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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.
In This Article...
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.
Timing chain failure in a BMW diesel engine
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.
ID for NHTSA complaint: 11328574
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.
The primary and secondary timing chains of BMW N20 and N26 engines are said to fail.
A settlement in the BMW timing chain case involving the potentially defective N20 and N26 direct injection turbocharged engines has been reached.
The primary and secondary timing chain assemblies are subject to early failure in the engines, claims the timing chain class action lawsuit.
According to the lawsuit, the primary timing chain assembly synchronizes and connects the camshafts and crankshaft, controlling the valves that open and close the engine’s combustion chambers.
However, when a primary timing chain assembly fails, the chain might skip teeth on the chain sprockets, which throws off the timing of the camshafts and crankshaft.
Either the engine’s power is lost, or the engine’s pistons and valves collide severely. The engine may run badly as a result, stall, or fail suddenly and catastrophically.
The primary chain assembly is said to be made up of the camshaft and crankshaft sprockets, the hydraulic chain tensioner, tensioning rails, and chain rails according to the BMW timing chain lawsuit.
The crankshaft and counterbalance shaft sprockets, the oil pump drive chain, the pump drive sprocket, the chain tensioner, and integrated guide and tensioner rails make up the secondary chain assembly.
- 2012-2015 BMW X1
- 2013-2015 BMW X3
- 2015 BMW Z4
- 2012-2015 BMW X4
- BMW 228i Coupe and Convertible, 2014-2015
- 2012-2015 BMW 320i
- BMW 328i Sedan, Sports Wagon, and Gran Turismo, 2012-2015
- BMW 428i Coupe, Convertible, and Gran Coupe, 2014-2015
- BMW 428i xDrive, 2014–2015
- BMW 528i Sedan 2014–2015
- BMW 428i xDrive, 2012-2015
- 2012-2015 BMW 528i
BMW claims it will settle the class action to avoid the expense and risk of a trial, although BMW disputes every claim made in the lawsuit.
Which model year BMW has timing chain problems?
In Oct 2016, BMW acknowledged that the chain tensioner and chains in its N47 engines, which were installed in cars between Feb 2007 and Jun 2008, had a design defect.
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 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.
Timing chains for all BMW models?
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.
When was the N20 timing chain problem resolved by BMW?
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 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.