Original BMW Twin Timing Chain Slide Rail for S54 M3, Z3 M, and Z4 M (2001–2008)

This Original BMW slide rail guides the twin timing chain on the S54 inline-six in the E46 M3, the Z3 M Coupe and M Roadster, and the Z4 M Coupe and M Roadster. Working with the chain tensioner, the rail keeps the timing chain under tension and on its correct path. That path matters because the chain synchronizes the crankshaft and camshafts, so the valves open and close at the right moment. The rail's contact material wears down over many thousands of hours of running, and a rattle from the timing case is a typical sign of worn guide rails. The rail is made in Germany and sold individually.

Original BMW Parts carry a 24-month parts warranty.

BMW calls this part the slide rail for the twin chain and has produced the number since July 2000. One part number covers every S54 application in BMW's parts data. That includes the E46 M3 Coupe and Convertible, the lightweight E46 M3 CSL, the Z3 M3.2 cars, the E85 Z4 M Roadster, and the E86 Z4 M Coupe. Body style does not change the part, so a Z4 M Coupe takes the same rail as an M3 Convertible. The rail works together with the tensioner to keep the chain under the correct tension.

Technical Details

• Manufacturer: BMW, Original BMW Parts
• Part number: 11-31-7-830-569
• BMW name: slide rail, twin chain
• Engine: S54
• Production start: July 2000
• Sold as: one piece
• Made in Germany
• Warranty: 24 months

Common Questions

What noise does a worn rail make?
A rattle from the timing case is the common sign that the guide rails have worn. Worn material lets the chain move more than it should.

Is the M3 Convertible rail different from the Coupe rail?
No. BMW uses this same part number on the E46 M3 Coupe, the Convertible, and the M3 CSL.

Do the Z3 M and Z4 M use this same rail?
Yes. The S54-powered Z3 M and Z4 M models share this part number with the E46 M3.

Fitment & Compatibility

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