Thank you for this video. I have been thinking alot about this fix for cold start rattle and i think a lot of n47/n57 engines could have been saved by changing this tensioner. I changed mine last september and the rattle is gone completely.
@W15Garage4 ай бұрын
Thanks for watching! I’m glad it’s working for others too. Best part, there is nothing to lose, but a lot to gain😊 All the best!
@boosteddiesel18344 ай бұрын
For a diy repair this is a great solution if you just need the tensioner. Although I know why a garage would likely want to fit the full timing kit, because the customer expects a full warranty of the work and parts. Garages don’t want to risk doing it twice just to save other people cash. Great video, I’m sure it’ll save a lot of people a lot of money. 👍
@W15Garage4 ай бұрын
Thanks for watching! 100% correct. Timing chains are an issue on N47 engines; it’s a well-known problem, unfortunately. What I've tried to show in this video is that, in many cases, the chain is still okay. By changing the tensioner, it will give some time for the owner to use the car, but the timing chain needs replacing eventually.
@RandomClips27.4 ай бұрын
I got a car really really cheap because the garage said it needs a new chain kit and would cost alot to do so the guy sold it me quater the value of the car i done this and sorted the problem 2 years on its still running great
@W15Garage4 ай бұрын
That’s what I like to hear😄! All the best.
@thpxs05544 ай бұрын
Great video. No bullshit, straight to the point
@W15Garage4 ай бұрын
Thank for watching! Apreciate it!!
@giupisgarage5 ай бұрын
Depends in which state of wear is the timing chain, sometimes they just reduce the rattle sometimes you won't notice difference
@W15Garage5 ай бұрын
Thanks for watching. Yes, unfortunately if the chain is stretched it needs replacing, as I’ve mentioned in the video. But replacing the tensioner is still worth trying as you’ve got nothing to lose, in my experience it has worked in many cases.
@RigmodsModding3 ай бұрын
Just changed the tensioner only on a N47 bmw 1 series alongside usual oil and filter etc, completely eliminated the noise (was very noticeable) . Completely agree the tensioner is weak and short, the new one is strong and little bigger. Absolutely recommend doing this before getting the engine out. Some tips would be remove the scuttle, sway bar and the wires and vacuum pipe going across the top of the engine, then you can get a breaker bar in there easily. Was an hours work, well worth it.
@W15Garage3 ай бұрын
Thanks for watching! I m glad it worked for you as well. All the best
@cirese222 ай бұрын
How to remuve that do you have a video ?
@W15Garage2 ай бұрын
I m glad it worked out for you!
@julesviolin4 ай бұрын
By all accounts it's the plastic chain guides which break. The last decent engine BMW made was the M47. Good for 500k miles on original chain and guides
@W15Garage4 ай бұрын
Thanks for watching! The M47 indeed was a good engine
@habsom14064 ай бұрын
Great video, well explained and well filmed and edited. Thank you! 👍🙏
@W15Garage4 ай бұрын
Many thanks! 🙏
@cirese22Ай бұрын
I replaced my upper chain tensioner at a local mechanic , the rattle sound at the cold start has gonne but I still have a chain sound at Revs from 1000 to 2800 rpms....I hope it will last a few thousand kms before I must replace the entire timing chain without snapping 😁
@W15GarageАй бұрын
@@cirese22 unfortunately in your case it’s the chain, if the rattling is that bad, I would get it replaced as soon as possible. It’s not worth the risk😀
@karmenu2 ай бұрын
A good practice is removing the plastics where the cabin filter is located. Makes better space, being that it's limited on 1 series / X1. Great video
@W15Garage2 ай бұрын
Good point, that way it’s easier to reach the tensioner!
@lind22136 күн бұрын
Great video, my f31 320d rattles a bit when idling but when i give it just 100-200 more revs it completely disappears. Could it be the tensioner that is leaking and when oil pressure rises the tensioner can put the right pressure on the chain?
@W15Garage5 күн бұрын
Hi, thanks for watching. Unfortunately I can’t guarantee 100% But 99% a new tensioner would fix the issue. It’s worth a try.
@straight_to_the_point78692 ай бұрын
Thank You for this great video, it's a good and easier idea to try replace it tensioner first, i will try this. I like your videos and channel, its very helpful, i am subscribed.👍👌
@W15Garage2 ай бұрын
Thanks for watching! Appreciate your comment!
@Assimilator13 ай бұрын
Just fitted a new top tensioner to my 2010 330d (N57) with ~145k miles (FSH, factory intervals which is ~2yrs/15 miles), sadly it didn't fix it, so I'm going to have to replace the chains and guides 🙁. The old tensioner was knackered though (it was 27mm head btw), it didn't spring out much and I couldn't push the piston in just using my finger and thumb (whereas I could with the new one). Perhaps the guides have got damaged as a result? FWIW, my car only makes a modest rhythmic scrapping noise when the engine is hot (fully warmed up), and I could only hear it with the door open revving the engine to ~2k RPM (stationary obviously, lol).
@W15Garage2 ай бұрын
If it didn’t spring out, unfortunately it means that the chain is stretched, and the tensioner was fully extended to follow and try to keep the chain tensioned. As I mentioned in the video, unfortunately tensioner is not always the problem. N47 does suffer from timing chain issues. I would recommend replacing the timing chain ASAP before it snaps and causes further expenses in repair.
@Assimilator12 ай бұрын
@@W15Garage Did you mean N57? Yes I know and remembered that you said a new tensioner wouldn't always fix it, I didn't say otherwise😉 I've already decided to replace the chains (I've already got timing tool kit), not sure I will go for the OEM chains etc atm (depends on price, hopefully find out tomorrow). I just need to re-watch your video about what parts are needed [edit] Was it you that made that? I can't find it...... I didn't mention it last time, but after trying a new tensioner, and it not fixing the noise, I stopped driving. Driving my (supposed to be a weekend car) 08 M3 atm, which is good fun, but using double the fuel!😬 Btw, what made you decide to do it engine out method? (which I think I'll do it that way) Apologies if I've already asked you that, lol.
@W15Garage2 ай бұрын
@@Assimilator1 n57 n47 same issue, unfortunately applies for both variants
@Assimilator12 ай бұрын
@@W15Garage Yea roger that, although I hear it's less common with the N57. Btw, did you see my question about which method to get to the chain?
@W15Garage2 ай бұрын
@@Assimilator1 n57 chains only last a bit longer than n47 because the additional 2.5liters of oil, the engine holds. More oil will withstand better the long ugly oil intervals than the 5.2liter in the n47, but eventually the n57 chains will wear out too. If it’s automatic and 4x4 I always remove the engine. Small n47 with a manual gearbox, it’s ok on the car-easy job. But n57 is a big unit, I would remove it.
@davylad48045 ай бұрын
Good tip I wonder how many thousands of pounds have been spent unnecessarily replacing chains when it may have just been a weak tensioner 😵💫
@W15Garage5 ай бұрын
Thanks for watching! It’s worth a try, from experience I can confirm it sorted out a lot of noisy chains
@kirilakmadjov83075 ай бұрын
I dont think anyone replacing a chain on the back of the engine is replacing just the chain plus 2.0diesels dont suffer from chain tensioner problems
@piovo52225 ай бұрын
@@kirilakmadjov8307all newer cars with chains can have a faulty tensioner, even the Mercedes OM651 and OM642 have issues with the tensioners so do the VAG 3.0d V6s
@davylad48044 ай бұрын
I'm puzzled as to what you're trying to say nobody is suggesting not replacing everything whilst accessing the chain for replacement also the 2 litre BMW diesel very very very definitely suffer tensioner problems especially those without regular oil change@@kirilakmadjov8307
@davylad48044 ай бұрын
I'm puzzled as to what you're trying to say nobody is suggesting not replacing everything whilst accessing the chain for replacement also the 2 litre BMW diesel very very very definitely suffer tensioner problems especially those without regular oil change
@drgrowuk88303 ай бұрын
So helpful and informative video
@W15Garage3 ай бұрын
Thanks for watching!
@michaellaforte696425 күн бұрын
Super helpful, I think I could even do this!
@W15Garage24 күн бұрын
@@michaellaforte6964 Thanks for watching!
@pushkarsammi47463 күн бұрын
Hey, @W15 Garage i have a bmw 528i 2014 with a n20 engine and i saw your video on changing the tensioner i want to change it as a preventitive maintenence do i need to lock the engine or i can just take the tensioner out and put new one in or i need to buy the camshaft locking tool.
@W15Garage2 күн бұрын
Hi, thanks for watching. You don’t have to lock the engine, just make sure you’re not rotating the crankshaft while the tensioner is out.
@pushkarsammi47462 күн бұрын
thank you so much
@vexx59554 ай бұрын
I had the rattle and i decided to change the whole kit OE. Its waaaay to risky and expensive if it snaps !!! 250k KM was enough, the chain guides are plastic. My problem was the tensioner indeed but i didnt risk it by changing only the tensioner
@W15Garage4 ай бұрын
Thanks for watching!
@Assimilator13 ай бұрын
Not risky if it doesn't rattle, if the chain stretched at a later point you'd hear the rattle again, then you would do the whole monty.
@W15Garage3 ай бұрын
@@Assimilator1 Agreed 👍
@mickymac65714 ай бұрын
Good video, do you have a failed tensioner to show for comparison?.
@W15Garage4 ай бұрын
Thanks for watching. To demonstrate this properly, it would require oil pressure and the timing chain with the engine in rotation. Faulty one will fluctuate, while the good one is more steady.
@mickymac65714 ай бұрын
@@W15Garage thanks for your reply,do the tensioners feel the same out of the engine?.
@kyle5465464 ай бұрын
Great vid. Do you need to lock anything in place ?
@W15Garage4 ай бұрын
Thanks for watching! Valid question! No special tools required, timing doesn’t need to be locked. 70Nm final torque and good to go.
@rebekak55554 ай бұрын
Excellent video, keep up the good work!
@W15Garage4 ай бұрын
Thanks appreciate it!
@tonycoombes2281Ай бұрын
brilll ,,tank u .u have saved me monys ,,,,,thanks
@W15GarageАй бұрын
@@tonycoombes2281 glad I could help!!
@darrenshaw60835 ай бұрын
great info keep up the good work
@W15Garage5 ай бұрын
Appreciate it, thanks for watching!
@uttomnandi90642 ай бұрын
Hi, thanks for the video. where is your garage?
@lukather14 ай бұрын
Is it a good idea to take it out first and check if it is working before buying a new one ? I had timing chain 2 years ago but told it’s now rattling again ?
@W15Garage4 ай бұрын
Thanks for watching! It’s not really possible to tell if it’s faulty or not by the look of it, tensioner works/or fails to work under oil pressure. What timing chain kit was used 2 years ago? Original or aftermarket?
@rockybalboap77634 ай бұрын
would this work on golf 1.4 tsi engine and mazda 2.2 diesel engine? both renowned for same problem?
@W15Garage4 ай бұрын
Hi, thanks for watching! It’s worth a try, on my 2006 Mercedes CLS 320CDI V6 diesel it sorted the rattle as well.
@rockybalboap77634 ай бұрын
@@W15Garage hmmm makes you wonder how many garages or main dealers that have known this and charged a thousand instead of 70 pounds? Respect for letting people know 5*
@JustShredded4 ай бұрын
I’ve been told that the components need to be locked in order to do this? How true is this?
@W15Garage4 ай бұрын
If you don’t rotate the engine while the tensioner is out, it’s safe. If you think there’s the risk of any kind of rotation, you can lock the flywheel, but I’ve done it on several occasions without locking it.
@JV83913 күн бұрын
Do you have a before and after of the sound?
@W15Garage3 күн бұрын
I don’t, but since this method works so well, and the video is quite popular, I’m planning to record a video where I fix a rattling n47 with a new tensioner, then I will remove the engine and measure the timing chain length
@JV83913 күн бұрын
@@W15Garage awesome, i am wanting to try this on my N57 engine in a 2010 BMW X5 30d, the chain noise I have is not a loud rattle it’s more of a rotational noise which happens while the engine is cold then goes away when warm.
@W15Garage3 күн бұрын
It’s worth giving it a try. If the noise changes with warm or cold temperatures, it’s most likely the tensioner. If the chain is stretched, it will rattle continuously
@JV83912 күн бұрын
@@W15Garage Fingers crossed it will help or at least prevent the issue from worsening, I have already ordered a tensioner, they are quite cheap only around $50. On the E70 X5 N57 it's difficult to reach from above so I will try from under the car.
@Mixy885 ай бұрын
Thanks for the tips
@W15Garage5 ай бұрын
Thanks for watching!
@tony78uk484 ай бұрын
Good mechanic 🙂👍
@W15Garage4 ай бұрын
Thanks for watching! Appreciate your comment!
@crustybmw4 ай бұрын
On the n47 is the external tensioner for the cam chain only, the main chain is all internal and the tensioner is inside the cover? I thought it was the main chain that had the issues
@W15Garage4 ай бұрын
Thanks for watching. The middle chain(main chain) has internal tensioner and it’s thicker than the upper cam chain. Upper one is the weaker one out of the two, and the upper tensioner is also the trouble maker… over time looses oil pressure, causing rattling while the chain is still ok. But as I’ve mentioned in the video, in many cases the timing chain itself is stretched, and needs replaced.
@crustybmw4 ай бұрын
@@W15Garage Ok so if I buy one and I change the tensioner preventatively and do very regular oil changes will this issue not happen?
@Assimilator13 ай бұрын
@@crustybmw No one could guarantee that this issue will never happen, lol. If you fit a new tensioner and it cures the noise then at the least you would have bought some more time with the current chains. If the chains aren't stretched at all when you changed the tensioner, then they'd likely last many 10s of thousands of miles.
@socmonsanto3302Ай бұрын
What BMW engine is that? Can I do it on the BMW N20 engine?
@W15GarageАй бұрын
N47 diesel. Yes, it’s worth trying it. My 2006 Mercedes CLS 320CDI had a cold start rattling, a new tensioner sorted the problem.
@jouniranta-puska469922 күн бұрын
What, I can't believe I've never even heard of this. Shouldn't this be the absolute first step to try?
@W15Garage21 күн бұрын
@@jouniranta-puska4699 thanks for watching! It’s definitely worth a try!
@asimk951818 күн бұрын
Do you not have to lock the position mine is f31 auto, n47 is it easily accessible if we do from underneath or doing it from top is easier
@W15Garage17 күн бұрын
You don’t have to, just don’t rotate the engine while the tensioner is out
@Assimilator13 ай бұрын
Isn't this relevant to the N57 and e9x series too? How many N47/57 timing chains have you done btw?
@W15Garage3 ай бұрын
It is relevant yes, my Mercedes CLS OM642 engine had this issue, cold start rattle…new tensioner fixed the issue, till this day it’s spot on. 😄 I’ve lost count, I would say between 25-30. Still a long way to go till 100 😃
@Assimilator13 ай бұрын
@@W15Garage Ah a fair amount then 🙂, roughly how many would you say of the N47/57 engines you've done which have been fixed by just a new tensioner? Btw, my 2010 330d has an engine rattle (gotta confirm with some former work mates at BMW, might also post you a link to a video I took😉), ~145k miles.
@W15Garage3 ай бұрын
@@Assimilator1 all depends on maintenance, I’ve had a 2012 f25 x3 2.0d at 178000 miles the original timing chain had the same length as the new one i replaced with not 1mm stretch, BUT it was rattling slightly. On the other hand f20 1 series at 91000 miles, chain was completely stretched. I can t confirm exact data just yet. My mercedes cls 320 om642 engine had a strong rattle in the morning. Timing chain being in the front through the oil filler cap I could see the tensioner. Over night it went soft and retracted causing the rattle. After replacement it’s spot on. This got me thinking about bmw n47 57 chain rattling+a lot of rattling bmw chains measuring the exact same length as the new one i was installing
@Assimilator13 ай бұрын
@@W15Garage ah ok, I was just wondering roughly what proportion of the N47/57 rattlers you did were fixed with just a tensioner? 🙂
@Assimilator13 ай бұрын
@@W15Garage So roughly how many would you say have been fixed by just a tensioner? Interesting thing I've noticed on my car, I only get the rattle (well, more like a zee-zee-zee noise) once it's warmed up. Have you found that before?
@danielbaker79714 ай бұрын
Does this work on 320d e90 n47 engine 2011 ?
@W15Garage4 ай бұрын
Thanks for watching. Yes e90 has the same N47D20C engine
@danielbaker79714 ай бұрын
Why is the tentioner head bigger then 24mm on the car & the new tentioner I got is 24mm head, defo right bolt just find it strange ?
@danielbaker79714 ай бұрын
27mm, new tensioner 24mm head
@W15Garage4 ай бұрын
Maybe you’ve had an aftermarket tensioner on the car. I ve seen that before, or the new tensioner is an upgraded version, it has no impact on the job, just torque it down correctly.
@danielbaker79714 ай бұрын
New tensioner installed bought from BMW & new tensioner was a tiny bit longer all fitted & torqued to 70 nm sounds much smoother thanks for the advice 👍
@danielbaker79714 ай бұрын
Do u need to put new tentioner in oil atall before installing ?
@W15Garage4 ай бұрын
No, it’s crucial not to put in any oil
@adebradshaw2407Ай бұрын
Mine rattled just on cold start wonder if this could be my problem
@W15GarageАй бұрын
@@adebradshaw2407 if it rattles and than stops high chances it’s the tensioner. If the chain is stretched it rattles constantly. It’s worth a try
@adebradshaw2407Ай бұрын
@@W15Garagethanks ordered part from bmw today will fit it Monday and update you 😃you don’t need to lock engine or anything just out and new in Thanks again
@W15GarageАй бұрын
No locking is required, just ensure that when the tensioner is out, under no circumstances should the engine be turned by hand or by the starter motor. Also, I would do this when the engine is cold to protect my hands from hot surfaces and because the tensioner will potentially be softer, reducing the risk of damaging the threads. Make sure the O ring comes out with the tensioner, sometimes they stay ,,glued,, to the cylinder head, double check before fitting the new one. Good luck!
@adebradshaw2407Ай бұрын
@@W15Garage thank you so much I will update in the week 😀
@adebradshaw2407Ай бұрын
@@W15Garage done today was bit harder then I thought on e91 all done now sounds much better thank you so much 🙏 you have gained a new subscriber 🤛
@robertmcqueen67994 ай бұрын
Well done
@W15Garage4 ай бұрын
Thanks!
@Eduulopez8 күн бұрын
😂😂😂😂 muy muy bueno tio
@kieranosullivan97942 ай бұрын
Changed mine yesterday still have a small rattle at low revs any ideas?
@W15Garage2 ай бұрын
If the rattle is still there, timing chain needs to be replaced ASAP. In your case the tensioner wasn’t faulty. I would advise replacing it before it snaps, and you can reuse the tensioner you’ve just replaced.
@RS-ei3yt4 ай бұрын
How much wd u charge for a chain replacement on a 2012 vw 1.4tsi engine..?
@W15Garage4 ай бұрын
Hi. Thanks for watching! I’m only a hobbyist so not set up to take on any clients at the moment, sorry!
@cihanuk32 ай бұрын
How about g20 b47 engines do they have timing chain problems?
@W15Garage2 ай бұрын
I’ve seen stretched b47 chains on f30 facelift, also b37 in mini. Didn’t owned g20 model yet
@cihanuk32 ай бұрын
@@W15Garage l have got g20 b47 on 94000miles no problems at the moment not sure if l should change the kit before it starts making problems any signs l should look at before it snaps?
@W15Garage2 ай бұрын
It’s still low milage in your case, make sure oil is changed regularly around 8k. Before it snaps it rattles. I’ve seen 178.000miles car on the original chain. Oil change is the key.
@cihanuk32 ай бұрын
@@W15Garage thanks all the best👍
@marcwebb6874 ай бұрын
Is this definitely an oil fed tensioner?
@W15Garage4 ай бұрын
Thanks for watching. Upper chain tensioner OEM part number 11 31 8 490 219
@marcwebb6874 ай бұрын
I meant it looks spring tensioned, I couldn't see an oil passage/hole Could be wrong though
@Assimilator13 ай бұрын
@@marcwebb687 Spring is just for when there's no oil pressure, as in at start up. Once oil pressure is built up, that is what pushes the piston out.
@Assimilator13 ай бұрын
@@W15Garage Did you say in the video you were going to put the part number in the description? Or did I imagine that? 😉
@W15Garage3 ай бұрын
@@Assimilator1 11 31 8 490 219 I will add it to the description now.
@user-ef5ec7bb1l5 ай бұрын
👍🏻
@W15Garage5 ай бұрын
Thanks for watching!
@stahl86153 ай бұрын
So if the timing chain is stretched, couldn't I just remove the washer??😁
@W15Garage3 ай бұрын
😁 you have a good point here, in theory it would work, only the oil leak would cause problems.
@cirese222 ай бұрын
How is that easy to remuve ?
@W15Garage2 ай бұрын
It’s not that difficult really. A few basic tools and patience.
@mirceapopescu76204 ай бұрын
❤❤❤❤😮😅!
@W15Garage4 ай бұрын
Thanks for watching!
@paulmosoara58964 ай бұрын
You should be jailed
@W15Garage4 ай бұрын
Thanks for watching!
@markcaswell7154 ай бұрын
All te chains I have replaced have been because the crankshaft sprocket is too soft and the teeth wear so I doubt very much your solution would work at all this is a known fault
@W15Garage4 ай бұрын
Thanks for watching. In this case a new chain kit is pointless as well?! Yet many engines are on the 2nd or even 3rd set of chain without the crankshaft being replaced.