[Ivan67]

After doing some research on the subject, I was getting ready to take on the project of replacing the timing chain and related parts. My wife’s 2014 X3 xdrive has now 100k miles and no issues with the chain, but I wanted to be on the safe side and replace it before it failed (we donÂ’t use the auto SS, I change the oil every 5 k miles since we bought it at 600 miles) I also read about a tensioner ” upgrade” which some N20 owners have done, I ordered the new tensioner, redesigned in August 2016, and it was supposed to be a 30 minute job since you only had to remove the turbo wastegate actuator to clear the tensioner. Here is the interesting part: I removed the original tensioner and first, the new one was going in, I just had to press it a little more, but decided to put on a pair of mechanix gloves on, and as I tried to screw it again it wouldnÂ’t catch on the threads. I realized that the cam had moved. To make the long story short, I ended up removing the valve cover and all the parts that mount on it, to relocate the exhaust cam. I had done the valve cover gasket in 2020 so it wasnÂ’t a new job, but I replaced the vacuum pump seal and another seal that mounts on top (where the harness connects to the eccentric shaft motor) while I had it apart.
The engine runs good and I think we will keep the vehicle a couple more years.
I hope this helps someone that decides to replace the tensioner.
Ivan.

[pungo]

Are you saying you replaced the TC tensioner but not the chain? And did this without using a camshaft locking tool? I thought both the tensioner and chain recommended replacement interval is ~100k miles on the N20 engine?

[Ivan67]

I did the tensioner for now, and probably will replace the chain/guides later. Like I said, I monitor the sound and inspect the guides often. I read that the original guides on the N20 are the same as the N55’s and the only difference is the tensioner. I agree that they recommend to replace as a kit. However, I think most people that have had failures did the oil change intervals recommended before that were 10k + miles and later lowered to 7500 or so miles (I do the oil change every 5k miles) Besides, we don’t use the auto SS (ASS?) which adds stress to the components.
BTW I bought the timing chain tool and only the exhaust cam had moved a few degrees. Only took an adjustable wrench to bring back in place and the tensioner went in easily.
I guess I could be taking a chance, but I know that the engine starts with odd sounds when/if the guides let go.
Ivan.

[Opie55]

Originally Posted by Ivan67

After doing some research on the subject, I was getting ready to take on the project of replacing the timing chain and related parts. My wife’s 2014 X3 xdrive has now 100k miles and no issues with the chain, but I wanted to be on the safe side and replace it before it failed (we donÂ’t use the auto SS, I change the oil every 5 k miles since we bought it at 600 miles) I also read about a tensioner ” upgrade” which some N20 owners have done, I ordered the new tensioner, redesigned in August 2016, and it was supposed to be a 30 minute job since you only had to remove the turbo wastegate actuator to clear the tensioner. Here is the interesting part: I removed the original tensioner and first, the new one was going in, I just had to press it a little more, but decided to put on a pair of mechanix gloves on, and as I tried to screw it again it wouldnÂ’t catch on the threads. I realized that the cam had moved. To make the long story short, I ended up removing the valve cover and all the parts that mount on it, to relocate the exhaust cam. I had done the valve cover gasket in 2020 so it wasnÂ’t a new job, but I replaced the vacuum pump seal and another seal that mounts on top (where the harness connects to the eccentric shaft motor) while I had it apart.
The engine runs good and I think we will keep the vehicle a couple more years.
I hope this helps someone that decides to replace the tensioner.
Ivan.

Honestly, I'm not sure how this helps. Are you saying it's not possible to replace the tensioner without also removing the valve cover, or what?

[383vett]

Unsure why putting on Mechanix gloves makes the cam move.

[Ivan67]

Originally Posted by Opie55

Honestly, I'm not sure how this helps. Are you saying it's not possible to replace the tensioner without also removing the valve cover, or what?

For those that need further explanation, the mechanix gloves help when you need more grip/less effort to press against a hard surface. What happened while I put the gloves on is that the valve springs made the cam rotate and therefore I ended up removing the valve cover in order to bring back to correct cam location.
Again, I hope this helps someone in the future.
Ivan