... this isnt that hard. check your chain stretch. if its over 4 degrees change it. the rattle you are talking about is that your only running on 3 or maybie even 2. at idle it sorta jumps around correct? i would take the head off and inspect the cylinders. my 240d started usuing a gallon of oil every day. so i took the heads off sure enough there was significant scoring of the cylinder walls and rings were in some serious need of help.

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Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?

As long as they would add one additional commandment for you to keep thy religion to thyself.
George Carlin (Wonder where he is now..)

1981 240d (engine donor 1983 240d) recently rebuilt engine hurray! - No more.. fought a tree and the tree won.

pearl black 1983 240d 4speed (Converted!@$$%) atleast the tranny was rebuilt.