BMW Lower Timing Chain Replacement — M50 / M52 / M52TU / M54 / S50 / S52

Replace a worn or stretched timing chain while servicing your BMW's timing system with this OE-quality Lower Timing Chain Replacement. This single-row, endless timing chain connects the crankshaft to the engine's timing system and plays a critical role in keeping the crankshaft and camshafts properly synchronized.

BMW timing chains are designed for an extremely long service life, but they are not immune to wear. After decades of use and thousands of heat cycles, the chain can develop wear or stretch, especially when combined with worn guide rails or a failing tensioner.

If you're already performing a complete timing service and replacing the timing chain guides and tensioner, we recommend replacing the timing chain at the same time rather than reinstalling the original high-mileage chain.

Product Details

• OE-quality replacement lower timing chain
• Single-row timing chain
• Endless design
• Direct replacement for the original timing chain
• Connects the crankshaft to the timing system
• Helps maintain proper crankshaft and camshaft synchronization
• Recommended during a complete timing chain service
• Fits a wide range of BMW inline-six engines

Replaces BMW Part Numbers

• 11311432176
• 11311730189
• 11311722754

Why Replace the Timing Chain?

The timing chain synchronizes the rotation of the crankshaft and camshafts so the engine's valves open and close at precisely the correct point in the combustion cycle.

As a chain wears, excessive play or elongation can develop. This forces the timing chain tensioner to compensate for the additional slack and can place increased stress on the guide rails and other timing components.

If the chain, tensioner, or guides deteriorate far enough, the engine can lose proper mechanical timing. On an interference engine, a severe timing failure can potentially allow the pistons and valves to make contact, resulting in major engine damage.

Common Symptoms of Timing Chain Wear

• Rattling or Slapping Noise — Excessive chain movement may produce noticeable noise from the timing case, particularly during startup or at idle.
• Startup Rattle — A worn chain combined with a weak tensioner or damaged guides can create a brief rattle immediately after starting.
• Poor Engine Performance — Excessive chain wear can affect mechanical timing and contribute to sluggish acceleration or reduced power.
• Timing-Related Fault Codes — Excessive timing deviation can contribute to camshaft or crankshaft correlation faults on applicable engines.
• Excessive Tensioner Extension — A stretched chain may force the tensioner to operate farther through its adjustment range.
• Visible Chain or Guide Wear — During a timing service, excessive chain play or damaged guide surfaces can indicate that additional components should be replaced.

Recommended for a Complete Timing Service

If your BMW is making significant noise from the timing case, don't assume that replacing a single component will solve the problem.

The timing chain, guide rails, tensioners, and sprockets work together as a complete system. When performing a major timing service on a higher-mileage engine, it's a good idea to inspect all of these components and replace worn parts while the engine is already apart.

Installing a new chain alongside fresh guides and tensioners helps provide a more complete timing system refresh.

Engine Compatibility

Depending on application and production date, these timing chain part numbers cover BMW engines including:

M50 • M50TU • M52 • M52TU • M54 • S50 US • S52

BMW Fitment Guide

Important Fitment Note

BMW used different timing chain configurations depending on engine, production date, and market. The three BMW part numbers listed above represent applications across several generations of BMW inline-six engines.

Verify your engine code, production date, and original BMW timing chain part number before ordering, particularly on early M50/M50TU vehicles where production changes occurred.

Don't Reuse an Old Chain During a Complete Rebuild

Replacing timing chain guides and tensioners while reinstalling a decades-old chain can leave another worn component in an otherwise refreshed timing system.

If you're already performing a major VANOS or timing system overhaul, replacing the lower timing chain at the same time gives you a more complete repair and helps ensure the new guides and tensioners are working with a properly fitting chain.