B3 S Timing Chain Tensioner

[jonny320is]

I rebuilt my VANOS including the seals and anti rattle a few months back on my B3 S as it was starting to rattle but it has come back, ever present at idle and more prevalent when revved up to 2-25K. It drive smooth enough and there are no error message on the VANOS. It has about 105k miles on the clock.
I am now thinking that I need to change both timing chain tensioners. Does anyone know what engine they are from, I know the basic block is US S52B32 but are the ancillaries 330 based?
I have heard the external S52 tensioner is a potential upgrade but does that include our cars or do we have them already?

[jolls]

Did you ever get to the bottom of this?

[jonny320is]

Sure did. It already has an S54 lower timing chain tensioner as standard and the top one is an M52 standard item. Replaced both of them and hey presto, running smoothly and quietly again.
A top tip to people reading, if your fixing your VANOS because of a rattle, change the tensioners as well as it may not be the VANOS rattling.

[jolls]

Thank you for the reply. One more question if I may - what tensioners did you use for the replacements as I understand that these can be upgraded from standard?

[jonny320is]

Alpina already did the upgrade so its just the S52/54 lower tensioner and M52/54 upper tensioner required.

[jolls]

Thank you for your reply as it will save any confusion when the time comes to do mine.

[hap]

Resurrect this thread for my B3s
Just had mot tester says it was quite rattle following the revs I have noted a rattle btw 2-3k rpm recently but initially thought it cud be heat shield still might be
Can anyone confirm part numbers for the tensioners and if it’s a big job time wise
Thanks