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.
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I’m grateful. Yes, I have the timing chain for the three series, but the problem is that occasionally, I hear
Usually, it’s fine to go without any sound. Every year, the oil and filter are changed. when will
My 528i also behaves in similar manner, thus it might be in the early stages. Only if you listen under the hood while driving will you notice it. Keep an eye on it, but for the moment, you should be alright.
I just wanted to say that I’m in the midst of purchasing a high-mileage BMW 320d SE with a 57-plate. My main fear was the timing chain, but after reading the clear solutions on your site, I feel a lot better about doing so.
“Normally, timing chains last 250-300K miles. The timing chain lasts the lifespan of the automobile, so there’s one less thing to worry about since most cars don’t travel this distance!”
On an average 14,000 mile OCI, my N52 has 308,000 miles on it. The chain looked new and had no slack when the valve cover was just just removed (i.e. no stretch). I’m confident that the N43 and N52 have a very similar design. I wouldn’t stress over it.
A manual transmission doesn’t need “modes”; modes are for automatic transmissions that attempt to function like a true 3-pedal manual transmission. Instead, a manual transmission may be adjusted to “comfort,” “sport,” and “track” modes merely by the skill and speed at which you shift it. It is a manual transmission if you can money-shift it. But NO ONE ever installs an automatic gearbox shift knob on a manual transmission, you say.
It’s interesting that I recently learned that Mercedes requires chain replacements every 100K miles, and that their chains are double rather than single like those of a BMW. Hmmmm…
The majority of engines have between 250 and 300k miles. The chain is known to fail at random in the N43, though. Although it does fail, I’m not sure if there is a specific mileage at which it needs to be changed. Some folks, from what I’ve observed, advise using a shorter oil change interval to increase its lifespan. about 7,500 miles.
Car is in excellent shape, the engine is in good working order, and the owner has performed maintenance as needed.
Are new BMW timing chains required?
Almost all of the engine models made by BMW use timing chains. It is advised to replace your timing chain before it breaks since internal engine damage could result in very expensive repair costs if you wait. These timing chains typically last nine years or 90,000 kilometers.
How much does a BMW 3 timing chain replacement 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.
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.
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 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.
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 often should a timing chain be changed?
The timing chain is used each time you use the engine. When should a timing chain be changed? Unless there is a specific issue, the timing chain typically needs to be replaced between 80,000 and 120,000 miles. In higher mileage automobiles, chain problems are typical.
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.