Video Added: Chain slack when cold but not after start

F10Dan · 01-10-2020, 07:26 AM

So the video (Now below) shows a slack timing chain when pulled with a pick from the oil fill hole. The slack is about half a link to 3/4 a link, maybe 5-7mm is my guess. I then start the totally cold engine (20ºF Ambient temp), rev it a few times, then recheck the chain. At this point it is totally tight, no play at all.

I took it to the dealer (BMW Wyoming Valley, who are awesome and totally helpful). The service manager drove me to the service garage and I showed 3 techs the video. They were all surprised since there is no update for this engine as it should have the new timing chains and guides.

My question is for the updated chain and guide, would it be normal for there to be some slack prior to the lifters be pressurized?

Help is very much appreciated.

BurrNinja · 01-10-2020, 11:32 AM

The chain is tightened when oil pressure builds up. 528i correct?

F10Dan · 01-10-2020, 12:26 PM

Yep - So, about a link of slack on a cold engine is normal?

F10Dan · 01-10-2020, 12:42 PM

Here is the link to the video:

01-10-2020, 07:26 AM	#1
F10Dan Private 3 Rep 53 Posts Drives: 2016 BMW 528iXDrive Join Date: Dec 2019 Location: Northeastern PA iTrader: (0)	Video Added: Chain slack when cold but not after start So the video (Now below) shows a slack timing chain when pulled with a pick from the oil fill hole. The slack is about half a link to 3/4 a link, maybe 5-7mm is my guess. I then start the totally cold engine (20ºF Ambient temp), rev it a few times, then recheck the chain. At this point it is totally tight, no play at all. I took it to the dealer (BMW Wyoming Valley, who are awesome and totally helpful). The service manager drove me to the service garage and I showed 3 techs the video. They were all surprised since there is no update for this engine as it should have the new timing chains and guides. My question is for the updated chain and guide, would it be normal for there to be some slack prior to the lifters be pressurized? Help is very much appreciated. __________________ 2016 528iXDrive 1988 Carrera Coupe Last edited by F10Dan; 01-10-2020 at 01:40 PM..
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01-10-2020, 11:32 AM	#2
BurrNinja Captain 431 Rep 915 Posts Drives: 2017 540i Bluestone Metallic Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Ohio iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 535i xdrive [0.00]	The chain is tightened when oil pressure builds up. 528i correct? __________________ Instgram @burninja
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01-10-2020, 12:26 PM	#3
F10Dan Private 3 Rep 53 Posts Drives: 2016 BMW 528iXDrive Join Date: Dec 2019 Location: Northeastern PA iTrader: (0)	Yep - So, about a link of slack on a cold engine is normal? __________________ 2016 528iXDrive 1988 Carrera Coupe
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01-10-2020, 12:42 PM	#4
F10Dan Private 3 Rep 53 Posts Drives: 2016 BMW 528iXDrive Join Date: Dec 2019 Location: Northeastern PA iTrader: (0)	Here is the link to the video: __________________ 2016 528iXDrive 1988 Carrera Coupe
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