for me.... I have a 2015 320i with a manufacture date of 05/15, so I have the updated timing chain components, but not the updated tensioner.

If there isn't much more to it than that, I'm gonna pull the trigger on this for peace of mind. Thank you for posting this! I see you just did it last month.

[alohasurftoad]

Originally Posted by Grateful_Newt

Was it as simple as moving the wastegate actuator out of the way, removing the old tensioner, and then installing/torquing the new tensioner? This seems like a very smart preventive move for me.... I have a 2015 320i with a manufacture date of 05/15, so I have the updated timing chain components, but not the updated tensioner. If there isn't much more to it than that, I'm gonna pull the trigger on this for peace of mind. Thank you for posting this! I see you just did it last month.

like i stated, one of the torques is difficult to access and the spring in the new tensioner is stiffer making it difficult to engage the threads. it's a diy project that's relatively easy, but i still cussed at some points while doing it, nevertheless.

[Billfitz]

I used a 27mm ratcheting open end wrench. It allows you to pressure the tensioner while rotating the wrench. They're expensive at the local hardware store but reasonable at AliExpress. Just allow two weeks for delivery. https://www.aliexpress.us/item/32568...Cquery_from%3A

[martynz]

Originally Posted by Grateful_Newt

Was it as simple as moving the wastegate actuator out of the way, removing the old tensioner, and then installing/torquing the new tensioner? This seems like a very smart preventive move for me.... I have a 2015 320i with a manufacture date of 05/15, so I have the updated timing chain components, but not the updated tensioner.

If there isn't much more to it than that, I'm gonna pull the trigger on this for peace of mind. Thank you for posting this! I see you just did it last month.

Mine is from May 2015 too, and I assumed the updated components were also present. However, my chain guide is very loose, and I can wiggle it through the filler cap. The chain is also moveable and I can lift it slightly up. Is this expected?

Will the new tensioner provide more tension on the chain?

[Billfitz]

It will. One of the differences of the revised tensioner is that it provides more pressure.

[martynz]

Is it possible that the chain actually gets stretched because of the weak tensioner?

If there is not enough tension and you start car or accelerate, the chain will be pulled much harder and, therefore, might stretches. Similar to towing a car with a rope, if the rope loses tension and you accelerate the pressure on the rope will be stronger bringing it to its breaking strengths levels.