A damaged timing chain guard is most likely to blame for a timing chain failure that a 2013 BMW X3 owner reported. Engine failure followed the failure of the timing chain.
The N20 timing chain issue was disclosed to the owner, and it was said that the part was purportedly improved in 2015.
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mikeglenn
The N20 engine (turbo 4 cylinder engine), which was utilized in the X3 28i for some X3s from 2012 to 2014, is said to be the most prone to timing chain guide failure. For this engine, the timing chain guide was apparently modified in January 2015, and it is anticipated that this may lessen or resolve the issue.
The N55 I6 engine used in the X5 35i is not known to have a timing chain issue, however it may develop cooling pump issues after 50,000 miles. Before the N20 engine was introduced, the F25 X3 used the N52 I6 engine without the turbocharger, and some people think it is more dependable.
a BMW 1 series issue
Last Friday, my girlfriend purchased a 2007 118d msport from a private seller. The engine’s back made a noise that sounded like an exhaust blowout. But when she took it to a BMW expert, he told her the timing chain or timing chain tensioner was the problem. He claimed some had been recalled due to…
Early this year, Country Garage replaced the wife’s timing chain as a gesture of goodwill; BMW paid for everything. Beginning in late 2007, the N47 was installed in LCI vehicles. A BMW bulletin is making the rounds.
Chain of Timing
The timing chain appears to be the most common N20 fault, but this problem largely affects engines and vehicles built before 2015. BMW revised the timing chain parts in January 2015, and it appears that this greatly decreased the likelihood of failure. BMW provided an additional guarantee on the timing chain and components for seven years and 70,000 miles for those vehicles manufactured prior to 2015.
Timing chain replacement can be expensive if your N20 was not given the option of an extended warranty or if it has exceeded the warranty’s maximum age or mileage. A complete timing chain failure could, in the worst case, result in engine failure. A BMW dealership may charge nearly twice as much for parts and repairs as independent repair businesses, which typically average $1500 or more. Although it is a somewhat difficult DIY project, the timing chain and other materials cost about $500.
What Leads to Timing Chain Issues?
If your timing chain breaks and you have to get it changed, you might be curious as to why it broke and how to make the new one last as long as possible. The following are the reasons for timing chain issues:
- Wrong oil: Your BMW may experience a number of issues if you use the incorrect engine oil. However, one of the crucial components that will be impacted is the timing chain. The incorrect oil will probably cause it to wear out more quickly.
- Problems with the chain’s guides or tensioners: For the chain to function properly and stay in place, these components are essential. The timing chain is likely to stop functioning properly, sustain damage, and possibly break entirely if there is a problem with various components of the car.
- Timing chains are not intended to persist indefinitely. They are put under a lot of strain by the crankshaft and camshaft. You will eventually need to replace it; the only question is when.
Your car’s timing chain is a crucial component. Contact us if you’re unsure about whether you need to replace yours.
Campaign “technical”
“BMW had issued a ‘technical campaign’ to replace the chain tensioner and, if necessary, the timing chain in certain N47 engine vehicles made between February 2007 and June 2008,” a spokeswoman for BMW Ireland said. This behavior persisted in other European markets. Due to changes in the production process starting on that date, the promotion only applied to automobiles built during this time. Customers were urged to speak with their nearby, authorized BMW retailer if they had any problems or questions. BMW maintained a generous goodwill policy in addition to the usual warranty, and any customer complaints were handled on an individual basis.
Customers who hear about a problem will understandably be worried and require assurances that their car won’t experience a timing chain failure. There is no cause for alarm if the car is not exhibiting any odd operating characteristics. For an inspection of the vehicle, those who are still worried should visit their local authorized BMW retailer.
For many others, though, that falls short. BMW claimed that since the problem is not directly related to safety, it can be handled case-by-case and opted to issue a “technical campaign” as opposed to a major recall. However, many who are impacted assert that it is a safety concern because the automobiles might malfunction without warning while being driven and that the issue is not one of maintenance but rather a specific manufacturing flaw.
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 a unique engine issue known as timing-chain wear.
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.
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.
What occurs if a BMW timing chain fails?
The inlet and exhaust valves of a BMW engine clash with the pistons when the timing chain breaks, severely damaging the engine. At this point, it will snap and distort both camshafts and the camshaft housing, bend all 16 valves, and break the rocker arms.
The timing chain is at the back of the engine compartment and is not meant to be repaired.
How frequently do timing chains on BMWs fail?
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?
If the repairs were carried out at a BMW center, there is no cap on the repair reimbursement. However, the cost of repairs at an independent service center is restricted to $7,500 for engines and $3,000 for timing chain modules and oil pump drive chain modules, respectively.
How much does a 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.
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:
- 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.