E39 523i timing chain replacement?

[Tazar]

The e39 523i is a car I rarely use but it’s there if I need a backup. It’s in very good condition, no rust anywhere as it’s never been used over a winter for the last 15 years, always garaged and is regularly serviced. Now showing 146k miles and it’s a keeper so I want to keep on top of mechanical work. It drives without any noises or problems but I’m aware that when the timing chain goes it’s a big problem.
Years ago my Mum took her e30 323i into Wollaston Motors in Northampton for a Service and 20 miles after she collected it the timing chain went. They accepted no responsibility and she had a bill for £700 or so I recollect.
I’ve no idea if mine has ever been replaced but I doubt it. I bought it from a lady doctor who worked from home so I’m sure it was never driven hard.
What should I be doing?

[d_a_n1979]

Leave it alone; the E39s never need a timing chain replacement unless they've had other issues

Change the oil and keep it fresh, so change it every 12months ideally (it's cheap enough to do so and an easy DIY, more so with a pela pump set up) I've always used Mann, Hengst or OEM BMW filters. Stick with them

Run 5W40 if you like; that bit thicker and will soften the engine a bit more, more so at its age (I ran all my E39 530i's and 540i on 5W40) and they were all smoother & quieter...

The cooling system is the achilles heel on E39s, whether the M52, M54 or M62 engines. So change out the water pump, stat and hoses at a minimum with Comma G48 coolant flush & refill etc

[996owner]

My 528 had !78k on the clock, no chain noise. When the chains rattle change the tensioner first (if it ever does)


Pretty confident the E30 (m20 engines) had belts not chains!

[Tazar]

Thanks for the advice.

I run it on Castrol Edge and change it every 12 months just before mot time. I’ve been through the water pump scenario and changed that.

I won’t lose any sleep over the timing chain then. Maybe my recollection on the e30 was wrong and it was a belt that went.

[d_a_n1979]

Tazar said:

Thanks for the advice.

I run it on Castrol Edge and change it every 12 months just before mot time. I’ve been through the water pump scenario and changed that.

I won’t lose any sleep over the timing chain then. Maybe my recollection on the e30 was wrong and it was a belt that went.

Yup; you'll be fine...

Don't get hung up re oil labels etc; as long as it meets BMW LL01 (ideally for yours) or LL04, its fine to use... Keeping it fresh is what counts