R1200GSA 2017 WC Left cam chain tensioner

[mike wright]

Ive seen lots of different info on how to replace the R1200GSA 2017 WC Left cam chain tensioner some saying you simply unscrew and replace as the chain wont jump a tooth etc and others saying you need to set it at TDC and lock the cam etc. One even says BMW designed it so it can simply be swopped over without the need to set TDC etc

Has anyone changed one and did they simply swop it over please?

 

[Hann]

When I did my 1250 it was simply a case of undoing the old and fitting the new one.
I would think it’s highly unlikely - indeed almost impossible - for the cam chain to ‘jump a tooth’ as long as you don’t do anything stupid such as turning the engine over whilst the tensioner is removed.
And if you lean the bike over to the right (i rested the engine bars on a milk crate) virtually no oil will come out.

 

[Bigcats]

I simply swapped it when I first bought the bike.......zero issues (though did lose a little oil because I didn't do what was suggested in post#2)