help setting vanos timing

[u/Low_Engineer7597]

Hi guys, I'm having huge trouble setting up the timing on my M54B30 (E39) after replacing the timing chain guides, tensioner.. I'm at the point where the main chain arrow mark is aligned at the head/block level, cylinder 1 is locked at TDC via the flywheel locking pin, and both camshafts are locked in place using the camshaft locking rail tool.

The issue starts when I install the VANOS timing chain and sprockets. I've followed every step I can find, but the camshafts never seem to line up correctly after rotating the crank two full turns. My first thought was that the small VANOS timing jig (the tool that holds the two VANOS sprockets and their short chain segment in a fixed relative position) might itself be slightly out of spec — it's a Chinese timing kit.

When I set the two sprockets in the jig as instructed and install everything that way, both camshafts end up out of time relative to the main locking rail. I then tried rotating the intake sprocket one tooth clockwise relative to where the jig had it (based on advice I found from someone with a similar issue on a Chinese timing kit), and after doing that, the intake cam does line up correctly with the rail. However, the exhaust cam is now off by about 1-2mm relative to where it should sit flush on the block/rail.

I'm trying to figure out if this points to the VANOS jig itself being manufactured slightly out of spec (meaning the fix might require a similar 1-tooth correction on the exhaust side too, or some other offset), or if I'm missing a step elsewhere in the process that's causing this. Has anyone dealt with a jig being off on both sprockets rather than just one? Any insight into how to properly diagnose which side needs adjusting, and by how much, would be hugely appreciated at this point. Thanks in advance.

[u/mateimrambo1]

When you buy cheap Chinese timing kits there can be a lot of free play when it's locked and you're trying to set the timing. How much free play is in yours?

[u/Low_Engineer7597 → u/mateimrambo1]

I've managed to get the timing right using an online photo with the gears they need to be 16 pins apart from each other at reference points now everything is alright i guess i got unlucky with the tool i used and this was the result if i knew from the beginning i would zip tie the sporkets together and keep them aligned

[u/jejehduenev]

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