$667 to $672 for parts
A mechanic may need many hours to finish this labor-intensive maintenance or repair job. To maintain your BMW in good shape, the timing chain should be changed every 100,000 miles. Although this engine part is built to survive, it is nonetheless susceptible to deterioration with usage and time, just like any other component.
To make sure you have everything you need to complete this task, you might also require a few BMW items, like a timing kit. It is advised that you leave this work to the experts unless you are an experienced DIYer due to the difficulty of replacing a BMW timing chain. Even if you feel competent enough to handle the work yourself, if you accidentally set the timing incorrectly, you can wind up having to pay more for repairs.
The good news is that you are not need to select a dealership service center to replace the timing chain on your BMW because there are numerous ASE-certified independent repair shops, many of which specialize in German models, that are capable of handling this task. Keep a service manual and owner’s manual close by if you choose to perform your own BMW timing chain replacement to ensure a proper installation.
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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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For a BMW X5, how much does a timing chain cost?
Timing chain tensioner replacement for a BMW X5 typically costs between $589 and $678. Estimated labor expenditures range from $324 to $408, while the cost of parts is between $266 and $270.
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.
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.
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.
Does BMW employ a timing chain or belt?
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?
- When the engine is running or idles, there is a rattle. Unusual rattling noises when the engine is started or when the brakes are applied are a common sign that a timing chain in a car is damaged.
- Engine Misfire.
- Engine oil with contamination.
- Check Engine indicator.
- Having trouble starting the engine
What takes place if the BMW timing chain snaps?
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.