Although timing belts are important, they don’t necessarily need to be replaced on a regular basis unless specifically advised to do so in your BMW owner’s manual. Between 60,000 and 100,000 miles, some automakers advise changing the timing belt, while others don’t. Many timing belts available now can last 100,000 miles or more before they need to be replaced.
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I’m grateful. Yes, I have the timing chain for the three series, but the problem is that occasionally, I hear
Usually, it’s fine to go without any sound. Every year, the oil and filter are changed. when will
My 528i also behaves in similar manner, thus it might be in the early stages. Only if you listen under the hood while driving will you notice it. Keep an eye on it, but for the moment, you should be alright.
I just wanted to say that I’m in the midst of purchasing a high-mileage BMW 320d SE with a 57-plate. My main fear was the timing chain, but after reading the clear solutions on your site, I feel a lot better about doing so.
Is there a timing chain or belt on the BMW 3 Series?
In the BMW 3 Series, depending on the model year, trim level, and engine type you’re looking at, both belts and chains are used. For instance, the BMW 325i’s second generation (E30), which ran from 1985 to 1993, employs a timing belt. Timing chains have only been employed from the third generation. Timing chains have always been utilized in all configurations of the 320D and 320i, with the exception of the 2.0L M52B20 from 1982 to 1992. Looking at the list, it appears that the A3Series’ last timing belt replacement was for the 318i’s 1,.8L M40 in 1998. Therefore, there is a significant likelihood that Your 3 Series is a current model year and is powered by a timing chain.
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Every 60,000 miles, according to an outdated mechanic’s “rule of thumb,” your belt needs to be replaced.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.
When must the timing chain on my BMW 3 Series be replaced?
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 durable are BMW timing belts?
Many automakers have increased the recommended mileage for the timing belt due to the development of newer, more robust belts; this includes BMW. Typically, it ranges from 100,000 to 200,000 kilometers.
The belt’s lifespan is also restricted to a specific amount of time (usually 5 years), so even if the car did not travel the whole distance, you might find that the belt needs to be changed.
The timing belt replacement is a process that can be done on your own, but it is not advised to begin unless you are very confident of how the job needs to be done. It’s a nasty task, and if mistakes are made, you can end up needing to buy a new engine.
The garages will offer varied time estimates because changing the timing belt necessitates disassembling numerous engine components.
Because of this, it’s a good idea to review each offer to determine how long it will take the mechanic to install the new belt.
Does BMW employ a timing chain or belt?
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.
How much does a BMW timing belt replacement cost?
Your best chance is to shop about and compare prices, but be prepared to pay anything between $409 and $919. (including parts and labor)
How often should a timing chain be changed in a BMW?
Almost all of the engine models made by BMW use timing chains. It is advised to replace your timing chain before it breaks since internal engine damage could result in very expensive repair costs if you wait. These timing chains typically last nine years or 90,000 kilometers.
How can you know when a timing belt needs to be changed?
- Under the hood, there is a ticking sound when the engine is operating.
- The engine won’t turn on.
- While driving, the engine was misfiring.
- Under the hood, on the front side where the motor is, there is oil dripping.
- driving when hydroplaning in a slick environment.
- The check engine light is on.
How much does a BMW 3 timing chain replacement cost?
Your engine’s timing chain is crucial to its operation. If you believe that the timing chain on your BMW will need to be replaced soon, you may be curious about the cost of the repair.
You should expect to pay between $600 to $1100 on average for your replacement. One approach to lower the overall cost of your timing chain replacement is to go to a non-BMW repair facility rather than a BMW facility.
What occurs if a BMW timing chain fails?
The inlet and exhaust valves of a BMW engine clash with the pistons when the timing chain breaks, severely damaging the engine. Blown pistons, broken valves, shattered rocker arms, snapped or bent camshafts, snapped or bent crankshafts, and damaged camshaft housing are some examples of this damage.
How can I tell if my timing belt needs to be replaced?
Your timing belt may be significantly damaged if you hear a ticking sound emanating from the engine of your car. Your car’s timing belt is connected to the crankshaft and camshaft of the engine through a number of pulleys. The connecting rods of the engine, which are connected to the pistons inside the combustion chamber, provide power. The rocker arm assembly and cylinder head valves are controlled by the camshaft, which delivers gasoline to the combustion chamber. The exhaust manifold is the next point of exit for the released gases. Your car’s timing belt may start to twitch inside the engine when it begins to wear out. This can potentially be a symptom of low oil pressure.
Will BMW cover the timing chain cost?
If the repairs were carried out at a BMW center, there is no cap on the repair reimbursement. However, the cost of repairs at an independent service center is restricted to $7,500 for engines and $3,000 for timing chain modules and oil pump drive chain modules, respectively.
Which BMW engine is having issues with the timing chain?
The BMW 1-Series, 3-Series, and 5-Series vehicles manufactured between 2007 and 2009 have seen multiple instances of complete engine failure in the past year, according to Watchdog. The engine came to a complete stop as a result of the timing chains snapping, which was the cause of the problem.
Posted on June 12, 2013:
All of the moving components of an engine that cooperate to propel a car forward are connected by the timing chain. They must all function flawlessly together.
The N47 engine has a secret timing chain link at the back that engineers claim is a component of the engine that is meant to endure the lifetime of the vehicle and is thus never maintained.
However, if the timing chain malfunctions, a catastrophic engine failure might occur suddenly.
It’s difficult to correct. Drivers must at the absolute least replace the chain, but it’s more likely that a completely new engine, which may cost anywhere from PS500 and PS8,000, needs to be installed.
In 2011, Dan Greenwood purchased a pre-owned BMW 3-Series 320D. Despite having traveled almost 100,000 kilometers, it had a complete service history. The BMW name and the knowledge of the car’s past offered him assurance that he was making a reliable purchase.
The engine abruptly shut off while he and his young girls were traveling in slow traffic. He was informed that he would require a complete engine rebuild that would cost more than PS2,000 after being transported to a local mechanic where they looked at his car.
The automobile is no longer under warranty because it is five years old, so Mr. Greenwood said, “I was just surprised. I was looking at something that would cost thousands of pounds from what appeared like a simple mistake.”