I wrote a message a few weeks ago asking about this issue thinking my 03 had the 2nd version of the infamous plastic tensioners, but several people mentioned that the 03's have the updated aluminum ones now. The manufactured date on my drivers door says 07/02. The in service date is 1/18/2003. My engine is still 100% original with 79K miles, synthetic oil changes every 5K since 11,000 miles and I have used the Jet Engine lubricant twice. The car is mint. Someone mentioned you can check the serial # to see if the engine has the plastic or aluminum tensioners. Does anyone out there have an 03 where you have had the tensioners looked at?

 

The conversion to metal tensioners occurred in August '01 at the engine plant. Yours will be metal. My '02, manufactured in June, '01 had the plastic ones up to a little over a year ago.