Timing

[Cass_]

Im currently reconditioning my E30 325i 1987 and have changed the usual, sparks, oil filter, fuel filter, Slave cylinder(needed doing), battery, and am thinking about doing what i thought was the timing belt, i have been told by my mechanic that its a timing chain and wont need changing, i phoned a bmw garage and they said on the six pot engines, it was a belt and would need chaging at 60,000 what is it on the 325i? chain or belt? and what is the interval in which it needs changing?? also any other bits that you think i should change??? many thanks.

[Daryll]

I've just had a new timing belt delivered for my 325i from eurocarparts.com


M20 8.19 Timing belt - 326110011
M20 Timing Belt Tensioner - 209110011

Cheap as well, can't remember prices off the top of my head. Fitting those plus the fan coupling, thermostat and water pump on Friday

[johnono]

probably the tensioner aswell, and look at the water pump whilst youԚ´re there,
depends how deep u want to go dude, head gasket, inlet manif gasket, outlet mani gasket, new heat sheilds, new exhaust gasket, thermostat, new sensors, afm recon, air hoses, new service parts, sonic cleaned injectors, new oil rail, fuel lines, ignition cabeling, distrib. cap and rotor, oil pump, bla bla bla..

60k but i heard 50k elsewhere

also coolant, oil and filter, and then insp.2 stuff, (box oil and diff oil change)

[Daryll]

Sorry to hi jack the post....are we looking at a git of a job to change the timing belt? Someone said you have to put it back on in exactly the same place you took it off??

[Simon]

Cass, if you're mechanic is so sure the car is a timing chain, then I wouldn't bother going back there again!! It's deffo a belt!

There's a good guide on here http://www.totalbmwmag.co.uk/HandsOn/TechSept01.PDF

Allthough based on an E28, it's the same M20 engine.

[chribo]

Hi there. I drive a 318i M10 '87 model and in SOUTH AFRICA all E30 models older than '88 have chains.

[chribo]

Hi there. I drive a 318i M10 '87 model and in SOUTH AFRICA all E30 models older than '88 have chains.

[johnono]

m10 and m20 are 2 totally different engines dude

not to mention they are missing 2 cylinders

[chribo]

MY BAD