timing chain repacement cost

[adamsbomb]

Looking at some of the cars in the 95-97 range. Some are close to 100k miles, I have read hear this is the magic timing chain replacement mark. What is a ballpark figure on having this done on say an m3 or a 328? looking for some prepurchase preparation.

[Wayne 962]

Yikes, the main chain, or the secondary chain. I would think that the main chain would be very expensive, as you have to take apart a lot of the engine (and drop the suspension, I think) in order to get at it.

I have not heard the same thing about the chains that you have though...

-Wayne

[adamsbomb]

Thanks for the quick response Wayne, You may be working too much. Anyway, I thought I read hear that the timing chain should be replaced at 100k. Am I mistaken? On most cars the timing chain (not belts obviously) are not a concern, is this the case with the m3 or later model 328 etc.? (post 90-91)

[Wayne 962]

Again, I haven't heard of any specific timing chain issues or problems with these cars. All the six cylinder engines are basically the same - so whatever the problem may be on the M3, would carry over to the 325/328 cars as well...

Just finishing up some email before I leave for vacation tomorrow!

-Wayne

[eren]

No timing chain is not repolaced at 100k. It's considered to be maintanance free, and when it's dead, your engine is considered dead.

However timing chain tensioner (a $50 part, which is easy to replace) imay be repalced at every 80K or so. Timing chain almost never goes bad, but the tensioner goes bad often and it lets the chain become loose and make noise.