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Re: M5 newbie purchase advice
The single timing chain on the earlier 3.5 E28 M5s (last ones had a double chain) and the 4 cylinder, single chain M3 E30 was generally replaced at around 100,000 miles costing around £1500 to £2500 depending on where and who.
The last of the 3.5 E28s and all 3.6 and 3.8 E34 M5s use a double chain. The consensus of opinion says change at 200,000 miles.
If the car has done 200k miles, then the chances are that the sprockets are worn, so these need doing too, plus the tensioner assembly *must* be done. Often the oil pump is checked or replaced as it is in the sump and driven by the chain too. A good mod is to use the E36 tensioner. Look for a thread on this, as it is said to be a superior unit.
It may be worth mentioning that, to my knowledge, no-one here on this board has ever suffered chain failure, nor personally heard of such a failure. There are a few cars here with starship mileage too.
Downside is that if it does go, then pop; end of M5. The the rebuild is more that the car would be worth in most cases if the vehicle has high mileage.
It is probable worth changing the tensioner at over 100,000 to 150,000 miles as this is the rumour-mills most often quoted point of failure. This will not cost much but must be done with care as it is a nightmare if done wrong or anything dropped into the engine!
Ivan.
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"Never enter Karussell when on the brakes! I have gone round there on the roof, I know what I'm talking about." ~ Sabine Schmitz
Last edited by IvanDias; 31st March 2005 at 11:47.
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