I am going to replace the tensioner on my R56. I've seen several DIYs on how to do it and it seems wicked easy. However I am getting conflicting info as to whether taking out the old tensioner will cause the timing to get messed up. Is this a concern or not?

 

ALSO I am finding conflicting information as to which is the correct tensioner. When I search the part for mine which is a 2012 Cooper S hatchback most sites give me part # 11317607551 .. however on alot of posts people are saying this is the longer tensioner and it is only suitable if your chain is stretched. My car has 90,000 miles and doesn't exhibit any serious chain noise, it's just something I'm nervous about and want to change it before it happens, I can't tell if my chain is making noise, or if the engine is just noisy by nature.

 

replacing the tensioner wont effect your timing, just dont rotate the engine....On all my rebuilds when installing a new timing chain kit, I ditch the 78mm tensioner for the 82mm. So far no issues.

 

Greetings, 90K miles is probably above where you wnt to be with the original chain. You may want to get a hold of a dummy tensioner and see if your chain is within spec. Putting in a longer tensioner is a temp fix. Although BMW do not specify when or if you need to change the chain out it makes sense that these flimsy chains wear and can let go/break guides, jump timing. Some say as early as 40-50K miles. I did mine at 50K as it was noisy and the uprated tensioner only bought me time to save up money. Have a listen on youtube for the death rattle and compare to your car. I DIYd the new chain after studying youtube guides and followed the Haynes DIY manual.

 

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...tensioner.html

Info here on post #4

 

I never recommend doing just the tensioner as that is a band aid kinda fix, but it's not a fix as it may just make it not rattle. But the chain is still streatched and needs replaced.

And yes if the chain is stretch and a longer tensioner is installed to take up the slack the timing will be off a hair as the chain slack is only taken up on the back side so the cam timing has to be moved a hair.

Do the entire kit so it is right and no issues.
https://www.waymotorworks.com/timing...-cooper-s.html