The timing belts and chains for a BMW 5 Series are listed below. To determine whether your car has a belt or a chain, look up the model year and the associated engine.
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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.
Timing belts are essential, but unless specifically stated otherwise, there is no need to replace them frequently.
Timing chains for BMW’s 5 Series
Timing chains for the BMW 5 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.
Is there a timing chain or belt on my BMW?
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.
Is there a timing chain on the BMW 5 Series?
Many of the BMW 5 Series’ engines use a timing chain rather than a timing belt. Typically, these never need to be changed. A list of BMW 5 Series engines with cam chains can be found on this page.
Since 1988 till the present, I’ve gathered data on a variety of popular diesel engines and gasoline engines.
As long as maintenance procedures like oil changes are followed, the timing chains in BMW 5 Series are renowned to endure a very long time.
Any rattling noise coming from a timing chain-equipped motor could indicate that the chain needs to be replaced.
If you notice an odd engine noise, especially if it rattles, speak with a mechanic.
Verify that the oil changes are performed in accordance with the recommended interval if you’re thinking about purchasing a used BMW 5 Series.
How do you determine when your BMW needs a new timing chain?
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.
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.
What BMW models are prone to timing chain issues?
Your car may have a timing chain issue if you possess a BMW model from any of the BMW 1, 3, or 5 series produced between 2007 and 2011. Due in significant part to the usage of the more recent N47 motor engine, the high-end German vehicles are vulnerable to an unique engine issue known as timing-chain wear.
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.
Which automobiles lack timing 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.
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 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.
Is replacing a timing belt or timing chain more affordable?
A timing chain is far superior to a timing belt if you avoid selecting a car engine model with a history of timing chain failure reports. The likelihood is that you’ll never need to replace a timing chain, despite the fact that it might be far more expensive to do so.
On the other hand, if your car has a timing belt, you’ll probably need to replace it two or three times during its lifetime.
This adds up, and if the timing belt needs to be replaced three times, the overall expense may be more than $2,100! Furthermore, there is no reason to continue using a timing belt in a modern car because timing chains are now equally as quiet as timing belts.
Nevertheless, whichever option you choose, be sure to adhere to all service intervals to keep your car operating as it should.
Keep in mind that many contemporary car models have timing chain issues, which may necessitate replacing the timing chain. This is frequently more expensive than changing the timing belt. Therefore, before purchasing your car, you should look up the number of reports of timing chain failure for that particular engine model.
Owner and primary author of MechanicBase is Magnus. He has been a technician for more than ten years, the majority of which he spent honing his skills in sophisticated diagnostics and troubleshooting. Automotive diagnostic technician certified.
Before buying any newer car or suv, have it checked out. I don’t think this would be a good car to buy. Some of the newer CHEVROLET TRAVERSE v6 suvs have timing chain problems. My friend owns a 2009 with only 122,000 miles on the v6 motor and has already replaced the timing chain twice and is still experiencing problems.
What behaviors does an automobile exhibit when the timing chain fails?
It is possible to encounter misfires while driving if the timing between the valves and pistons is out of whack, which has an impact on the engine’s combustion. A stretched chain can cause a cam or crankshaft gear to skip a tooth, throwing off the timing of the engine. The misfire results from this. Due to impaired engine combustion, a loose timing chain might also make it difficult to start the engine.
How long does it take to change a timing chain in labor hours?
A skilled mechanic should be able to replace the timing chain and all associated parts in between 5 and 8 hours.