How many miles on the engine?? Reconnoitre IP timing needed at about 180k miles and new timing chain at roughly 200 - 220k miles.

DIY IP timing is hilarious. You'll see smoke go from blue (too far advanced) to black (too far retarded). Best done by tech with special tools, timing wheel and drip guage etc, though. Did my own IP timing on 240D using common sense approach, then had it professionally done with superior results. Immense performance improvement - worth every penny of $185 it cost me.