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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Symptoms of a Failing Timing Chain in Your BMW
Most people are unaware that their timing chain should be replaced at least every 100,000 miles and maybe as soon as 40,000 miles. As a result, many automobiles, including BMWs, have faulty timing chains that are adding to the vehicle’s wear and tear and could potentially necessitate vehicle repairs. If you own a BMW, you should be aware of the signs of a broken timing chain and how to fix it. Here is the information you require.
old mechanics dominate
Every 60,000 miles, according to an outdated mechanic’s “rule of thumb,” your belt needs to be replaced. However, as technology advances and automobile engines are improved generally, timing belts are lasting longer and longer. Many car manufacturers now claim that a belt can last up to 100,000 kilometers. Timing belts in BMW have a typical maximum mileage of 105,000 kilometers. Power loss, poor fuel economy, engine misfiring, and vibrations can all be brought on by a broken timing belt. It goes without saying that a timing belt failure is extremely expensive and dangerous for the driver of the car.
When should the timing chain be changed?
While everyone is aware that a car’s timing belt needs to be replaced at suggested service intervals, what about the timing chain? What distinguishes a timing belt from a chain?
A timing belt is a toothed belt that travels outside of the engine and is constructed of high-quality rubber. It is protected by a cover.
A bicycle chain-like timing chain is constructed of metal. Because it requires engine oil for lubrication, a timing chain operates inside the engine.
Depending on the vehicle, a timing belt normally needs to be replaced between 40,000 and 100,000 kilometers. The fix costs a few hundred dollars. It is not necessary to replace a timing chain unless there is an issue with it.
Does the timing chain have a mechanical immunity? No, it is not, to put it simply. Timing chain issues are prevalent, particularly in automobiles with heavy mileage.
A timing chain can wear out just like any other moving mechanical part within an engine. The engine oil lubricates a timing chain. The timing chain can wear down more quickly due to insufficient oil changes, low oil levels, or bad oil quality.
A chain tensioner maintains the correct tension on a timing chain. An oil pressure or spring-loaded device could be used to run a chain tensioner.
Timing chain vibration is prevented by using chain guides and silencers. Each of these parts ages as well. How can you tell if the timing chain needs replacing?
When the timing chain is worn, the engine frequently feels sluggish, has little power, or is difficult to start. Perhaps the Check Engine light will also come on. This is due to the fact that as the chain ages, it stretches and the ignition and valve timing advance more.
Numerous noises coming from the engine’s timing chain cover area can also be caused by a worn timing chain, chain guides, or chain tensioner. The timing chain noises can be whirring, whining, buzzing, whining, or rattling.
If the timing chain needs to be replaced due to wear, a new tensioner, guides, and other chain drive mechanism components are often included with the kit. The motors of many cars have two or even three chains, and frequently your auto repair shop will advise replacing all the chains at once.
Depending on the vehicle model, timing chain replacement costs might range from $370 to $1,500.
Finding the right process to set the timing when a new chain is inserted is necessary if you intend to replace the timing chain yourself. This kind of information can be found in the service handbook for your car.
It’s rather simple to replace the timing chain in old-style pushrod engines. If you drive a new front-wheel drive vehicle with a transversely positioned engine, you may not have such luck because the engine compartment may be relatively small. In a V6 engine, it becomes considerably more challenging.
Maintaining your engine properly and changing the engine oil at specified intervals will help you avoid timing chain issues. Oil filters and engine oils of the highest caliber should be used. The timing chain will always be lubricated if the oil level is maintained at the right level. Given that many modern engines are known to use oil, this is extremely crucial. A timing chain in a well-maintained engine can last up to 300,000 miles or even more.
How long is the lifespan of a BMW timing chain?
Bavarian Motor Works was established in 1916 and has grown to represent the pinnacle of the automobile industry. BMW has always been at the forefront of testing new boundaries of power output with greater fuel efficiency and reduced pollutants. BMW engines are renowned for their performance and longevity.
BMW offered a 105,000-mile warranty on timing chains for all of its engines up until a design flaw on the N20 and N26 engines occurred between 2012 and 2015. After only 70,000 miles, timing chains prematurely failed. BMW was compelled to take responsibility for these errors.
Engineers in Munich have always been driven to push the boundaries of engine design in their pursuit of building the most desirable vehicles. Engines are now more fuel-efficient, lighter, and more powerful while also producing fewer hazardous emissions.
Let’s examine how BMW was made aware of the cost of exceeding safety restrictions by the timing chain failures on the N20 and N26 engines.
Replacement of the timing chain: warning signs
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.
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.
Does BMW offer timing chain repairs?
A service bulletin from BMW is released for vehicles equipped with the N63’s 4.4-liter V8. According to BMW, the timing chains on the N63 have been discovered to stretch and wear out early, leading to early valvetrain wear and decreased engine performance.
A visit to the dealership is required to find the problem. BMW technicians will do a test procedure to see if the problem is specific to that engine. The dealers will exchange the chains and all related gear if necessary.
To find out if your automobile qualifies for repairs, contact the NHTSA at 888-327-4236, the local dealership, or BMW directly at 800-831-1117.
Details are provided below:
The issue: It has been discovered that timing chains on N63 engines stretch and wear out early, leading to early valvetrain wear and decreased engine performance.
BMW has developed a test process to detect the level of timing chain wear. With the N63 Customer Care Package, which is intended to guarantee proper long-term engine running, dealers will do this test. Dealers will replace the chain and any necessary auxiliary hardware, such as the chain tensioner and auxiliary hardware as well as the chain sprocket, as a result of this test. The oil and oil filter will be replaced, and technicians will update the onboard computer to notify drivers when it’s time for a reduced oil change interval.
Information regarding the warranty: If applicable, the certified pre-owned warranty or the new car limited warranty will cover this repair. The repair may be covered by an extended warranty in cases when the factory warranty has already run out.
Owners should call their local dealer and provide the VIN to find out if their car qualifies for repairs under this service bulletin. Call NHTSA at 888-327-4236 or BMW directly at 800-831-1117. Please refer to TSB No. 111614.
How durable is the BMW timing chain?
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.