Timing chains are used in nearly every model of engine produced by BMW and MINI. It is advised to replace your timing chain before it breaks since internal engine damage can result in exorbitant repair costs. According on past experience, these timing chains last for nine years or 90,000 kilometers.
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Symptoms of a Failing Timing Chain in Your BMW
Most people are unaware that their timing chain should be replaced at least every 100,000 miles and maybe as soon as 40,000 miles. As a result, many automobiles, including BMWs, have faulty timing chains that are adding to the vehicle’s wear and tear and could potentially necessitate vehicle repairs. If you own a BMW, you should be aware of the signs of a broken timing chain and how to fix it. Here is the information you require.
How frequently should a timing chain be changed?
A timing chain is not indestructible just because it is made of metal. According to Autoblog, the frequency of timing chain replacement depends on the chain’s condition. It should, however, survive for far over 100,000 kilometers. Timing chains can occasionally stretch or break with use, therefore if your car is displaying any of the symptoms listed below, it may require a replacement:
- engine performance issues
- difficulty starting
- Overheating
- complete failure of the engine
Fortunately, if anything is amiss with the timing system, your car’s check engine light will probably turn on. Therefore, if it does, make sure to have it examined as soon as you can, advises Repair Pal.
How Often Should a BMW Timing Chain Be Replaced?
Although BMW timing chains are built to last, they do not. BMW timing chains with a 100,000-mile lifespan are available. Other BMW models, however, can require timing chain replacements more frequently. To find out what BMW advises for timing chain repair for your particular year, make, and model, see your owner’s manual.
How much does a new BMW timing chain 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.
Timing chain replacement: warning indicators
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.
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.
What occurs if the BMW timing chain snaps?
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 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.
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.
Do BMWs use timing chains or belts?
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 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.
How can I tell if I need to repair my timing chain?
The engine stalls out. An engine misfire might result from a stretched timing chain that has lost its integrity, skipping a gear and losing the required coordination. Misfires that occur frequently may be a sign of a timing chain problem and should be looked into. It makes rattling noises.
How often should a timing chain be changed?
When should a timing chain be changed? Unless there is a specific issue, the timing chain typically needs to be replaced between 80,000 and 120,000 miles. In higher mileage automobiles, chain problems are typical.
How much does a BMW timing belt replacement 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)