The overall cost for a new timing chain on a BMW could range from $400 to $1,100. Your precise model, whether you go to the dealership or a third party, and how long the job takes will all affect the final cost.
If you don’t have the appropriate experience, you shouldn’t try a DIY repair because replacing a timing chain is not a job for beginners. When in doubt, have a specialist handle the repair.
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Depending on whether you want to DIY or take your BMW 328i to a mechanic, the cost to replace the timing chain tensioner ranges from $1,624 to $1,879 on average.
Taxes, fees, and your specific make and model are not taken into account in this price range, which is based on national averages for all automobiles. Use the RepairPal Fair Price Estimator to get a more exact quote depending on your make, model, and location.
How much does it cost to replace the timing chain?
I read that when a car is fairly old, the timing chain needs to be replaced. I haven’t done it before, and I believe the moment is now. How much does it cost to replace a timing chain?
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Being preventative is admirable because a broken timing chain can seriously harm an engine.
Timing chain replacement might cost between $600 and $800 to do it yourself or $1,600 to $1,800 to have a technician do it. Due to how difficult it is to replace this element, the price is exorbitant.
The parts for a DIY timing chain replacement will run you about $650. But this is a job that’s best left to mechanics with a lot of experience.
Fortunately, timing chains are built to endure the lifespan of the car, unlike rubber timing belts, thus it is rare that you will need to have it changed. Watch out for these signs if you think your timing chain may be broken:
- Noisy timing chain
- Starting the car is challenging.
- While idling, the engine shakes or vibrates
- Engine has poor performance or is misfiring
- The check engine light is on.
Bring your car to a repair as soon as you can if any of these symptoms persist. Quickly addressing the problem will stop further harm to your car.
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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.
BMW timing chain replacement: Is it worthwhile?
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.
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.
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)
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.
How much should a new timing chain set you back?
Timing chains can be changed by a professional for $1,600 to $1,800 or you can do it yourself for $600 to $800. The cost is significant because it’s challenging to replace this component.
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.
Is timing chain repair worthwhile?
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:
- 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.
What happens if your timing chain isn’t fixed?
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 isn’t enough 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 bend, possibly ruining the engine. The belt may damage other components of the engine if it were to flail around while leaping because it had become loose. Contact a licensed mechanic for an inspection and repairs if your engine won’t start or begins to drive erratically, signaling it may be about to fail.
Does the timing chain have a warranty?
The following are often covered by the powertrain warranty: (cylinder block, cylinder heads, fuel pump, engine mounts, injection pump, manifold, oil pump, seals & gaskets, thermostat, timing chain, etc.)
Can I drive while my timing chain is stretched?
Sludge is a sign that the engine lubricating system needs to be maintained more frequently (excessively long oil change interval, poor quality oil, defective crankcase ventilation system, etc.). Poor lubricant quality typically leads to a lengthened timing chain.
Driving with an elongated chain is probably not immediately “hazardous,” but if it becomes sufficiently elongated, it will start to lose tension, start to “slap,” and may break the plastic cam chain guides or jump a tooth on one of the sprockets, which might seriously harm the engine.
The CEL and a plethora of other warning lights, as well as numerous OBDII fault codes for the VVTi system, will be the first signs of an elongated chain (“cam timing retarded”, etc.).