My E38 2001 740il needs a new timing chain....

[Al Gray]

Hello Everyone, I have not been on-line for a while. A lot has happened. My 2001 740il now has about 140,000 miles on it. In late August 2012 my timing chain was having major issues and I received a warning on the car dash to shut the car off due to "low oil pressure". I had a towed to my independent mechanic who told me it was a timing chain issue. The BMW dealerr in my area gave me a rough quote of $8,000 for the repair. My mechanic suggested doing an engine swap with a used engine for about $6,000. A repair kit for the timing chain including new guides is about $1,000. I have looked on E38.org and printed out the instructions to do the timing chain (about 77 pages including pictures). I have worked on BMWs before and this repair is a little daunting and extensive.

I just wanted to know if anyone else out there has done this repair. Hey Shogun, I need your help. I really like this car a lot. It is presently sitting in my garage. In the meantime I have purchased a low mileage (38,000 miles) 2004 330Ci converible with a detachable hardtop, 6 speed manual, 18 inch rims, handling package, with 11 speaker Harmon Kardon sound system. I really like the 2001 740il which is in great shape except the timing chain issue. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Best regards,

Al Gray (almost 66 but not acting my age)

[shogun]

Hi Al, 66 is just the right age to do this, I will be 64 this year. The instructions on the E38 Bimmerboard is quite good. Not sure how the E38 Bentley manual covers that, but maybe also good.
But first of all I would check the oil pump. As you might know, the M60 and M62 engine had the problem that the oil pumps bolts fall off. This could be related to your problem of low oil pressure.
e38.org BMW 7-series information and links
http://www.e38.org/replacing_oil_pump(M60).pdf
Oil Change, Oil Pump Bolts, Oil Pan Gasket | BMW 740iL | Magnum
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/240317...mw-7-series/5/
http://members.cox.net/revhigh/Oil%2...check%20V8.pdf
Followed E38.org (Dave's site) on oil pump - Bimmerforums - The Ultimate BMW Forum
BMW 730i E38 - 730i Oil Pressure