Question on BMW 3-Series E36 Camshaft Timing

A couple of questions.

1. Should I be able to press the upper timing chain tensioner down with my fingers while it is installed in the car? It felt like it was giving good tension to the chain but I could easily press it down.

2. Would a bad upper chain tensioner cause the engine to run very poorly. Right now my engine is sputtering and backfiring and will not idle on it's own. The timing chain tensioner seemed to be the only thing that didn't seem normal, I've changes the fuel and air filters, sparkplugs checked each coil pack, fuel pump, fuel pump relay, checked lower chain tension good, checked valve play minimal to none. The chain tensioner is my last option. Thanks for your help.

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This post was auto-generated based upon a question asked on our tech article page here: Pelican Technical Article: BMW Camshaft Timing and Vanos Unit Installation

[Nick at Pelican Parts]

The chain tensioner will compress with little effort when not pressurized by engine oil. If you do not have a timing chainnoise, I would suspect it is OK.

Check the DME for fault codes using a BMW scan tool. If your engine is runingpoorly there may be fault codes that can help point you inthe right direction.

- Nick