318is rattle

[bubba]

Hi guys rattling sound at low revs from an m42 318is engine but drives fine, have been told it is the cam chain. Is this a big problem ? Is it likely to be anything else ? cheers JB.

[Chris-W]

Worth checking the HT lead metal heat shield is fastened tightly first, you might be lucky!

[dodgem]

If it is the cam chain, it'll be between approx 2500-3500rpm and sound like a wee little chainsaw in your engine. Could be fixed with a new timing chain tensioner which is very very easy to do. Might need a new chain guide which is more of a pain and involves taking the timing chain cover off.

Either way, it's just annoying and sounds shit. Mine makes that noise and i hate it but still haven't done anyhtign about it...

[Ajay325]

Like ^^^ - i think all iS's after 100k are subject to this rattle, mine is the same and i am looking to change the chain tensioner and guide rail, have a go at that, parts aren't too much and its a fairly simple job. If you feel upto doing it yourself theres a guide in one of the DIY links.

Ajay

[chicken]

mine has started to rattle too but only when the engine is cold?

would that be the same thing?

[dazleeds]

could be that part of the chain guide has snapped off

this happened to the Is i had last year think theyre about 20quid each

[chicken]

it has had a horrible rattle since ive got it only when cold tho thats been nearly a year!

is it a major problem to sort?

sorry to hijack the thread! lol

[Chris-W]

it has had a horrible rattle since ive got it only when cold tho thats been nearly a year!

is it a major problem to sort?

sorry to hijack the thread! lol

Get a new tensioner.

[chicken]

excellent cheers for the advice

[bubba]

thanks all