[ReaperF30]

I've got a 2016 328i with the build date of 2015-11-24, and when I move the timing chain when the engine is cold it has a decent amount of slack, but shouldn't the timing chain guides be updated since it's a 2016 model?

[Billfitz]

IMO the main problem was the tensioner. It wasn't the chain, because the N55 used the same chain with no issue. It probably wasn't the guides or upper rail, they were never superseded. The tensioner was superseded, but not until the end of 2016. Some slack in the chain is normal, but it wouldn't be a bad idea to get the tensioner changed.

[Maximus92]

You should be fine with that build date. If you have LCI model, then definitely your car has upgraded chain and guides. As mentioned above, chain itself wasn't the problem, and some slack is normal.

[ReaperF30]

Originally Posted by Billfitz

IMO the main problem was the tensioner. It wasn't the chain, because the N55 used the same chain with no issue. It probably wasn't the guides or upper rail, they were never superseded. The tensioner was superseded, but not until the end of 2016. Some slack in the chain is normal, but it wouldn't be a bad idea to get the tensioner changed.

The chain was tight after it warmed up, but I tried moving the guides and they moved a bit too, I don't really have any issues, or any unusual noise at any rpm so I guess it's probably fine?

[Billfitz]

Probably, but replacing the tensioner is inexpensive insurance. Call me suspicious, but there's got to be a reason why they changed its design a year after they beefed up the chain.

[ReaperF30]

Originally Posted by Billfitz

Probably, but replacing the tensioner is inexpensive insurance. Call me suspicious, but there's got to be a reason why they changed its design a year after they beefed up the chain.

I've got the 15yr/150k mile SULEV warranty maybe they cover it in that, I'll go ask them

[Billfitz]

I know that some model years are covered, some aren't. But Catch-22 is that warranty only works once something breaks. It's not like a recall, where they fix it before it can break.

[simscott]

I have a 2015 N26, last year at about 95k I had it replaced by the dealer. They told me the coverage was up to 100k for the timing chain. It was a 80/20 split, I paid 20% of the repairs. I believe before 80K it was fully covered.

I could move my chain as well, like move it back and forth and noticed slack in it. The new chain is not moveable at all, hot or cold so I would recommend you have the dealership check it out. If its over 100k and out of warranty then go to a BMW repair shop in your area. I was quoted $3200 before I had the dealer look at it.

Its a serious issue, 2016 models were manufactured in 2015 and you may be right on the edge of when the chain was 'fixed'. But there should be no slack. Good luck

[ReaperF30]

Originally Posted by simscott

I have a 2015 N26, last year at about 95k I had it replaced by the dealer. They told me the coverage was up to 100k for the timing chain. It was a 80/20 split, I paid 20% of the repairs. I believe before 80K it was fully covered.

I could move my chain as well, like move it back and forth and noticed slack in it. The new chain is not moveable at all, hot or cold so I would recommend you have the dealership check it out. If its over 100k and out of warranty then go to a BMW repair shop in your area. I was quoted $3200 before I had the dealer look at it.

Its a serious issue, 2016 models were manufactured in 2015 and you may be right on the edge of when the chain was 'fixed'. But there should be no slack. Good luck

The N26 has the SULEV warranty which basically covers everything in the engine so you shouldn't have had to pay anything.

[Billfitz]

Not necessarily. Some model years with SULEV cover the timing chain, but not all.