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. 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...
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.
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.
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.
Does the BMW use a chain or a cambelt?
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.
Does BMW require a new cambelt?
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.
Timing belts—does BMW have them?
When should the timing belt on my BMW be changed or replaced? 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.
How can I tell if my car’s cambelt needs to be changed?
Examining the belt directly is another technique to determine whether your cambelt needs to be replaced. The belt’s underside will look glossy or glazed if it is getting worn. This indicates that the rubber is becoming harder and will no longer provide the belt the suppleness it requires. Some symptoms, such fraying or cracking, are considerably more evident. Such damage to belts calls for quick replacement. Pressing a fingernail or the tip of a screwdriver gently on the belt is another technique to check. The rubber is getting too stiff if the pressure does not leave a mark.
It is advisable to have a professional perform a visual and physical examination because the cambelt can be challenging to access.
Has the BMW 328i a timing belt?
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.
How durable are BMW belts?
What Is the Lifespan of Serpentine Belts? The majority of modern serpentine belts can endure between 50,000 and 100,000 miles, which is a sizable period of time.
How can I tell if I need to replace my cambelt?
An engine may make a ticking or clicking noise when the timing belt is worn out. Low oil pressure may be the cause of this noise, which may harm the timing belt. The engine oil applies pressure to the tensioner to keep the belt taut. The belt will become loose, maybe disengage from the pulleys, and/or break if the tensioner has no oil pressure. The timing belt will break if the camshafts are unable to operate effectively due to a lack of oil pressure.
When should the timing belt on my BMW 3 Series be replaced?
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.
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 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.