On October 2015 with 56,000 miles I replaced the timing chain tensioner on my '06 R53. It took care of the rattle. Now, at a little over 63,000 miles the sound has come back after being in winter storage for 5 long months. The sound has gone away a couple of times shortly after startup, but only stays away for a few seconds.

I'm guessing I've got other issues other than the timing chain tensioner since it's fairly new. Possibly the guides due to a stretched chain, etc. I'm wondering what a good diagnosis process would be. I'm thinking I should start with the easiest possibility and go from there. First, remove the tensioner and inspect. Then drain the oil, rip out the oil pan, and check for bits of plastic. If I've got nothing at that point, I can then rip off the timing cover to inspect.

Is this a pretty decent diagnosis procedure or am I way off? If it is the tensioner again, how I would I know it's bad?

 

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