[QUiKSR20]

2013 328i N20 w/ 109k miles

- Tuned since 50k miles
- Start / Stop coded out since 40k miles
- Oil Changes every 6k w/liquimoly since 40k

Currently I have a little oil pump whine ( sounds like a bad alternator bearing ), Once the car warms up the noise goes away and sounds normal outside of the wastegate rattle... Car pulls hard with zero issue.. Gonna just pay attention to the oil pump whine and monitor to see if it gets worse.. For now as soon as it warms up the noise is gone and car drives like day one...

Chain thru the oil cap seems tight and theres no metal on metal sounds or noticeable wear when looking in.

[heifetz17]

Originally Posted by Billfitz

The new tensioner puts more pressure on the guide rail. No one really knows what causes the chain to fail, you'd need to have a camera inside an engine when one fails to be sure. It could be that the chain jumps the sprocket, it could be that a loose chain damages the guides, it could be a combination of both. What's common to those scenarios is that they're likely to happen if the chain is too loose. A tensioner that doesn't put enough pressure on the rail could cause that. Since the new design does apply more pressure to the rail my conclusion is that BMW decided that more pressure was required.

The early tensioner wasn't exclusive to the n20/n26, but according to realoem it was the only component that was updated. Do you suppose it just wasn't compatible with this particular engine, or is the n4x engine also plagued with failure?

[Billfitz]

The tensioner that was used in the N20/26, 11317567680, was used in many engines, including the N43, N45, N46. They were normally aspirated, so it could be that the added stress of the turbo N20/26 was too much for it to handle.

[ScottSmith]

Originally Posted by heifetz17

The early tensioner wasn't exclusive to the n20/n26, but according to realoem it was the only component that was updated. Do you suppose it just wasn't compatible with this particular engine, or is the n4x engine also plagued with failure?

The tensioner isn't the only part updated.
The chain was updated in 2015: https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/par...&q=11318648732

On other cars, when they list a time range for the part in the part page, it indicates the part you should use for cars that were built in that time range. For example, there were two different ABS systems used on E46M3, depending whether the car was pre or post 9/2002:
https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=34_1117
https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=34_2238
This leads me to think that the fact that the tensioner is listed twice on the parts page means that either one is perfectly fine. The chain, on the other hand, only has one part # listed, and it's only once you click on the part # for the chain itself do you realize it has been superseded.

[Billfitz]

We're well aware that the chain was updated. But since it was also used in the N55 without issue that indicates it was not necessarily the problem in and of itself.

On other cars, when they list a time range for the part in the part page, it indicates the part you should use for cars that were built in that time range.

It indicates the part that was used during that time range. When a more recent part is listed as 'Exchangeable retrospectively Supersedes:' that is the part that should be used as a replacement.

[heifetz17]

Originally Posted by ScottSmith

The tensioner isn't the only part updated.
The chain was updated in 2015: https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/par...&q=11318648732

On other cars, when they list a time range for the part in the part page, it indicates the part you should use for cars that were built in that time range. For example, there were two different ABS systems used on E46M3, depending whether the car was pre or post 9/2002:
https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=34_1117
https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=34_2238
This leads me to think that the fact that the tensioner is listed twice on the parts page means that either one is perfectly fine. The chain, on the other hand, only has one part # listed, and it's only once you click on the part # for the chain itself do you realize it has been superseded.

Ah, you're correct, I didn't see the supersession.

[tonyec7]

How bad is the slack on this? 2014 228i w 109k miles

https://youtube.com/shorts/GG6gZFOr-WA?feature=share

[MacklinUSOB]

Originally Posted by tonyec7

How bad is the slack on this? 2014 228i w 109k miles

https://youtube.com/shorts/GG6gZFOr-WA?feature=share

That is far looser than mine. This can vary depending on where the crank comes to rest but I would check the extension on your tensioner. If more than half way out I would suggest a deeper inspection sooner than later.

[Beatrice]

Model: 2014 328i xDrive
Mileage: 101k miles
Timing Chain Status: No problems
Oil Changes: IAW the conditions-based maintenance, Mobil 1 0W040 "European Formula"
Stop/Start Coded Status: Not coded, but always turn it off
Additional Details: None

[jlsimmons3]

(bump)

Model: 2014 320i xDrive
Mileage: 101k miles
Timing Chain Status: No problems
Oil Changes: Every 5k since I've owned the car (75k), Castrol Edge
Stop/Start Coded Status: Coded out since 75k
Additional Details: BM3 Stage1 since around 90k, I don't push it hard though.

I always said I'd keep the car forever and just take my chances, but I've been eying an E85 Z4, and since I'm moving to a warmer area soon I thought this might be the time to try something new. Plus, a friend who knows a former BMW mechanic asked him his take on the N20 for me (just for fun) and he cursed it out saying he "wouldn't recommend one to his worst enemy".

[Sirhc1995]

Model: 2012 BMW 328i
Mileage: 100k
Timing Chain Status: Failed/Required Engine Replacement
Oil change intervals: Every 5k miles
Auto Start/Stop: Coded out

Additional details:

Bought the car at 88k miles and turbo, engine mounts, and exhaust hangars were replaced under warranty. Timing chain whine appeared at 95k miles and was taken to BMW at 100k miles where they confirmed it not only failed, but the guides were in pieces. Car drove fine besides the timing chain whine and the obvious need for new spark plugs.

BMW recommended engine replacement at a cost of $12,600. Service is covered by third party warranty. No further details as to why an engine replacement was needed besides the timing chain guides being in pieces. Was running BM3 Stage 1 since 92k miles. Also, the whine started out very subtle, only appeared on cold startups and went away when the car warmed up. This lasted from 95k miles to about 99k miles where the whine would remain even while the car was warm, was very consistent and loud and matched the RPMs. Sounded like a screeching cat and was very noticeable in and outside of the car.

[iamkjoe]

When checking the timing chain, do you check when the car is cold AND when the car is up to temp after driving?

[sspade]

Originally Posted by iamkjoe

When checking the timing chain, do you check when the car is cold AND when the car is up to temp after driving?

Cold will not give an accurate picture as the chain tensioner is driven by oil pressure... therefore engine must be warm with oil circulated to make sure tensioner is fully extended and doing its job.

[SaifaFox]

Model: 2014 328i xDrive. South Africa model
Mileage: 102k miles
Timing Chain Status: None so far
Oil Changes: Every 3k miles
Stop/Start Coded Status: Coded off except in eco mode
Additional Details: EW Charge pipe & Injen intake w/ SAT coded in along with S+

[TheKingStampede]

Model: 2013 328i
Mileage: 71k miles
Timing Chain Status: no issues
Oil Changes: Every 5-6k miles
Stop/Start Coded Status: manually turned off, rarely if ever use eco

Additional Details: Injen intake, downpipe, Bootmod3 tune since ~50k. I give it a spirited drive here and there, but do not beat down on it.

[Serg0211]

Hello Everyone,

I took my car to my mechanic and the car wouldn’t start. He opened it up because he thought it was the starter. Come to find out it was a time chain that slipped. He suggested that I take it to the dealership to see if they can cover it. I have a 2016 328i sulev GT with 48,790 miles. Does anyone know if there is coverage on that model?
Some advice would be really appreciated.

[sspade]

Originally Posted by Serg0211

Hello Everyone,

I took my car to my mechanic and the car wouldn’t start. He opened it up because he thought it was the starter. Come to find out it was a time chain that slipped. He suggested that I take it to the dealership to see if they can cover it. I have a 2016 328i sulev GT with 48,790 miles. Does anyone know if there is coverage on that model?
Some advice would be really appreciated.

Your vehicle is outside of the range covered in the extended warranty and supposedly has the updated timing chain components.

That being said... your mileage is extremely low and I would definitely take it to BMW for a proper inspection... and "See what they say."

Hopefully, the car is well maintained with proof of service history and I think you could get some goodwill towards a repair.

Definitely keep us posted, very interested to hear how this pans out!

[OldDudesBimmer]

Originally Posted by sspade

Your vehicle is outside of the range covered in the extended warranty and supposedly has the updated timing chain components.

That being said... your mileage is extremely low and I would definitely take it to BMW for a proper inspection... and "See what they say."

Hopefully, the car is well maintained with proof of service history and I think you could get some goodwill towards a repair.

Definitely keep us posted, very interested to hear how this pans out!

There may be some hope for him if in NJ. See my response to him here for this same question, and let me know what you think? To my surprise, timing chain is on the list of covered components in states that adopted the CA SULEV rules.

https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...2&postcount=18

[jayp80]

Model: 2013 BMW 328i XDrive
Mileage: 67k
Timing Chain Status: Failed/Required Engine Replacement
Oil change intervals: Every 7k miles
Auto Start/Stop: Coded out

Additional details

Completely stock , never driven rough just a basic daily driver. Drove a mile to my gym, left an hr later, half way back at a stop light I hear some noise then it gets louder, I pull off into a side street and it dies on me.

[MidMoF30]

Model: 2013 BMW 328i XDrive
Mileage: 77k (Bought as 3rd Owner at 54K)
Timing Chain Status: No
Oil change intervals: Every 3k miles since ownership
Auto Start/Stop: Coded out at 56K

Additional details

BM3 Stg 1 @60k, had catless but removed (prepping for move to state with emissions), muffler delete.

No major issues, just the loud N20 noises. Car was a CPO for the 2nd Owner prior to me taking over. Prepping to do all spark plugs and coil packs shortly just as preventive maintenance.

[Tooadvanced]

2014 428i xdrive
Build date :6/2014
Bought the car at 33k
Oil changes every 5-6k miles
Auto start coded ff

Drove in "sport" mode only since 33k

Bootmode stage 2 FBO since 60k miles, currently 92k

Spark plugs/ coils changed every 25k miles.


Have not changed the timing chain.
Weekly pulls of 120+
And highway miles 70%

[bmw777]

I would like to share with you too.
Now I don't have timing chain issue but I still looking some professional garage to change N20 timing chain in Oregon too.

BMW F30 328xi N20 ULEV Automatic
Model: 2015 328i luxury
Mileage: 45,300 miles
Timing Chain Status: No problems (check by open oil cap)
Oil Changes: use BMW service schedule by year and mileage (read from CarFax)

Additional Details: Default engine / no tune up /