Many engines have timing chains driving the valve gear. These chains are high quality material, guided by special chain guides, driving the cams on sprockets like push bike chains. These systems are lubricated by the engine oil system, and generally last the life of the engine until it gets overhauled when it gets tired after 300,000km or so.

The only one to worry about is the 4.4 M62 V8 BMW found in the Range Rover Vogue. It has been known to break chain guides, and then the chain walks forward and chops the timing cover metal apart, filling the engine with aluminium shavings. This is a big job to clean out and the engine may as well be overhauled while it is out and apart. It is worth changing the chain and the guides by approximately 225,000 so as this will not happen.

Here is a list of Land Rover Vehicles, showing whether or not they have a cam belt or timing chains.





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