Timing Belt On 318i

[csierra]

I'm in the market for my first E-30 and I had a question about the timing belt on a 1991 318i. I was looking at one and the owner mentioned that the timing belt never had to be replaced. Is this true or is he full of it. I thought he was full of it but I'm the one new to the bimmers.

[BMWJNKY]

The 318 has a timing chain, not a belt.

[csierra]

I'm sorry for being stupid but does the timing chain have to be changed? ghead

[BMWJNKY]

Not unless it is broken or you are doing a engine rebuild. Otherwise they usually go the life of the engine.

[Kowalski]

Originally posted by AJ's320i@Jan 30 2005, 11:06 PM
Not unless it is broken or you are doing a engine rebuild. Otherwise they usually go the life of the engine.

[snapback]282948[/snapback]

if you take the timing chain cover off and there is a lot of play on the chain when you push on it then it needs to be chained otherwise no. i have the same car lots of fun enjoy!

[Shellback]

Originally posted by Kowalski+Jan 31 2005, 09:28 PM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Kowalski @ Jan 31 2005, 09:28 PM)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteBegin-AJ's320i@Jan 30 2005, 11:06 PM
Not unless it is broken or you are doing a engine rebuild.* Otherwise they usually go the life of the engine.

[snapback]282948[/snapback]

if you take the timing chain cover off and there is a lot of play on the chain when you push on it then it needs to be chained otherwise no. i have the same car lots of fun enjoy!

[snapback]283579[/snapback]

[/b][/quote]

Also, think about updating the chain tensioner to a newer M44 piston.
-SB

[e30fanm3]

when in doubt, change the chain

[bad man working]

Not all E30 318I are chain driven engines the M10 is but The M40 is a belt driven assembly with a timing belt change interval Approx 24000 miles or four years and at 1991 it must be an M40. And they do damage valves when they snap.

[e30fanm3]

all 318s are chain driven, BMW never made a belt driven four cylinder. The only belt-driven motors they ever made was the small six, and the turbo diesel

[Kowalski]

Originally posted by bad man working@Feb 13 2005, 12:21 PM
Not all E30 318I are chain driven engines the M10 is but The M40 is a belt driven assembly with a timing belt change interval Approx 24000 miles or four years and at 1991 it must be an M40. And they do damage valves when they snap.

[snapback]291084[/snapback]

also in 91 it was an m42 and yes they will mash itself apart if it snapps because the valves will stay where they were when it snapped and the pistons will keep moving nad then one valve will be down the piston will hit it either bending the valve or braking your cam hopfully its the first one...

[e30fanm3]

I REPEAT THERE ARE NO BELT DRIVEN 318s!!

[Kowalski]

Originally posted by e30fanm3@Feb 14 2005, 07:22 PM
I REPEAT THERE ARE NO BELT DRIVEN 318s!!

[snapback]292022[/snapback]

and im not talking about belts you morron im talking about the chain or belt doesn't matter if either break it will do the same thing

[e30fanm3]

i wasnt necessarily talking to you, sorry if the whole world doesnt revolve around your last post

[Kowalski]

Originally posted by e30fanm3@Feb 16 2005, 02:30 PM
sorry if the whole world doesnt revolve around your last post

[snapback]293046[/snapback]

how do you know

[oily]

Originally posted by e30fanm3@Feb 15 2005, 03:22 AM
I REPEAT THERE ARE NO BELT DRIVEN 318s!!

[snapback]292022[/snapback]

Well, I've just changed the head gasket on my 1988 318i, and there were four cylinders and a timing belt.

It's an M40 engine and was fitted to 318i's (E30 and E36 models) from about 1987 to 1993.

HTH

Olly