Replacement Instructions 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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Timing chains are made to last for a very long time and do not need to be replaced or serviced on a regular basis until they start to slip.
Replace the chain and chain guides before that happens, unless you are yearning for a new engine, as a slipping time chain will probably ruin the engine because you will bend valves. wink:
What kind of chain could slip? It must resemble a bicycle chain, am I correct? Unlike the notched belt in many cars, a bicycle chain must be quite worn before it slips.
The teeth will start to wear as the chain stretches over time, and before you know it, the stretched chain will slip over the worn teeth…ka bang.
The owner’s manual that arrived with the car makes no mention of routine chain maintenance. What should we be doing?
Using a bicycle as an example, you would measure the chain and replace it when it begins to lengthen, indicating wear, to prevent the chain from wearing down the teeth in the front chainring and the rear gear cluster.
I believe there is a spring-loaded chain tensioner that keeps the chain under tension. I rebuilt and adjusted MG engines in the past, and that’s how MG did it.
Chains last a lifetime; timing belts need to be replaced every 100k miles. Additionally, if your engine does not have zero clearance and the timing chain slips, there shouldn’t be any damage to the engine. A zero clearance engine will be destroyed if the timing belt or chain slides and the pistons touch the valves.
Additionally, if your engine does not have zero clearance and the timing chain slips, there shouldn’t be any damage to the engine. A zero clearance engine will be destroyed if the timing belt or chain slides and the pistons touch the valves.
WD-40 and duct tape are the only tools you really need in life. Use the WD-40 if it doesn’t move when it should. Apply the duct tape if something that shouldn’t move does.
They are both zero clearance, indeed. The feared “mis-shift” downshift, which overrevs the engine, floats the valves, and causes those valves to strike the piston tops, has taught this to many previous BMW owners. Business is filthy and incredibly expensive.
Timing chains for BMW 1 series
Timing chains for the BMW 1 Series are offered here. A vehicle’s timing chains serve the primary function of ensuring that the engine’s valves all open and close at the appropriate times. Although a timing chain typically has a significantly longer service life than a timing belt, they are fundamentally equivalent. It’s crucial to stick to your car’s maintenance schedule and change the timing chain as directed in the manual. It is less expensive to replace a timing chain before it breaks than to replace an engine later. For all makes and models of cars, we always have a large selection of timing chains and timing chain kits in store.
When should I replace the timing chain on my BMW 1 Series?
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.
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.
Timing belts or chains—which is preferable?
Timing belts typically last less time than timing chains. Timing belts are made of rubber, which isn’t as strong as metal, but chains are made of metal, and this is the simple explanation for why this is the case. Timing belts are not weak, but they will probably need to be replaced at some point, whereas a chain can last the lifetime of the car.
Timing belts typically need to be replaced in the mileage range of 55,000 miles (about 90,000 km) and 90,000 miles (roughly 150,000 km). Therefore, a timing belt is still a very reliable and significant component of your car.
Whether your car has a timing chain or belt, it’s critical that you watch for any symptoms of wear and strain and take appropriate action. Depending on the sort of engine you have, if your timing belt fails, the results could be disastrous. If repairs are too expensive or impractical, you could be better off looking for a new vehicle.
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 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.
Do the B47’s timing chains have problems?
Similar problems exist with the BMW B47 2.0 diesel engine and the N47 engine. As a result, the B47 engines also experience timing problems. Similar damage can ensue when the timing chain stretches or snaps, harming the rocker arms, cam carrier, guides, and valves. Engines that have not received routine oil changes are a few of these examples. We have observed crankshaft failure and spinning bearings as a result of these cases having the potential to be more serious. The plastic timing guides seem to break up into little pieces more frequently. They descend and can obstruct oil feed and galleries, which will lead to turbocharger failure. As a result, similar to the majority of engine failures, many subsequent failures such as oil starvation etc. may result.
What flaws exist in the BMW 1 Series?
On some models, screws in the variable camshaft timing (VANOS system) may become looser over time and even break off. If that occurs, the VANOS system will malfunction and affect the engine’s valve timing. A warning light will appear, and the vehicle will enter limp-home mode, limiting engine power.
The 1 Series has rear-wheel drive, and a propshaft is used to transfer power from the front engine to the back wheels. It could be necessary to replace a front union if it fails.
In relation to the power steering, there have been two recalls. The power steering ECU failure in the first, which only affects a few cases, is different from the component failure in the second, which may need replacing the steering box.
Due to improperly nickel-plated components, the fuel pump inside the tank may stop working. The instrument cluster will show a warning lamp and message, but the brakes and steering ought still still function. Your car will require a new pump if it is impacted.
Over time, a bolt in the clutch pressure plate may become loose, making it impossible to pick any ratios and, as a result, causing the vehicle to lose drive. Your BMW dealer will be able to give you more information about this recall, which only affected a small number of vehicles.
It’s possible that the crankshaft sensor’s flawed software will cause you to suffer rough running, diminished engine power, or an in-motion engine stall. The dealer will need to repair the entire sensor if your automobile is affected.