Ive got a loud clattering noise coming from the engine block. Is it the dreaded timing chain/guides/tensioners?

(Car idles as per normal, even drives almost as per normal except feels slightly down on pull. No faults on dash. No water pump play or leaks. No misfires)

Im finding it difficult to pinpoint the exact place where the noise is coming from. Kinda seems to be coming from everywhere if that makes any sense.



Last edited by Zain on 28th Dec 2019 2:28am. Edited 1 time in total

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It could be the VANOS or the chain guides/tensioner on their way out.

easiest way to diagnose the timing chains on the bmw v8... is to drain the oil, and remove the lower sump... the gasket will come off ok.( diff guard needs to come off easiely) look in the sump tray for plastic debris. any signs, then your chain guides, have gone brittle, and broken up.. the nylon faces, clip onto the U shaped centre carrier, and self adjusting side bar. these break up, and detatch. the guide is then soft aluminium, rubbing against the chain, which is shaving off the metal. the chain will also rub against the front timing cover, as no groove to run in...further metal being removed etc. don't drive the car! that metal is going through your oil! if the chain jumps a tooth, its curtains for the engine.
its a big job to repair. £600 in parts alone.
I bought mine with this issue about 7 years ago. fixed it, and has been fine since. (bought at 140k, now 200k)
if no debris in sump, it could just be worn vanos seals...... do some youtube searches for that noise. not a problem to carry on driving it...

Or it could be, as I found recently, down to loose spark plugs!

Give them a once over, it may save you some chasing around!

CHAin guides. Do as advised above

I've managed to get the vid to run. That sounds way worse than my plugs.
As others have said, investigate your chain guides and vanos system