How to align the timing chain on a BMW 316?
4 Answers
Remove the intake and exhaust camshafts, place them on a flat surface, and attach the chain. There is a groove on one end of both the intake and exhaust camshaft sprockets. Align the two grooves parallel to each other, then use a vernier caliper to pull both sides evenly, ensuring they are parallel vertically and aligned horizontally. Place them on the cylinder head. Once aligned, the camshaft grooves and the cylinder head screw holes should all be in alignment, so you can see they are level.
I just fixed the timing chain issue on my BMW 316 by myself a few days ago, and the process was quite challenging. First, I opened the hood, removed the valve cover, and aligned the mark on the crankshaft pulley with the zero point on the engine block. Then, I used a special camshaft positioning tool to lock the intake and exhaust camshafts, ensuring they were secured at the fixed points. Slowly rotated the crankshaft until the colored marks or grooves on the chain aligned with the reference marks on the gears, then carefully installed and tightened the chain tensioner to prevent slack. The entire job requires 100% precision—any slight mistake could cause the pistons to hit the valves during startup, leading to complete engine failure. Last time I rushed it and could tell something was wrong just by the sound, so I had to tow it for a major overhaul. Beginners shouldn’t attempt this alone; it’s best to have a helper and proper lighting for inspection. Timing chains typically last 80,000–100,000 km, and regular maintenance checks can save you big money.
As an average car owner encountering timing chain issues with my BMW 316, I'd first search for online tutorials or consult the manual but find them too complicated. Aligning the timing chain requires disassembling engine components to match various markings, where it's easy to misalign positions leading to startup problems or even increased noise and damage. If I were to attempt it myself, I'd buy the tools but the risk is too high—better to leave it to the 4S shop with their professional equipment to handle it quickly for around a few hundred bucks, saving both hassle and ensuring safety. Regular driving habits and periodic checks can prevent chain failures, allowing early detection and timely fixes—the key is not to delay, as a loose chain means much costlier repairs.
I'm quite experienced with aligning the timing chain on a BMW 316. Disconnect the battery, remove the front cover, locate the crankshaft and camshaft marks, secure the cams with a locking tool, slowly rotate the crankshaft to align the sprocket reference points, ensure the chain tension is moderate to avoid misalignment. Test for smooth idle without any sticking, and you're done. But beginners shouldn't attempt this—using the wrong tools could ruin the engine. It's better to spend some money on professionals than to save on tools.
