BMW Timing Chain Tensioner Upgrade — 11317838675

Keep your BMW's timing chain properly tensioned with this replacement BMW Timing Chain Tensioner. Originally used on the high-performance S54 engine, BMW part number 11317838675 has also become a popular timing chain tensioner upgrade for many earlier BMW inline-six engines.

The timing chain tensioner maintains pressure against the timing chain guide rail, preventing excessive slack as the engine operates. Over time, an aging tensioner can lose its ability to maintain proper pressure, resulting in startup rattle, chain slap, timing-related fault codes, accelerated timing guide wear, and potentially a jumped timing chain.

In addition to its original S54 application, this tensioner can be used as an upgrade on many M50TU, M52, M52TU, M54, S52, and related BMW applications. For example, the supplied fitment information specifically identifies it as an upgrade over the standard tensioner on M50TU applications from 09/1994 onward.

Product Details

• BMW Engine Timing Chain Tensioner
• BMW Part Number: 11317838675
• Maintains proper timing chain tension
• Helps reduce timing chain slack and startup rattle
• Direct fit for S54 applications
• Popular upgrade for many earlier BMW inline-six engines
• Oil-pressure-assisted tensioner design
• Recommended when servicing the timing chain, guides, VANOS, or other timing components

Why Upgrade Your Timing Chain Tensioner?

Timing chain tensioners have an important job: maintaining consistent pressure against the timing chain guide so the chain remains properly tensioned throughout the engine's RPM range.

As the original tensioner wears, the timing chain can develop additional slack. This is often most noticeable during startup when you may hear a rattle, clanking, ticking, or chain-slap noise from the front of the engine.

The 11317838675 tensioner is especially useful for older BMW engines where it can be installed as an updated replacement for the earlier tensioner design. The supplied application data lists it as an upgrade on M52-powered E36 models such as the 328i and 328is, for example.

Common Symptoms of a Worn Timing Chain Tensioner

• Rattle on Startup — A weak tensioner may allow the chain to slap against the guides immediately after starting.
• Rattling or Clanking From the Timing Case — Excessive chain movement can produce noticeable noise from the front of the engine.
• Timing-Related Fault Codes — Excessive timing deviation may cause camshaft or crankshaft correlation faults on applicable vehicles.
• VANOS-Related Issues — Excessive mechanical timing variation can interfere with proper VANOS operation.
• Accelerated Chain & Guide Wear — A loose chain places additional stress on other timing components.
• Potential Engine Damage — Severe timing chain slack can allow the engine to jump timing, potentially resulting in piston-to-valve contact.

Important Diagnostic Note

A new tensioner can help correct noise caused by insufficient timing chain tension, but not every timing chain rattle is caused by the tensioner. If excessive noise remains after replacement, the timing chain, guide rails, sprockets, VANOS components, and related timing hardware should be inspected.

Engine Compatibility

BMW part number 11317838675 is used or commonly listed as an upgrade for applications equipped with:

M50TU • M52 • M52TU • M54 • M56 • S52 • S54

The supplied fitment information, for example, lists the tensioner on M52, M52TU and M54-powered Z3 applications as an upgrade, while S52- and S54-powered Z3 M applications are also included.

BMW Fitment Guide

*M50TU applications: the supplied fitment data specifies the updated tensioner from approximately 09/1994 production onward and describes it as an upgrade over the standard mechanical spring-loaded tensioner.

Replacement & Upgrade in One

Whether you're replacing a worn tensioner on an S54 or updating the timing system on an earlier BMW inline-six, 11317838675 is a simple upgrade that can help maintain proper chain control and reduce one of the common sources of timing system noise.

If you're already performing a VANOS rebuild, valve cover service, timing chain service, or timing guide replacement, it's an excellent time to replace an aging tensioner rather than reinstalling an old component.