Can this be the notorious Timing Chain issue? VIDEO

10kredline · 05-21-2020, 11:17 PM

Hi guys, new to the F30 platform and just got the car 2 weeks ago. Its a 2012 328i N26, production 06/2012. I was always aware that the N20/N26 sounds like diesel engines but started noticing it more and more that it's so clanky and noisy when I accelerate. Started inspecting the Timing Chain and was wondering if this is normal or is it a sign that I need to replace the it. Bought the car used @ 112k. Everything drives smooth and quick and the overall condition of the car is excellent for the mileage and for the price but now I'm starting to think that I may have a Timing Chain issue since it's a high mileage car. Below is a video of how loose the chain is. Is this normal? I will upload the video of how the engine sounds.

P.S: I've search all over and couldn't really find the answer.

f30nick · 05-22-2020, 12:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 10kredline

Hi guys, new to the F30 platform and just got the car 2 weeks ago. I was always aware that the N20/N26 sounds like diesel engines but started noticing it more and more that it's so clanky and noisy when I accelerate. Started inspecting the Timing Chain and was wondering if this is normal or is it a sign that I need to replace the it. Bought the car used @ 112k. Everything drives smooth and quick and the overall condition of the car is excellent for the mileage and for the price but now I'm starting to think that I may have a Timing Chain issue since it's a high mileage car. Below is a video of how loose the chain is. Is this normal? I will upload the video of how the engine sounds.

P.S: I've search all over and couldn't really find the answer.

Some slack is normal check again when the engine is warm, it should tighten. If its still loose then you may have an issue.

My timing chain was replaced at 75k miles.

chenry · 05-22-2020, 01:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 10kredline

Hi guys, new to the F30 platform and just got the car 2 weeks ago. I was always aware that the N20/N26 sounds like diesel engines but started noticing it more and more that it's so clanky and noisy when I accelerate. Started inspecting the Timing Chain and was wondering if this is normal or is it a sign that I need to replace the it. Bought the car used @ 112k. Everything drives smooth and quick and the overall condition of the car is excellent for the mileage and for the price but now I'm starting to think that I may have a Timing Chain issue since it's a high mileage car. Below is a video of how loose the chain is. Is this normal? I will upload the video of how the engine sounds.

P.S: I've search all over and couldn't really find the answer.

year of your car and/or production date? thanks!

10kredline · 05-22-2020, 01:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by f30nick

Some slack is normal check again when the engine is warm, it should tighten. If its still loose then you may have an issue.

My timing chain was replaced at 75k miles.

Cool, I'll check that first thing tomorrow. Thanks.

10kredline · 05-22-2020, 01:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chenry

year of your car and/or production date? thanks!

Sorry, I thought I posted it. It's a 2012 328i N26 engine produced on 06/2012.

chenry · 05-22-2020, 01:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 10kredline

Quote:

Originally Posted by chenry

year of your car and/or production date? thanks!

Sorry, I thought I posted it. It's a 2012 328i N26 engine produced on 06/2012.

thank you...i now see you did i guess i missed it at first glance

Billfitz · 05-22-2020, 07:32 AM

The way to test the timing chain is to rev the engine. If bad it produces a characteristic whine. The are many videos of it here and on youtube. Another method is to look at the guide with a borescope.

Maverickoso · 05-23-2020, 09:55 PM

I've been looking online myself of the different videos and I think I've got the rpm whine. Had it not been for the low rpm vibrations, even after replacing my engine mounts, spark plugs etc. I wouldn't really be looking into it. Got to get some replies in before I can post a thread myself.

I too tested my chain from the filler when cold and it could move a little but got super tight when hot, which makes sense because of the VVT being oil actuated/fed.

My only worry about mine is that I have a 2015 March build date, which apparently has the new part and isn't part of the extra 7 year extra warranty coverage. Now I do have 3rd party warranty as I bought it used not quite a year ago with only 61,000KM and only at about 67,000KM now.

10kredline · 05-23-2020, 11:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Billfitz

The way to test the timing chain is to rev the engine. If bad it produces a characteristic whine. The are many videos of it here and on youtube. Another method is to look at the guide with a borescope.

There's no loud or really noticeable "whine" when I rev it but I do hear a small amount of "whine" which I hear in every n20/n26 videos online assuming that it's normal? I will record it and post it here tomorrow.

Billfitz · 05-24-2020, 08:10 AM

There's whine, and there's whine. A bad timing chain is unmistakable.

rjd_F30 · 05-24-2020, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Billfitz

There's whine, and there's whine. A bad timing chain is unmistakable.

+1

DadzBmer_N2o · 05-26-2020, 04:57 PM

Hey just curious, dose sticking your bare finger inside like that contaminate anything?

DadzBmer_N2o · 05-26-2020, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Billfitz

There's whine, and there's whine. A bad timing chain is unmistakable.

Is that a quote from Orsen Wells, lol...

spn5038 · 05-28-2020, 06:19 PM

I'm reading mixed reviews on this, but can anyone confirm what is the cut off build date for N20's with bad timing chain designs? I'm readin that some people are saying after January 2015, and some people are saying after March 2013

Silverlining_m2 · 05-28-2020, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spn5038

I'm reading mixed reviews on this, but can anyone confirm what is the cut off build date for N20's with bad timing chain designs? I'm readin that some people are saying after January 2015, and some people are saying after March 2013

To my knowledge it's 2015.

spn5038 · 05-28-2020, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MRii328i

To my knowledge it's 2015.

Damn it my build is from 11/29/2013 and I'm at 86k now.

10kredline · 06-01-2020, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spn5038

Damn it my build is from 11/29/2013 and I'm at 86k now.

Yea it's 2015 and I'm at 112k lol. Not even touching the car because I ordered the Timing Chain kit from FCP. Gonna work on it myself soon.

10kredline · 06-04-2020, 09:36 PM

Here is a video of the engine at cold start, I'm hearing knocking/ticking. It's more noticeable when I drive and have the A/C on while revving/driving at lower rpms. I also took it to a BMW repair shop to have them listen to the sound. One of the mechanics said they hear the knocking sound and another said it's normal even though they rarely serviced the F30 and never changed a timing chain on the n20/n26 before.... which is kind of odd. The shop quoted me $3000+ lol. I called around other shops and got quoted $2200 and then another European autoshop quoted $1500. This is giving me a headache

. I know it's suppose to sound like a whine but I heard that it also makes a knocking noise. I will upload another video of the actual sound I hear when idle and driving.

aL_bmwf30 · 06-04-2020, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 10kredline

Here is a video of the engine at cold start, I'm hearing knocking/ticking. It's more noticeable when I drive and have the A/C on while revving/driving at lower rpms. I also took it to a BMW repair shop to have them listen to the sound. One of the mechanics said they hear the knocking sound and another said it's normal even though they rarely serviced the F30 and never changed a timing chain on the n20/n26 before.... which is kind of odd. The shop quoted me $3000+ lol. I called around other shops and got quoted $2200 and then another European autoshop quoted $1500. This is giving me a headache

. I know it's suppose to sound like a whine but I heard that it also makes a knocking noise. I will upload another video of the actual sound I hear when idle and driving.

I don't hear a knocking sound! My engine sounds the same 2013 N20 58k miles.. however I do hear a little whine on your video and mine doesn't have a whine

RMachuca3d · 06-05-2020, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 10kredline

Here is a video of the engine at cold start, I'm hearing knocking/ticking. It's more noticeable when I drive and have the A/C on while revving/driving at lower rpms. I also took it to a BMW repair shop to have them listen to the sound. One of the mechanics said they hear the knocking sound and another said it's normal even though they rarely serviced the F30 and never changed a timing chain on the n20/n26 before.... which is kind of odd. The shop quoted me $3000+ lol. I called around other shops and got quoted $2200 and then another European autoshop quoted $1500. This is giving me a headache

. I know it's suppose to sound like a whine but I heard that it also makes a knocking noise. I will upload another video of the actual sound I hear when idle and driving.

Normal sound honestly.

10kredline · 06-06-2020, 11:50 PM

Here is finally the noise I was talking about. Notice that it gets louder when I turn on the A/C, the knocking/ticking is more noticeable along with the whining noise that everyone mentions about as a Timing Chain/Oil pump chain guide issue.

HIBMWDOC · 06-07-2020, 12:32 AM

The knocking noise sounds pretty characteristic of the early n20s. If that whine is from the chain and not the turbo I would have it replaced sooner than later. When the chains whine the noise is from the oil pump chain drive and if the tensioner or the brittle guides let loose it can get a whole lot more expensive

05-21-2020, 11:17 PM	#1
10kredline New Member 2 Rep 16 Posts Drives: F30 Mineral White Pearl Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: San Gangster Valley iTrader: (0)	Can this be the notorious Timing Chain issue? VIDEO Hi guys, new to the F30 platform and just got the car 2 weeks ago. Its a 2012 328i N26, production 06/2012. I was always aware that the N20/N26 sounds like diesel engines but started noticing it more and more that it's so clanky and noisy when I accelerate. Started inspecting the Timing Chain and was wondering if this is normal or is it a sign that I need to replace the it. Bought the car used @ 112k. Everything drives smooth and quick and the overall condition of the car is excellent for the mileage and for the price but now I'm starting to think that I may have a Timing Chain issue since it's a high mileage car. Below is a video of how loose the chain is. Is this normal? I will upload the video of how the engine sounds. P.S: I've search all over and couldn't really find the answer. Last edited by 10kredline; 05-22-2020 at 01:21 AM..
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05-22-2020, 07:32 AM	#7
Billfitz Lieutenant General 8243 Rep 16,079 Posts Drives: '15 328iX GT Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: New Hampshire iTrader: (0)	The way to test the timing chain is to rev the engine. If bad it produces a characteristic whine. The are many videos of it here and on youtube. Another method is to look at the guide with a borescope.
	Appreciate 1 Silverlining_m21731.50 Quote

05-23-2020, 09:55 PM	#8
Maverickoso New Member 11 Rep 24 Posts Drives: 2015 BMW 328i xDrive Join Date: May 2020 Location: Sherwood park, Alberta Canada iTrader: (0)	I've been looking online myself of the different videos and I think I've got the rpm whine. Had it not been for the low rpm vibrations, even after replacing my engine mounts, spark plugs etc. I wouldn't really be looking into it. Got to get some replies in before I can post a thread myself. I too tested my chain from the filler when cold and it could move a little but got super tight when hot, which makes sense because of the VVT being oil actuated/fed. My only worry about mine is that I have a 2015 March build date, which apparently has the new part and isn't part of the extra 7 year extra warranty coverage. Now I do have 3rd party warranty as I bought it used not quite a year ago with only 61,000KM and only at about 67,000KM now.
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05-24-2020, 08:10 AM	#10
Billfitz Lieutenant General 8243 Rep 16,079 Posts Drives: '15 328iX GT Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: New Hampshire iTrader: (0)	There's whine, and there's whine. A bad timing chain is unmistakable.
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05-26-2020, 04:57 PM	#12
DadzBmer_N2o First Lieutenant 93 Rep 338 Posts Drives: F30 320ix Join Date: Jan 2020 Location: Frederick, MD iTrader: (0)	Hey just curious, dose sticking your bare finger inside like that contaminate anything? __________________ 2013 320ix N20 8AT\|BM3 stg1\|Muff Res Delete\|HPB-LED-Amber-DRL's IG: DadzBmer_N2o
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05-28-2020, 06:19 PM	#14
spn5038 New Member 0 Rep 9 Posts Drives: 2014 428i Xdrive M Sport Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Maryland iTrader: (0)	I'm reading mixed reviews on this, but can anyone confirm what is the cut off build date for N20's with bad timing chain designs? I'm readin that some people are saying after January 2015, and some people are saying after March 2013
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-04-2020, 09:36 PM	#18
10kredline New Member 2 Rep 16 Posts Drives: F30 Mineral White Pearl Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: San Gangster Valley iTrader: (0)	Here is a video of the engine at cold start, I'm hearing knocking/ticking. It's more noticeable when I drive and have the A/C on while revving/driving at lower rpms. I also took it to a BMW repair shop to have them listen to the sound. One of the mechanics said they hear the knocking sound and another said it's normal even though they rarely serviced the F30 and never changed a timing chain on the n20/n26 before.... which is kind of odd. The shop quoted me $3000+ lol. I called around other shops and got quoted $2200 and then another European autoshop quoted $1500. This is giving me a headache . I know it's suppose to sound like a whine but I heard that it also makes a knocking noise. I will upload another video of the actual sound I hear when idle and driving. __________________ -2012 BMW 328i F30 N26 Mineral White: M3 v2 Steering wheel \| Stock
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06-06-2020, 11:50 PM	#21
10kredline New Member 2 Rep 16 Posts Drives: F30 Mineral White Pearl Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: San Gangster Valley iTrader: (0)	Here is finally the noise I was talking about. Notice that it gets louder when I turn on the A/C, the knocking/ticking is more noticeable along with the whining noise that everyone mentions about as a Timing Chain/Oil pump chain guide issue. __________________ -2012 BMW 328i F30 N26 Mineral White: M3 v2 Steering wheel \| Stock
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06-07-2020, 12:32 AM	#22
HIBMWDOC New Member 0 Rep 6 Posts Drives: 2015 335, 2010 X6M Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: Hawaii iTrader: (0)	The knocking noise sounds pretty characteristic of the early n20s. If that whine is from the chain and not the turbo I would have it replaced sooner than later. When the chains whine the noise is from the oil pump chain drive and if the tensioner or the brittle guides let loose it can get a whole lot more expensive
	Appreciate 0 Quote