Confused - chain pad question

[thom4782]

The chain tensioner / pad question confuses me greatly. I hope someone can clarify.

I have an 01S. It has variocams. This leads me to ask the following questions:

1. Are the variocam pads that ones that wear out as the miles pile up?
2. If so, am I right that one must remove the engine from the car and split the case to replace them?
3. Are there are other pads that the chains run on?
4. Are these the ones that wear out and lead to the chain jumping timing?
5. Does one need to pull the engine and split the case to replace these other pads?

Separate from the pad question, my search of the bulletin boards suggests there are three chain tensioners in the M96 engines.

1. Am I right about there being three?
2. Are these a potential failure point that allows the chain to jump timing?
3. Does one need to pull the engine to replace the tensioners?

I'd greatly appreciate any insights you can provide. Thanks