So what distinguishes a timing chain from a timing belt? Both a timing chain and belt perform the same basic function. These mechanisms are created to maintain the relative position of the valves opening and closing to the position of the piston as the engine is running, regardless of whether you drive a Porsche, Mercedes Benz, or BMW with an internal timing chain, or an Audi or Volkswagen with an external timing belt. When a valve is opened at the incorrect time, it may come into contact with the piston and cause a catastrophic engine failure.
The piston will raise (building compression) and the valves will open precisely, allowing air and fuel to enter the combustion chamber and exhaust to depart in less than one thousandth of a second in an engine with perfectly timed ignition. When valves open or close prematurely or lately due to a timing issue, the piston will be driven into the valve, most frequently bending the valve and possibly punching a hole in the piston crown, rendering the engine worthless. These fixes could cost as little as $4,000 to $5,000 or, depending on the engine, much more.
An internal timing chain is used by brands including Porsche, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. These chains are stronger and less prone to break on their own. The same outcome is more frequently experienced when other chain-holding components, including chain tensioners and chain guides, fail. Check engine lights and a rattling sound, which is typically heard while starting an engine, are early warning indicators of a breakdown.
Initially using timing chains, Audi and Volkswagen switched to an external timing belt in the 1980s, 1990s, and the majority of the 2000s (now returning to chain drive systems). The timing belt is simpler to inspect and replace than the timing chain. Timing belt replacement often costs between $700 and $900, which is significantly less than timing chain replacement. On most models, this cost also includes the water pump. The external timing belt’s drawback is that, like all belts, it eventually wears out and needs to be replaced. Timing belts should typically be changed every 80,000 miles, or every five years. Each time they are serviced or at least once a year, these should be visually inspected.
It’s vital to keep in mind that modern German performance cars, whether you drive a Porsche, Mercedes Benz, BMW, Volkswagen, or Audi, will last you for many miles and years if you maintain them properly. Count on our specialists in Austin for Porsche, Mercedes Benz, Volkswagen, Audi, and BMW repairs. Simply drop by German Auto Center and ask if you have any questions. At 8215 Research Blvd, we are conveniently and centrally situated, and we are here to help.
In This Article...
Which automobiles use timing chains rather than belts?
Timing chains are being installed in more and more vehicles. The majority of Mercedes and BMW vehicles come with timing chains.
A non-exhaustive list of vehicles that can have timing chains installed is provided below:
- many BMWs
- a lot of Mercedes
- Every Cadillac
- 159 Alfa Romeo
- Corvette by Chevrolet
- Duster, Sandero, and Sandero Stepway from Dacia
- Jazz Honda
- Skyactiv-G engine in Mazda
- Every SAAB has a turbocharged engine.
You may physically inspect your car’s timing belt or chain by removing a cover at the end of the engine, consulting your owner’s manual, or asking your mechanic. The timing chain is easily identified by its metal links when the cover is removed with the proper tool, whereas the belt is comprised of rubber and is considerably more flexible.
Ask your mechanic, “How do I know whether my automobile has a timing belt or chain?” if you are still unsure.
You won’t typically need to replace your car’s timing chain. Poor lubrication is likely to have ruined a chain that has to be replaced.
If the timing chain is determined to be damaged, it’s critical that you hire a reputable expert to handle the repair. In extreme cases, the mechanic will even need to completely remove the engine to get to the timing chain. If the timing chain breaks, it may harm other engine components like the valves, making the repair more involved and pricey.
old mechanics dominate
Every 60,000 miles, according to an outdated mechanic’s “rule of thumb,” your belt needs to be replaced. However, as technology advances and automobile engines are improved generally, timing belts are lasting longer and longer. Many car manufacturers now claim that a belt can last up to 100,000 kilometers. Timing belts in BMW have a typical maximum mileage of 105,000 kilometers. Power loss, poor fuel economy, engine misfiring, and vibrations can all be brought on by a broken timing belt. It goes without saying that a timing belt failure is extremely expensive and dangerous for the driver of the car.
Timing chains—do all BMWs have them?
The second is the 4-cylinder, normally aspirated and turbocharged petrol N12, N14, and later N16, N18 engine that was installed in the MINI Cooper and S models from 2006 to 2016.
Often, if the timing is allowed to jump too late, the exhaust valves will flex. Therefore, if the engine rattles after starting from cold, it is preferable to replace.
Due to damaged valve stem seals that allow engine oil to vacuum bypass into the cylinders, these engines are also vulnerable to excessive engine oil consumption. It is advised to replace the valve stem seals when the engine is disassembled to replace the timing chain. This will spare labor for this separate repair down the road. We have a unique tool that makes it possible to repair the valve stem seals without taking the cylinder head off.
The drive belt for the alternator may occasionally be cracked or worn out from aging. While this is being removed, it is advised that you replace it.
In some circumstances, we demand a labor deposit to reserve a timing chain replacement (often roughly 50% of the entire repair cost). This is because there have been so many appointments in the past that were cancelled or missed.
A BMW 328i has a timing belt, right?
Timing belt replacement for a BMW 328i typically costs $1156. Save time by having our Delivery mechanics come to you rather than dropping it off at our shop and picking it up a few hours later.
What does a BMW timing belt cost?
Belts don’t cost a much by themselves. Since many pieces must be removed in order to reach the belt, labor is where the true expense lies. Your best chance is to shop about and compare prices, but be prepared to pay anything between $409 and $919. (including parts and labor)
Does BMW offer timing chain repairs?
A service bulletin from BMW is released for vehicles equipped with the N63’s 4.4-liter V8. According to BMW, the timing chains on the N63 have been discovered to stretch and wear out early, leading to early valvetrain wear and decreased engine performance.
A visit to the dealership is required to find the problem. BMW technicians will do a test procedure to see if the problem is specific to that engine. The dealers will exchange the chains and all related gear if necessary.
To find out if your automobile qualifies for repairs, contact the NHTSA at 888-327-4236, the local dealership, or BMW directly at 800-831-1117.
Details are provided below:
The issue: It has been discovered that timing chains on N63 engines stretch and wear out early, leading to early valvetrain wear and decreased engine performance.
BMW has developed a test process to detect the level of timing chain wear. With the N63 Customer Care Package, which is intended to guarantee proper long-term engine running, dealers will do this test. Dealers will replace the chain and any necessary auxiliary hardware, such as the chain tensioner and auxiliary hardware as well as the chain sprocket, as a result of this test. The oil and oil filter will be replaced, and technicians will update the onboard computer to notify drivers when it’s time for a reduced oil change interval.
Information regarding the warranty: If applicable, the certified pre-owned warranty or the new car limited warranty will cover this repair. The repair may be covered by an extended warranty in cases when the factory warranty has already run out.
Owners should call their local dealer and provide the VIN to find out if their car qualifies for repairs under this service bulletin. Call NHTSA at 888-327-4236 or BMW directly at 800-831-1117. Please refer to TSB No. 111614.
Will BMW cover the timing chain cost?
Depending on the mileage of the car at the time of service, the reimbursement scheme offers between 40% and 100% of the cost of repairs. If the repairs were carried out at a BMW center, there is no cap on the repair reimbursement.
When did BMW first encounter timing chain issues?
Editor’s note: Each month, manufacturers release dozens of service bulletins; this is only one of them. To see if there are any pending service bulletins for your vehicle, please visit the website of your car manufacturer.
How do you determine when your BMW needs a new timing chain?
As the timing chain ages and becomes increasingly worn, its symptoms frequently appear gradually. Therefore, you generally won’t have a significant acute symptom until the chain is just close to fail completely. Instead, think about how your car is operating right now and attempt to remember how it was operating a few months ago. Small issues can be a sign that the chain will eventually fail completely.
Here are some signs that your timing chain may be failing:
- Rough idling: Start the engine of your car and drive away. The timing chain may be wearing out if it is shaking or vibrating more than usual. Of course, there are other issues that could result in harsh idling, but it’s always worthwhile to investigate the issue since it usually gets worse over time.
- Unusual noises: You might hear your engine rattle, not just when it’s idle but also at other times. The timing chain may be loose and banging against something else if the sound is unchanging and coarse.
- The timing chain will eventually wear down because of metal particles in the lubricant. Metal shavings may begin to emit when it reaches the end of its useful life. If that happens, it will go into your engine oil, which can lead to other issues. However, metal shavings can be produced by any part of your vehicle that is deteriorating, so it’s important to look into the issue before replacing the chain.
- Engine problems: If your BMW won’t start, the chai may be damaged and not supplying enough pressure to start the engine. If the chain snaps while you are driving, the timing chain may have snapped at that same instant. If this occurs, your car may suffer extra damage from the belt issue or the piston damage.
- Engine misfires: Your engine may misfire before the chain has completely snapped. The crankshaft and cam are connected by a chain. The chain can cause the car to skip a gear on the crankshaft or camshaft if it is overstretched. This will put further strain on it, and eventually it will break.
- the check engine light is on The check engine light could, of course, indicate a wide range of issues with your BMW. However, there is a chance that the timing chain has failed or is soon to fail.
It is advised to bring your BMW in if you experience any of these symptoms so that a mechanic can examine your timing chain and any other potential issues.