318i Chain E36 / Old 528i

BMW 318i (E36) — Timing Chain Overview

Engine Info:

• Chassis: E36 (1990–1999)

• Engine Options:

  • Most common 318i E36 engines:

    • M42B18 (1.8L, SOHC, 16V, 4-cylinder) — uses timing belt

    • M44B19 (1.9L, SOHC, 16V, 4-cylinder) — also timing belt

• Timing System:

  • 4-cylinder 318i E36 models use timing belts, NOT chains.

  • The M42 and M44 engines use timing belts for camshaft drive.

  • No timing chain on standard 318i E36 engines.

BMW 528i (Older Models) — Timing Chain Overview

Engine Info:

• BMW E34 528i (1988–1995):

  • Engine: M20B28 (2.8L inline-6, SOHC, 12-valve)

  • Timing System:

    • Uses a timing chain, not a belt.

    • This engine has a single timing chain driving the camshafts via a set of sprockets and guides.

• BMW E39 528i (1995–2000):

  • Engine: M52B28 (2.8L inline-6, DOHC, 24-valve)

  • Timing System:

    • Uses a timing chain, double chain setup (primary and secondary chains) driving cams and balance shafts.

Summary: