BMW Repair: Timing Chain, crankshaft pulley, alignment tool

Question
hello Mr Villa,
              a friend of mine has a 1997 316i and he removed the timing chain without marking it i was wondering if you could give me any help on the subject or could even point me in the right direction.
Yours,
Gerry

Answer
Hi Gerry,
Even if your friend removed it already, provided the engine has not been turned in anyway (crankshaft and camshaft), all is not lost. If something has been moved, then remote control instructions like mine will not work. Putting it in proper timing will require a mechanic, a bmw camshaft alignment tool
(P/N 113190), a crankshaft/flywheel locking tool(P/N 112300).
If the engine has not been turned yet, put marks and re-install the chain. Moving the crankcase and camshaft independently of each other will result in severe damage to the valves and pistons. Then bring the timing to top dead center for no. 1 cylinder (see timing mark at crankshaft),
insert the locking tool into the hole at the lower left rear side of the engine where it mates with the bell housing.
Secure the camshaft with the camshaft alignment tool.
Remove the crankshaft pulley. Remove the lower timing chain cover. Remove timing chain and tensioner and replace both.
Please note that this job is not an easy one for a first-timer. Considering the complexity of the job, and the need for special tools (which you can do without if you really analyze the problem), you may want to buy a book at your nearby auto supply store, or have a mechanic do the repair for you.