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.
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.
Between $1,624 to $1,879 at the mechanic
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.
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.
How frequently should a timing chain be changed?
A timing chain is not indestructible just because it is made of metal. According to Autoblog, the frequency of timing chain replacement depends on the chain’s condition. It should, however, survive for far over 100,000 kilometers. Timing chains can occasionally stretch or break with use, therefore if your car is displaying any of the symptoms listed below, it may require a replacement:
- engine performance issues
- difficulty starting
- Overheating
- complete failure of the engine
Fortunately, if anything is amiss with the timing system, your car’s check engine light will probably turn on. Therefore, if it does, make sure to have it examined as soon as you can, advises Repair Pal.
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.
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.
Which model year BMW has timing chain problems?
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.
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.
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.
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 5 Series timing chain replacement cost?
While parts are priced between $319 and $324, labor costs are predicted to range between $1,485 and $1,873. Taxes and levies are not included in this range, nor are your particular model year or special location taken into account.