N57n Timing chains and engine work

Mr.Gee · 11-23-2021, 03:19 AM

At the workshop

Engine out

Inspection of the Carbon build up in the inlet, vales, intake manifold and the EGR port.

Work began on the cleanup by using a BMW Approved Walnut blasting machine, with the media sourced from BMW. (yes you can buy it from them).

Post Walnut blasting

Inlet manifold was perfectly clean after an hours scrubbing. Sadly a lack pictures as we needed to press on.

Onto the Timing chains and guides replacement.

All parts cleaned up and came up great

Injectors removed, cleaned and put back in with BMW Lube to prevent corrosion.

Engine back in

Coolant added and any unwanted air removed

Onto the Gearbox Service

A new condenser was also fitted.

Complete

XHP Stage 2 was carried out post work and needless to say that the car is running perfectly now that the carbon buildup has been removed. Car had done 103k Miles post work so it goes to show that while the car was fine before hand, the nasty buildup was worth removing. I also had the Steering bush changed for a new one as the engine was out, made sense.

A BMW Master Tech did the work here in the UK. For those interested the company name is BMConnected.

I'm extremely happy with how the car is now and it's such a smooth engine.

Thanks for reading

Watsey · 11-23-2021, 11:30 AM

Good write-up and pictures.

What was the reason for removing the engine entirely ? I understand that the timing chains can be replaced with the engine in-situ, once the transmission has been removed.

n00bkiller944 · 11-23-2021, 03:14 PM

Oof on the carbon build up - at 110k those are not the pictures I wanted to see. Really dont want to pull this thing apart and blast away the carbon...

Enabled · 11-23-2021, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by n00bkiller944

Oof on the carbon build up - at 110k those are not the pictures I wanted to see. Really dont want to pull this thing apart and blast away the carbon...

Mine at 114k looked like the cleaned up versions. It depends heavily on driving type and driving style. More aggressive = cleaner.

Mr.Gee · 11-23-2021, 04:39 PM

Watsey

Aparently the BMW Master Tech thinks it's far easier, given the additional work that was to be carried out - Media Blasting. Engine out easier to work on and do all the required checks/cleaning etc.

My engine was smooth and running nicely before all this work. No engine noises, or apparent rattles from the chains. This was a preventative measure more than anything as I intend keeping the car for at least another 3 years (had it almost 3 already) so it made sense to look after the Engine long term. After the work was done, the differences in idle, pull and overall engine noise were immediately noticeable. Car has been remapped and is just stage 1 at the moment with XHP stage 2 on the box, but I can tell you that I've definitely gained power through this. If you're contemplating it....don't, get it done.

It was a decision, trade the car in or keep. I made the right choice, sometimes it's better the devil you know!

n00bkiller944
Don't contemplate doing it, if you're keeping the car, book it in.

Enabled

I have trouble believing that....not calling you out, but simply put, these engines are notorious for carbon build-up as we all know...EGR! How can your engine be that clean after that many miles?

I bought my car at 70k Miles, so can't comment on the driving up until that point. I get the aggressive driving, we all like to boost at points, but I don't drive it hard (much), there's no need - I'm 44 not 24

Enabled · 11-23-2021, 05:29 PM

Here are pictures from my car's EGR cooler recall at the BMW dealer in 2020, 112,000 miles. I had access to enter inside and see my car there.

Intake manifold and egr cooler were all replaced under the recall. There was nothing particularly bothersome about how it was (I have an ALH powered old Jetta/Bora that really can coke them up), so the new parts went on and all was good.

Engine is just as smooth now at 130,000 miles as it was then, and before.

Enabled · 11-23-2021, 05:34 PM

For what it's worth, the old Boras with the ALH had a very well known problem with intake buildup (search for pics). Mine is at 324,000 miles now and hasn't had it done. I inspect it regularly. I must be onto something. Driving style does affect how clean the engine is.

Anyways, I'm not arguing the fact that you had nice and great work done on a very good engine, which deserves it. The dedication is impressive, engine out and all.

tj_g · 11-23-2021, 05:36 PM

Nice work, good insurance job if you’re planning on keeping it for a while.

I just did similar on the drivetrain - 91k miles, 2013 330d. Had the ZF8 changed, transfer box, front and rear diff.
Apparently the ZF8 was typical for the age. The transfer box oil was in reasonable condition, the front and rear diff oil was black and there wasn’t a lot left in there!
Glad I had it done.
Cost a fair whack though so will have to wait a while before doing anything like this ☝🏼

andreigbs · 11-24-2021, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Driving style does affect how clean the engine is

+1 on this. Turbodiesels are designed to run on boost, not babied. Lugging or babying them will result in poor compression and premature turbo failure, among other things.

People sometime overlook the quality of diesel fuel, which is important. Some fuels burn cleaner than others, quieter than others, with better fuel economy, etc.

bulletguy · 12-03-2021, 08:45 PM

Great job documenting the work!

Morrob95 · 12-04-2021, 09:02 AM

My intake looks WAAAAY cleaner than that at 150k miles. Egr deleted at 50k though. If possible, you should delete the egr.

raptor_xxx · 12-22-2021, 02:36 AM

WOW! Respect for this hard work.
All the best

webdeemo · 12-24-2021, 03:45 PM

Well done and super good pictures. Congratulations.

thirayuw · 01-04-2022, 06:24 AM

Nice work

Brad757 · 01-04-2022, 04:26 PM

How much did they charge for all that if you don't mind me asking?

Tommi_Mav · 01-07-2022, 05:39 AM

I guess he did it by himself...

Johnwee · 01-09-2022, 02:52 PM

Have you measured the elongation of the chain and compared ot old to new? Since i heared the N57 is not known for problems wirh the chain, This would be interesting.

Mr.Gee · 01-11-2022, 02:53 AM

Hey all...

I have video showing the chain was slack, at the end of the day a chain will stretch given time and wear.

A BMW Master Technician carried out the work for me it cost around 2.5k for the work, but more work was done than just chains and walnut blasting.

11-23-2021, 03:19 AM	#1
Mr.Gee Enlisted Member 56 Rep 32 Posts Drives: 430D Coupe Join Date: Feb 2020 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	N57n Timing chains and engine work - Completed At the workshop Engine out Inspection of the Carbon build up in the inlet, vales, intake manifold and the EGR port. Work began on the cleanup by using a BMW Approved Walnut blasting machine, with the media sourced from BMW. (yes you can buy it from them). Post Walnut blasting Inlet manifold was perfectly clean after an hours scrubbing. Sadly a lack pictures as we needed to press on. Onto the Timing chains and guides replacement. All parts cleaned up and came up great Injectors removed, cleaned and put back in with BMW Lube to prevent corrosion. Engine back in Coolant added and any unwanted air removed Onto the Gearbox Service A new condenser was also fitted. Complete XHP Stage 2 was carried out post work and needless to say that the car is running perfectly now that the carbon buildup has been removed. Car had done 103k Miles post work so it goes to show that while the car was fine before hand, the nasty buildup was worth removing. I also had the Steering bush changed for a new one as the engine was out, made sense. A BMW Master Tech did the work here in the UK. For those interested the company name is BMConnected. I'm extremely happy with how the car is now and it's such a smooth engine. Thanks for reading
	Appreciate 6 eugene89us336.00 CleanKM103.50 andreigbs71.00 Watsey6403.50 FaRKle!4016.00 Jim23k57.50 Tweet Quote

11-23-2021, 11:30 AM	#2
Watsey Major General 6404 Rep 8,492 Posts Drives: F31 330D sDrive M Sport Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: On sabbatical. iTrader: (1)	Good write-up and pictures. What was the reason for removing the engine entirely ? I understand that the timing chains can be replaced with the engine in-situ, once the transmission has been removed. __________________ Current : F31 330sD, remapped, Ohlins Road & Track, Millway camber plates, Quaife LSD, Stoptech brakes + Pagid RSL1 pads all round, Weichers front strut brace, Eibach front & rear anti-roll bars, Michelin MP4S.
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11-23-2021, 03:14 PM	#3
n00bkiller944 Lieutenant 126 Rep 424 Posts Drives: '14 328d M Sport Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: Richmond, VA iTrader: (0)	Oof on the carbon build up - at 110k those are not the pictures I wanted to see. Really dont want to pull this thing apart and blast away the carbon...
	Appreciate 1 JediBlack0.00 Quote

11-23-2021, 04:39 PM	#5
Mr.Gee Enlisted Member 56 Rep 32 Posts Drives: 430D Coupe Join Date: Feb 2020 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Watsey Aparently the BMW Master Tech thinks it's far easier, given the additional work that was to be carried out - Media Blasting. Engine out easier to work on and do all the required checks/cleaning etc. My engine was smooth and running nicely before all this work. No engine noises, or apparent rattles from the chains. This was a preventative measure more than anything as I intend keeping the car for at least another 3 years (had it almost 3 already) so it made sense to look after the Engine long term. After the work was done, the differences in idle, pull and overall engine noise were immediately noticeable. Car has been remapped and is just stage 1 at the moment with XHP stage 2 on the box, but I can tell you that I've definitely gained power through this. If you're contemplating it....don't, get it done. It was a decision, trade the car in or keep. I made the right choice, sometimes it's better the devil you know! n00bkiller944 Don't contemplate doing it, if you're keeping the car, book it in. Enabled I have trouble believing that....not calling you out, but simply put, these engines are notorious for carbon build-up as we all know...EGR! How can your engine be that clean after that many miles? I bought my car at 70k Miles, so can't comment on the driving up until that point. I get the aggressive driving, we all like to boost at points, but I don't drive it hard (much), there's no need - I'm 44 not 24
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-23-2021, 05:29 PM	#6
Enabled Lieutenant Colonel 1406 Rep 1,799 Posts Drives: 328xd Wagon, M2 Competition Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: Houston iTrader: (0)	Here are pictures from my car's EGR cooler recall at the BMW dealer in 2020, 112,000 miles. I had access to enter inside and see my car there. Intake manifold and egr cooler were all replaced under the recall. There was nothing particularly bothersome about how it was (I have an ALH powered old Jetta/Bora that really can coke them up), so the new parts went on and all was good. Engine is just as smooth now at 130,000 miles as it was then, and before. Attached Images __________________ -2014 328d Wagon, 8HP. Self-tuned, 270hp/430ft-lbs. -2019 M2 Competition MT, Alpine White. Self-tuned 560hp -2016 Mini Cooper S, MT. Many plans. Others: -E36 328is. 2000 Z3 Roady. 2003 VW Jetta TDI Manual. Estoril Z3M Coupe.
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11-23-2021, 05:34 PM	#7
Enabled Lieutenant Colonel 1406 Rep 1,799 Posts Drives: 328xd Wagon, M2 Competition Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: Houston iTrader: (0)	For what it's worth, the old Boras with the ALH had a very well known problem with intake buildup (search for pics). Mine is at 324,000 miles now and hasn't had it done. I inspect it regularly. I must be onto something. Driving style does affect how clean the engine is. Anyways, I'm not arguing the fact that you had nice and great work done on a very good engine, which deserves it. The dedication is impressive, engine out and all. __________________ -2014 328d Wagon, 8HP. Self-tuned, 270hp/430ft-lbs. -2019 M2 Competition MT, Alpine White. Self-tuned 560hp -2016 Mini Cooper S, MT. Many plans. Others: -E36 328is. 2000 Z3 Roady. 2003 VW Jetta TDI Manual. Estoril Z3M Coupe.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-23-2021, 05:36 PM	#8
tj_g Private First Class 154 Rep 191 Posts Drives: F31 330d Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Nice work, good insurance job if you’re planning on keeping it for a while. I just did similar on the drivetrain - 91k miles, 2013 330d. Had the ZF8 changed, transfer box, front and rear diff. Apparently the ZF8 was typical for the age. The transfer box oil was in reasonable condition, the front and rear diff oil was black and there wasn’t a lot left in there! Glad I had it done. Cost a fair whack though so will have to wait a while before doing anything like this ☝🏼
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-03-2021, 08:45 PM	#10
bulletguy New Member 2 Rep 13 Posts Drives: 2014 BMW 328D Join Date: Dec 2021 Location: Pleasanton, CA iTrader: (0)	Great job documenting the work!
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12-04-2021, 09:02 AM	#11
Morrob95 Private 16 Rep 59 Posts Drives: 2014 328D Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: Fayettville NC iTrader: (0)	My intake looks WAAAAY cleaner than that at 150k miles. Egr deleted at 50k though. If possible, you should delete the egr.
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12-22-2021, 02:36 AM	#12
raptor_xxx Registered 0 Rep 4 Posts Drives: BMW F07 Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: AUT iTrader: (0)	WOW! Respect for this hard work. All the best
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12-24-2021, 03:45 PM	#13
webdeemo New Member 0 Rep 11 Posts Drives: f31 330d Join Date: Sep 2021 Location: deutschland iTrader: (0)	Well done and super good pictures. Congratulations.
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01-04-2022, 06:24 AM	#14
thirayuw New Member 0 Rep 5 Posts Drives: BMW F30 Join Date: Jun 2021 Location: Thailand iTrader: (0)	Nice work
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01-04-2022, 04:26 PM	#15
Brad757 New Member 11 Rep 21 Posts Drives: BMW 335D F30 Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Durham iTrader: (0)	How much did they charge for all that if you don't mind me asking?
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01-07-2022, 05:39 AM	#16
Tommi_Mav Private First Class 66 Rep 133 Posts Drives: F32 435dx Join Date: Mar 2020 Location: Greece iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 F32 435d X-drive [0.00]	I guess he did it by himself...
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01-09-2022, 02:52 PM	#17
Johnwee Registered 0 Rep 4 Posts Drives: F31 330d Join Date: Jan 2022 Location: Germany iTrader: (0)	Have you measured the elongation of the chain and compared ot old to new? Since i heared the N57 is not known for problems wirh the chain, This would be interesting.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-11-2022, 02:53 AM	#18
Mr.Gee Enlisted Member 56 Rep 32 Posts Drives: 430D Coupe Join Date: Feb 2020 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Hey all... I have video showing the chain was slack, at the end of the day a chain will stretch given time and wear. A BMW Master Technician carried out the work for me it cost around 2.5k for the work, but more work was done than just chains and walnut blasting.
	Appreciate 0 Quote