I completely agree with you, great job bringing this to the community. I’m also an engineer (mechanical, to be exact), and it’s disappointing that the one person who actually solved this with a master link, making installation much easier, was flamed out of the thread and no longer sells the product.I mean it is really great that Omar found this way. This alone doesn´t create a finished product with a justification for his "product".
The sprocket and chain are like 20-30 USD each.
If i am creating a product with added value to the product, i would think/expect a solution for the DIY guy.
If there is special tooling involved and you still only get those 60usd parts. Where is the added value to justify the endprice? Just because some research was done? 3-4 times the value just because of the research but how you install is your problem? Getting this done in a shop will cost more than the "product" sold. And in the end it was only research. Not creating/manufacturing anything new.
(this is no hate but just my critical view as an engineer working in the automotive industry) Different views are welcome.
And yes i know. I don´t need to buy it if i don´t like it...
Unfortunately, I didn’t buy a full kit, just two OEM parts that were marked up by 600%.
That got me thinking about how I could solve the issue myself, since I really didn’t want to break the chain or pull the crank hub.
For anyone else looking to source the parts on their own, there happens to be a 48-link BMW oil pump timing chain kit with a master link (allowing for easier installation). The part number is:
Iwisketten (Iwis) Oil Pump Chain, 48 Link, with Master Link – 0009978394
The sprocket is BMW OEM, part number 11417519870, and from what I can tell, there’s been no machining done to it.
I will be purchasing this chain to verify fitment.