My N20 died at 72k miles

KGB_123_99 · 12-28-2016, 01:38 PM

I guess the consensus is that if you plan to keep N20 for more than 4 years, extended warranty is a must. If the engine doesn't grenade in the 7 years of ownership, it will probably be fine.

I am definitely getting CPO warranty if I end up keeping this car.

Sinmastah · 01-02-2017, 11:26 AM

What are the symptoms and what should you do if you experience them? If you see the low oil pressure warning if you put it in to neutral and kill the engine is there a chance to prevent major damage?

Ravenseal · 01-05-2017, 09:45 PM

Was this ever resolved by BMW? Kronk

CalCarNut · 01-10-2017, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stubok

You'll likely get the same response I got. There is no reported issue from BMW. If you want to do the chains it's on your dime.

Stubok, what does your chain look like? The 'old' version or the 'new' version? i'm going to have to take a look at my '15 N26 for peace of mind......

Stubok · 01-10-2017, 07:15 PM

Mine are of the old design, that's why I'm eager to figure this out.

They look ok, I have some shiny spots on the links, but no noises etc

CalCarNut · 01-11-2017, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stubok

Mine are of the old design, that's why I'm eager to figure this out.

They look ok, I have some shiny spots on the links, but no noises etc

Going to look at my car tomorrow when I get a chance. Mine is a '15 N26 with only 11,500 miles on it..I expect it to be perfect AND the new version links..

OUGrad05 · 01-14-2017, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CalCarNut

Going to look at my car tomorrow when I get a chance. Mine is a '15 N26 with only 11,500 miles on it..I expect it to be perfect AND the new version links..

What did you learn?

OUGrad05 · 01-14-2017, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KGB_123_99

I guess the consensus is that if you plan to keep N20 for more than 4 years, extended warranty is a must. If the engine doesn't grenade in the 7 years of ownership, it will probably be fine.

I am definitely getting CPO warranty if I end up keeping this car.

How do you get CPO after the fact? We're leaning towards selling my wife's X3 even though we love the way it drives. Local BMW dealer quoted us close to 4,500 for extended warranty on her car. At that point midaswell get something newer, thinking Lexus RX 350 since we're driving about 22k/yr and Lexus has unlimited mileage warranty, bumper to bumper :\

KGB_123_99 · 01-14-2017, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OUGrad05

Quote:

Originally Posted by KGB_123_99

I guess the consensus is that if you plan to keep N20 for more than 4 years, extended warranty is a must. If the engine doesn't grenade in the 7 years of ownership, it will probably be fine.

I am definitely getting CPO warranty if I end up keeping this car.

How do you get CPO after the fact? We're leaning towards selling my wife's X3 even though we love the way it drives. Local BMW dealer quoted us close to 4,500 for extended warranty on her car. At that point midaswell get something newer, thinking Lexus RX 350 since we're driving about 22k/yr and Lexus has unlimited mileage warranty, bumper to bumper :\

Not after, you're right. But if you bought the car new or leased new and plan to keep it, CPO is a good way to go.

KGB_123_99 · 01-15-2017, 12:34 PM

Do you guys think the breaking chains could be due to start/stop feature? Just wondering if the numerous tension impulses on the chain could cause problems...

Did OP use start/stop?

Stubok · 01-15-2017, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KGB_123_99

Do you guys think the breaking chains could be due to start/stop feature? Just wondering if the numerous tension impulses on the chain could cause problems...

Did OP use start/stop?

Interesting thought. I always disable the autostart/stop. So it's never on for me unless I forget about it when I run in eco mode.

But now that you mentioned it, I'll keep my setup as it is.

CalCarNut · 01-16-2017, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OUGrad05

What did you learn?

Havent looked yet....been raining here in SoCal lately and I've been busy with NFL games

CalCarNut · 01-16-2017, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OUGrad05

What did you learn?

Okay..took some of my '15 N26 timing chain.

car has 11,500 miles. I see MAYBE some minor scuffing (maybe)..but looks fine as I would hope. I believe this is the new style timing chain based on prior pics..I'll have to go back and look for sure.

CalCarNut · 01-16-2017, 04:59 PM

I'd have to say that my chain doesn't look like either of the 2 chains previously posted. Its similiar to the 'updated chain' as it is solid linked..but there aren't 4 layers for each link....

Stubok · 01-16-2017, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CalCarNut

I'd have to say that my chain doesn't look like either of the 2 chains previously posted. Its similiar to the 'updated chain' as it is solid linked..but there aren't 4 layers for each link....

The chain you are referring to is the Oil pump chain which is different from the one in the pictures. You wouldn't be able to see that one through the cap unfortunately.

Gamb1t · 01-17-2017, 03:33 PM

That timing chain looks like a bicycle chain!

Don't know if that is an updated chain but the plastic housing is still the original yellow brown one. I believe the revised housing is white plastic. Unless the oil turned it to brown that quickly!

OUGrad05 · 01-17-2017, 03:41 PM

Is that just through the oil fill cap? If so I'll snap a few pics of my wife's tonight, 2014 with 39k on the clock.

natesi · 01-17-2017, 03:46 PM

Just a crazy thought: Is the timing chain tensioner hydraulicly activated? I wonder if there's an issue with the tensioner getting oil pressure fast enough after the engine starts -- and perhaps the chain very slowly damaging the tensioner/guides -- with each cold start? If this were the case, then the thicker the viscosity of oil and/or the more cold startups one does, the faster the wear should occur.

natesi · 01-17-2017, 03:59 PM

PS -- Here's a couple pics of my chain, with less than 4,700 miles on it (from a 2016 328i xDrive, with a N26)

F30ed · 01-18-2017, 02:55 PM

Let's look at facts:
1. Did anyone actually reported timing chain ripped? - Not that I remember.
2. When timing chain breaks some valve would drop into piston work area making spectacular *BANG!!*. Did anyone reported that explosion? - NO. This means at the time of failure timing chain is in working condition.
3. So what is reported? "Oil pressure loss" is reported. Why? Either oil chain rips, or oil pump breaks.

I doubt that N20 problems are related to timing chain. Maximum it may make noise when plastic cassette is broken.

CalCarNut · 01-18-2017, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OUGrad05

Is that just through the oil fill cap? If so I'll snap a few pics of my wife's tonight, 2014 with 39k on the clock.

Yep...just took the cap off and shot a couple of pics.......

CalCarNut · 01-18-2017, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gamb1t

That timing chain looks like a bicycle chain!

Don't know if that is an updated chain but the plastic housing is still the original yellow brown one. I believe the revised housing is white plastic. Unless the oil turned it to brown that quickly!

Both 2015 and 2016 N26 pics posted here show the same color housing: yellow/brown........

12-28-2016, 01:38 PM	#265
KGB_123_99 Captain 404 Rep 962 Posts Drives: '17 330ix M-Sport, '09 528ix Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Montreal, QC iTrader: (0)	I guess the consensus is that if you plan to keep N20 for more than 4 years, extended warranty is a must. If the engine doesn't grenade in the 7 years of ownership, it will probably be fine. I am definitely getting CPO warranty if I end up keeping this car.
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01-02-2017, 11:26 AM	#266
Sinmastah New Member 0 Rep 14 Posts Drives: 2014 320i xdrive Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Iowa iTrader: (0)	What are the symptoms and what should you do if you experience them? If you see the low oil pressure warning if you put it in to neutral and kill the engine is there a chance to prevent major damage?
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01-05-2017, 09:45 PM	#267
Ravenseal Lieutenant Colonel 2717 Rep 1,730 Posts Drives: 2023 M2 6MT Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Denver iTrader: (0)	Was this ever resolved by BMW? Kronk __________________ 2023 G87 M2 - Toronto Red \| 6MT \| M HAS \| CF Roof \| BMW 826M Forged Wheels \| Mishimoto Skid Plate \| Active Autowerks Single Midpipe Retired: 2022 M240i xDrive \| 2021 Audi RS5 \| 2019 Camaro 2SS 1LE 6MT \| 2016 428i GC \| 2011 BMW 335is
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01-10-2017, 07:15 PM	#269
Stubok Lieutenant 472 Rep 577 Posts Drives: Melbourne Red F30 328i M Sport Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Austin TX iTrader: (0)	Mine are of the old design, that's why I'm eager to figure this out. They look ok, I have some shiny spots on the links, but no noises etc
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01-15-2017, 12:34 PM	#274
KGB_123_99 Captain 404 Rep 962 Posts Drives: '17 330ix M-Sport, '09 528ix Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Montreal, QC iTrader: (0)	Do you guys think the breaking chains could be due to start/stop feature? Just wondering if the numerous tension impulses on the chain could cause problems... Did OP use start/stop?
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01-16-2017, 04:59 PM	#278
CalCarNut Brigadier General 1061 Rep 3,258 Posts Drives: 2015 F36 Jet Black Sport Line Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Blue Skies iTrader: (0) Garage List 2012 BMW X3 [0.00] 2015 BMW 428i Gran ... [10.00] 1996 Chevrolet Impa ... [8.00]	I'd have to say that my chain doesn't look like either of the 2 chains previously posted. Its similiar to the 'updated chain' as it is solid linked..but there aren't 4 layers for each link.... __________________ 2015 BMW F36 428i JetBlack. Sport Line Edition 25% 3M Tint\|
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01-17-2017, 03:33 PM	#280
Gamb1t Major 598 Rep 1,343 Posts Drives: 330i,X1,Z4,Solstice GXP, RX-8 Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Canukistan iTrader: (0)	That timing chain looks like a bicycle chain! Don't know if that is an updated chain but the plastic housing is still the original yellow brown one. I believe the revised housing is white plastic. Unless the oil turned it to brown that quickly! Last edited by Gamb1t; 01-18-2017 at 01:34 AM..
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01-17-2017, 03:41 PM	#281
OUGrad05 Captain 523 Rep 859 Posts Drives: 2023 i4 and 2022 Acura MDX Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: United States iTrader: (0)	Is that just through the oil fill cap? If so I'll snap a few pics of my wife's tonight, 2014 with 39k on the clock. __________________ 2023 i4 eDrive40 2022 Acura MDX
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01-17-2017, 03:46 PM	#282
natesi Lieutenant 204 Rep 499 Posts Drives: F30 Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: PNW iTrader: (0)	Just a crazy thought: Is the timing chain tensioner hydraulicly activated? I wonder if there's an issue with the tensioner getting oil pressure fast enough after the engine starts -- and perhaps the chain very slowly damaging the tensioner/guides -- with each cold start? If this were the case, then the thicker the viscosity of oil and/or the more cold startups one does, the faster the wear should occur.
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01-17-2017, 03:59 PM	#283
natesi Lieutenant 204 Rep 499 Posts Drives: F30 Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: PNW iTrader: (0)	PS -- Here's a couple pics of my chain, with less than 4,700 miles on it (from a 2016 328i xDrive, with a N26) Attached Images
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01-18-2017, 02:55 PM	#284
F30ed Second Lieutenant 71 Rep 230 Posts Drives: F30 328i, X3 35M Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0)	Let's look at facts: 1. Did anyone actually reported timing chain ripped? - Not that I remember. 2. When timing chain breaks some valve would drop into piston work area making spectacular BANG!!. Did anyone reported that explosion? - NO. This means at the time of failure timing chain is in working condition. 3. So what is reported? "Oil pressure loss" is reported. Why? Either oil chain rips, or oil pump breaks. I doubt that N20 problems are related to timing chain. Maximum it may make noise when plastic cassette is broken.
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