Timing chain tensioner: the defining pre-2013 risk

The upper timing chain tensioner on early EA888 engines is the single most-asked question across these threads, appearing in well over half the auctions. Commenters agree the design was revised for the 2013 model year (with some late 2012 builds included), and that on pre-update cars failure can let the chain slip on an interference engine, seizing or destroying it. …