Also, you can consult the vehicle's owner's manual. I love these vehicles and I hope you will find my articles and YouTube channel helpful for whatever BMW project you have in store! It requires taking the front of side or the engine off that covers the chain. BMW use timing chains in almost every model of engine that they produce. When should I change the timing belt on my BMW 3 Series? Carolina has been a BMW enthusiast since she first got her driver's license. All BMW X3 engines from 2004 to 2021 are interference. Do NOT follow this link or you will be banned from the site! All the 4 cylinder BMW 3-series (318i, 320i) had a timing chain. If any signs of damage or severe wear and tear are identified, the belts can be replaced. here. You may find the need to replace your timing chain at some point; however with the right tools, a service manual and some mechanical know-how, you can do it yourself. (1988 - 2005) This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Vehicles affected were recalled, and all timing chains were replaced at no later than 60,000 miles. Carsguide is not liable for the accuracy of any information provided in the answers. Have a timing chain instead of a timing belt? 19 Sep 2018 Iain Kelly. BMW timing chains have snapped on a range of models across the 1, 3 & 5 Series, most commonly affecting the N47 diesel. Although timing belts are critical, theres no need to replace them regularly unless explicitly recommended in your BMW owners manual. A timing belt wears out over time and must be replaced at the manufacturer's specified interval. The 2011 BMW X5 has a timing chain and an interference engine. Really, unless theres a problem, timing chains dont have a replacement interval. In addition, replacing the timing belt involves setting the timing and putting the engine back together. Usually, but not always, a timing belt will make a high-pitched, squeaking or ticking noise before it fails. The real cost is in the labor, because a lot of parts need to be disassembled to get to the belt. In this guide you will find all BMW 1 Series: Coup (2-door), Cabrio (Convertible) annd Hatchback. Two modes of failure were observed. Related Questions. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. If it breaks or jumps while driving, the pistons will be damaged from contact with the valves. Should the nylon chain guides or the chain tensioner fail, or should the engine develop a loss of oil pressure so that the tensioner doesn't work right (as on 5.4L three-valve Fords), the timing chain will be free to slap around against other components; sometimes a loose and rattling chain will rub a hole in the timing cover, necessitating . A timing belt is made of a rubber compound while a timing chain is made of chain similiar to a bicycle chain. When does a timing chain need to be replaced? A timing belt wont make noise when its in good condition aside from the usual noises that come with the symphony of moving parts of the typical internal combustion engine. To prove that point BMW has always performed several long distance tests on its new engines before they are put on the market. The role of the primary timing chain is to synchronize the camshaft and the crankshaft and to control the opening and the closing of the inlet and exhaust valves during the four-stroke combustion cycle. Depending on the vehicle, you either have a timing belt or a timing chain. Start thinking about changing the timing belt once you cross the 90,000-mile threshold. Tally how many spark plug wires are present. A timing chain typically requires replacement anywhere from 40,000 to 150,000 miles. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Remove the other elements that bother you (damper pulley for example). WHY COST SO MUCH TO REPLACE TIMING CHAIN ON BMWIf you have BMW and you wonder why it is so expensive to replace the timing chain on BMW we will explain that . We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Petrol and diesel 1, 3, and 5 Series BMWs made between 2004 and 2011 appear to have suffered a higher proportion of problems with their four-cylinder engines' timing chains than other cars of that age. But if you must, its not good. Here is a list of timing belts and timing chains for a BMW 320D. Timing belt failure can result in serious engine damage. G2 Motorsport The primary purpose of the timing belt or timing chain is to maintain the timing (syncronization) between the crankshaft and the camshaft(s). The reason for this is quite simple: chains are made from metal, whilst timing belts are made from rubber, which simply isnt as strong. For BMW models that fall between the 7 years/70,000 mile extended warranty but less than the previous 8 years/100,000 miles warranty owners were compensated for work performed at authorized BMW dealers as follows: Compensation for work performed at independent repair workshops was paid a labor cap of $3,000, and the engine replacement costs were capped at $7,500 per vehicle. A broken timing chain will cause an engine to not start or fail while driving. Does a 2008 BMW 328i have a timing belt or chain? They can go as long as 100,000 miles although its always a good idea to change it before then. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. However, It is often beneficial to change the drive belts in your car, Porsche, BMW and Mercedes Benz make use of, If your timing belt is in need of replacement, you can expect that service to cost anywhere from, BMW and MINI use Timing Chains in almost every model of engine that they produce.It is recommended to replace your timing chain, But how many miles can a BMW 3 Series last? The timing chain, timing belt and cam belt are a crucial part of your BMW engine. Unlike timing belts, timing chains are generally built to outlast your engine. See the data outlined in the table below. Lucky you, because they can actually last the lifetime of your car. Please choose a different make or a different ZIP. A top mount turbo is easier. From experience the life of these timing chains are 90,000 miles or 9 years. A spark plug may pop off, causing engine trouble. All BMW 328i engines have timing chains from the model years 2007 to 2016. Dont let this happen. In most engines made today (interference engines) when it fails the pistons will hit the valves and cause extensive damage to the engine. Although a timing chain will wear over time it is usually good for the lifetime of the engine but it should be routinely inspected. BMW seems to have done well in this area. Metal shavings in oil: The timing chain will wear out over time. Issues with the chain are common in higher mileage vehicles. The timing belt guides and tensioner evolved along with the chain design to be lighter yet durable. See the data outlined in the table below. Here is a list of timing belts and timing chains for a BMW 325i. Unusual noises: Especially when idling, but not just when idling, you may hear your engine rattle. 372 - 411. From experience the life of these timing chains are 90,000 miles or 9 years. These should be visually inspected at least once a year or with each service. All 2019 BMW X3 engines have a timing chain and are interference. I have been repairing, flipping, and parting out BMWs for nearly ten years. Coolant Loss Due to Leak from Expansion Tank. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Unlike the N52, the N53 does not have Valvetronic (variable valve lift), due to space limitations in the cylinder head. Porsche, BMW and Mercedes Benz make use of an internal timing chain. here. So, if you suspect you have a bad timing belt, the best thing to do is have it inspected by your mechanic as soon as you can. Rough idling: Start up your car and set out of it. carolinasbmwmoa.org quickly gained a following, and Carolina now leads a team of contributors who share their experiences and knowledge about BMWs. When does a timing chain need to be replaced? Scroll down to see specific data for your model year below. The timing belt (or chain) maintains the proper synchronization between the various engine components in a combustion engine. See the data outlined in the table below. Dealers will perform this test in conjunction with the N63 Customer Care Package, which is designed to. vetted professional mechanic! Normally it is between 100,000 and 200,000 km. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The primary purpose of timing chains in a vehicle is to make sure the engine's valves all open and close at the proper times. Disclaimer: You acknowledge and agree that all answers are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as bespoke advice. In this guide you will find all BMW i3: Hatchback. The valves themselves will bend and potentially ruin the engine. The valves themselves will bend and potentially ruin the engine. When the engine is idling, it vibrates or shakes. What kind of suspension does a BMW Z3 have? Common symptoms of failure include excessive vibration or slap from the timing chain, and the possibility of plastic particles throughout the oil. Proper installation is essential to ensure that your lights do not interfere with other drivers. BMW timing chains have snapped on a range of models across the 1, 3 & 5 Series, most commonly affecting the N47 diesel. You will come into many problems with an engine. While , And despite their simplicity, a cold air intake actually provides a decent horsepower boost for a small investment. See the data outlined in the table below. When did BMW stop using timing belts? BMW was largely successful in the evolution of its engines and built up a repute for putting some of the best engines into the automotive industry. Metropolitan areas usually mean higher costs, too. Because the N52 doesnt have an HPFP or direct injection, these are two common N54 issues that drivers of the N52 wont have to worry about. Without a fully functioning timing belt, the cars engine wont be able to run properly. Tally how many spark plug wires are present. I am a BMW enthusiast and owner of abetterbmw.com! See the data outlined in the table below. The 2004 BMW X5 has a timing chain and an interference engine. The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes. The timing chain guide was reportedly redesigned about January 2015 for this engine and is expected to reduce or eliminate the problem. Your BMW timing chain should be replaced every 100,000 miles to keep your car healthy. The BMW 6 Series does have a timing chain. Vehicle, you can consult the vehicle 's owner 's manual 2004 to 2021 are interference of particles..., flipping, and the possibility of plastic particles throughout the oil: the belt! Will bend and potentially ruin the engine if it breaks or jumps while driving, the cars engine wont able! Problem, timing chains for a BMW 320D ten years you will come into many problems with an.! 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