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.
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Could a few of you check your timing chain behind the oil filler cap as a favor for me?
I recently opened mine and noticed some scoring on the chain. Not too serious looking, but I’m not sure whether it was ever meant to be there. the image below.
All of them, I bet. I just took a look inside N55; although I can’t see the exterior of the chain, there are similar light, shining marks scattered throughout. The chain failure rate for N55 is zero.
They are far more obvious in the bmw technician example, and the rubbing there is much worse than in the KGB scenario.
checked out mine. It appears that the chain’s link edges have some shine as well. You have to really look closely and shine some light in there to see it. 22000 miles on the odometer
Given that my engine is currently tuned to Stage 3, I will absolutely be keeping an eye on it.
Can we discuss this with BMW so they can replace it before it breaks? The 2015 housing revision is created using stronger materials, according to bmwtechnician.
Engine sounds okay, no whine. When I visited the dealership, they assured me that it was completely normal for a N20 engine.
He said that until the engine is running and under pressure from the oil, the n20 chain that is visible under the cap will not be under stress (will have slack).
I’m just curious if any other users can confirm what I can see. Please don’t believe my dealership.
Even if this is typical (mine has no play), there is still good reason to avoid using start/stop. The oil pump shuts off along with the engine when it stops, which causes the chain to slacken as the oil drains from the tensioner. Because the tensioner won’t exert any force until the oil pressure is back up after starting the engine, there will be an impulse force on the loose chain.
Yes, when I originally purchased the car, I figured something similar might occur because I almost ever used the Auto Start Stop feature. However, I am now concerned because of how loose mine is compared to yours, which has no play. especially now that the warranty expired in March
Update: I went for a drive and raised the engine temperature to 250 before returning home and checking the chain again; it is now perfectly tight with no movement to the left, right, or up and down. Do you folks only notice play when the engine is warm?
When I checked my own last night, it was also tight. I can move it a few millimeters left to right, but it requires some work.
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.
Which model year BMW has timing chain problems?
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.
How can I tell if I need to replace my timing chain?
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.
How is a timing chain diagnosed?
- When the engine is running or idles, there is a rattle. Unusual rattling noises when the engine is started or when the brakes are applied are a common sign that a timing chain in a car is damaged.
- Engine Misfire.
- Engine oil with contamination.
- Check Engine indicator.
- Having trouble starting the engine
A BMW timing chain should last for how long?
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 does a BMW timing chain repair 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.
Timing chain: Will the check engine light turn on?
A malfunctioning timing chain may be one of the many causes of the check engine light to come on. To identify the problem’s root cause, a caras computer will flash warning lights that need to be reviewed and scanned for trouble codes. When the onboard computer notices a problem with the emissions system or engine operation, the check engine light may come on. The check engine light comes on and a diagnostic issue code is stored as a result of a stretched timing chain, which also adds to decreased engine performance and increased emissions. The code will need to be examined by a mechanic, who will then recommend the required fixes.