Your best chance is to shop about and compare prices, but be prepared to pay anything between $409 and $919. (including parts and labor)
In This Article...
How much does a BMW timing chain replacement cost?
Between $1,624 to $1,879 at the mechanic A mechanic may need many hours to finish this labor-intensive maintenance or repair job. Every 100,000 miles, your BMW timing chain needs to be updated to keep your car in good condition.
BMW timing chain replacement: Is it worthwhile?
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.
How much should a new timing chain set you back?
Timing chains can be changed by a professional for $1,600 to $1,800 or you can do it yourself for $600 to $800. The cost is significant because it’s challenging to replace this component.
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.
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)
When was the timing chain problem with BMW?
Many BMW customers now have a major issue with premature timing chain breakdown, which is frequently discussed in BMW internet forums, mentioned on BBC Watchdog, and highlighted on other media websites.
A timing chain design issue seems to impact a variety of BMW diesel engines built between 2006 and 2015. The engine timing chain is exceedingly fragile; over time, it stretches and eventually snaps.
BMW timing chains have broken on a variety of 1, 3 and 5 Series models, most frequently the N47 diesel. In addition, we restore BMW petrol engines, M57 and N57 diesel engines, and BMW Minis.
The timing chain is at the back of the engine compartment and is not meant to be repaired.
Can I change the timing chain on my own?
And changing a timing chain is necessary, just like changing any other auto component. However, if you have the proper tools, basic mechanical knowledge, and a service manual, you can do the task on your own.
How long does it take to change a timing chain in labor hours?
Overall, it should take a skilled mechanic 5 to 8 hours to replace the timing chain and its related components.
How can I tell if my BMW’s timing chain is damaged?
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.
Is there a timing chain or belt on a BMW X1?
Timing chains rather than belts are used in the majority of the BMW X1’s engines. The timing chains in the BMW X1 are known to endure a very long time as long as you take care of maintenance and oil changes.
Is timing chain repair worthwhile?
Timing chains do not require routine replacement, but timing belts do. The timing chain shouldn’t need to be changed unless it has been harmed, overworked, or otherwise compromised. Your car will most likely experience one or more faults if there is a timing chain issue.
A broken timing chain will show the symptoms listed below:
- Starting the car is challenging.
- The timing chain has noise.
- The check engine light is on.
- Misfiring engines and sluggishness
- The engine shakes or rattles while it is idling.
- The vehicle won’t start
You might hear noise coming from the area where the timing chain cover resides. This noise is frequently the result of a loose timing chain, which may be brought on by a broken timing chain tensioner, guide, or other issues. More serious issues will arise if you ignore the early warning signs, so be sure to check the timing chain as soon as you hear a noise coming from where it is mounted.
Can you fix a timing chain that’s broken?
The greatest alternative for a car owner with a blown head gasket and other serious car issues is to donate the vehicle. When they discover that their car has a broken timing chain or timing belt, for instance, many donors donate it to Goodwill.
The component of the car that manages the engine’s valves is the timing chain. The belt itself connects the crankshaft and camshaft, and as it moves, it regulates how frequently the engine valves open and close. Due to its tendency to fling itself around and strike nearby components like valves and pistons, a damaged timing belt can harm the engine.
Because the mechanic must disassemble the engine to replace the timing chain, this is a fairly time-consuming and expensive repair. Most mechanics will also advise replacing the water pump as well because it is much simpler to do so once the engine has been disassembled. A damaged timing chain will cost between $700 and $1,000 to replace, not including the $300 it will cost to fix the water pump.
Does performance improve when the timing chain is replaced?
When they are replaced with new parts, the engine has only recently been brought back to its proper operating state, which can create the impression that performance has increased. Performance cannot be increased by a timing belt; it is simply not possible. Its main responsibility is to regulate the timing.
How can I tell if I need to replace my timing chain?
- chain timing noise.
- Engine misfire and subpar operation.
- starting the car is difficult.
- Check engine light is on.
- When the engine is idling, the engine shakes.
- No start for the engine
Will my engine be destroyed if my timing chain breaks?
An engine with a broken timing chain will either not start or fail while being driven. The engine won’t start if the belt is already broken since there won’t be adequate compression. The pistons will sustain damage by coming into touch with the valves if it breaks or leaps while being driven. The actual valves will flex, possibly ruining the engine.
How long can I keep my timing chain loose?
My mechanic suggested that I probably repair the timing chain in my automobile, but I’m not sure. How long is a broken timing chain safe to drive on?
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Depending on how terrible the issue is, you can drive for a certain amount of time. But you might only be able to drive for a short while if your poor timing chain is about to die.
You all immediately lose the ability to control the vehicle when your faulty timing chain fails. The likelihood that a broken timing chain may occur increases the longer you drive with a defective timing chain.
To keep the engine’s cylinders firing at the appropriate times, the timing chain must be in good working order. Driving with a damaged timing chain puts you at risk for catastrophic engine damage and is risky because it could cause an unexpected, abrupt halt of your car.
Usually, a timing chain needs to be replaced after 40,000 to 150,000 miles.
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Can I drive while my timing chain is stretched?
Sludge is a sign that the engine lubricating system needs to be maintained more frequently (excessively long oil change interval, poor quality oil, defective crankcase ventilation system, etc.). Poor lubricant quality typically leads to a lengthened timing chain.
Driving with an elongated chain is probably not immediately “hazardous,” but if it becomes sufficiently elongated, it will start to lose tension, start to “slap,” and may break the plastic cam chain guides or jump a tooth on one of the sprockets, which might seriously harm the engine.
The CEL and a plethora of other warning lights, as well as numerous OBDII fault codes for the VVTi system, will be the first signs of an elongated chain (“cam timing retarded”, etc.).