Engine rattle....I suspect timing chain related.

[tomstickland]

I fitted a new cam chain tensioner on the advice of my local BMW specialist. That hasn't solved the engine rattle. Several people have listened and they generally point to the timing cover as the source of the noise.

The noise is a pronounced rattle that's clear to hear if you drive past a house/wall/fence. It seems worse at 2000-4000rpm. The engine is otherwise going really well.

So I'm going to take a look inside. I've read this useful guide: http://www.esatclear.ie/~bpurcell/318istimingchain.html

It looks like an OK job to me. Justr a few questions though....
-looks like a cam locking tool is very useful. I guess I need one really?
-how necessary is it to use a puller to get the crank pulley off? I've actually got a decent puller anyway.
-I see that the crank pulley bolt is very tight. Is the method described in that link the way to do it then? (fit breaker bar and then use starter motor to shock it).

[Jos]

-I see that the crank pulley bolt is very tight. Is the method described in that link the way to do it then? (fit breaker bar and then use starter motor to shock it).

That looks and sounds positively lethal! Whats wrong with a big bar and a bigger hammer exactly?

Not tried this yet, although I do have to do the M30 one at some point. I think Andy335i and Toby_Unna have removed theirs at some point, maybe they will advise