[prkr]

Decided I wasn't willing to wait for my timing chain to blow up my engine, just dropped the car off to get the updated timing chain guide, a catless downpipe and bootmod3 all for about $3000.

Is this a fair price? Curious what you guys think.

EDIT: Scroll down for some photos/alarming news

[sspade]

Yep, that seems fair. Who is doing the work?

I wonder what exact components they will be replacing. Ask for a complete list and compare with the parts list from dealer repair orders that have been posted. There is definitely some variability here.

I'd probably ask that all original parts be saved for inspection (by you) afterwards as well. Both for curiosity and to make sure that everything that should be changed, actually was.

[prkr]

Originally Posted by sspade

Yep, that seems fair. Who is doing the work?

I wonder what exact components they will be replacing. Ask for a complete list and compare with the parts list from dealer repair orders that have been posted. There is definitely some variability here.

I'd probably ask that all original parts be saved for inspection (by you) afterwards as well. Both for curiosity and to make sure that everything that should be changed, actually was.

I'll be sure to ask for all of that, the shop I'm going with is local to tempe and specializes in performance cars my buddy works there and is pulling some strings so I'm not going to name the shop.

[prkr]

Shop should be done with it by friday, buddy sent me snapchat of a couple pieces of my guide that he found in the oil pan very thankful I didnt wait until this thing failed to take care of this.

[floridaorange]

So otherwise no sound of any kind you just wanted to make the precautionary change?

[prkr]

Originally Posted by floridaorange

So otherwise no sound of any kind you just wanted to make the precautionary change?

Correct, didnt notice any sound even with a partially broken guide

[rjd_F30]

Wow, that's kind of frightening that parts of your guide were just sitting in the oil pan. Good thing you got this done when you did!

[prkr]

Originally Posted by rjdnyy224

Wow, that's kind of frightening that parts of your guide were just sitting in the oil pan. Good thing you got this done when you did!

Right!? Very thankful I took it in when I did, could’ve been having to source a new n20 right about now

[DBnR]

Got an estimate for about 2600 € on mine. Seems a bit steep for basically bringing the car up to the spec it was supposed to be in when leaving the factory.

Currently contemplating getting a new car, which most likely wont be a BMW.

[MilanF30]

Jesus Christ this engine is a total piece of shit! When you compare chains and guides with Honda or Toyota engines, than you see how they properly make chain and guides, and not like bmw putting a chain from a bicycle with a chip plastic guides.

You've had crazy luck OP
I'm totally disappointed... I'll never buy another bmw again

[Zanity]

Originally Posted by prkr

Shop should be done with it by friday, buddy sent me snapchat of a couple pieces of my guide that he found in the oil pan very thankful I didnt wait until this thing failed to take care of this.

That's unreal, what's the mileage on it when you did the replacement ? I hope BMW realize how bad this looked for their reputation.

[prkr]

Originally Posted by Zanity

That's unreal, what's the mileage on it when you did the replacement ? I hope BMW realize how bad this looked for their reputation.

Right about 95,000 miles currently 2012 f30 sportline

[prkr]

Originally Posted by DBnR

Got an estimate for about 2600 € on mine. Seems a bit steep for basically bringing the car up to the spec it was supposed to be in when leaving the factory.

Currently contemplating getting a new car, which most likely wont be a BMW.

Yeah I mean im paying $3000 USD all the timing chain nonsense AND bootmod3 AND the catless downpipe

[prkr]

Originally Posted by MilanF30

Jesus Christ this engine is a total piece of shit! When you compare chains and guides with Honda or Toyota engines, than you see how they properly make chain and guides, and not like bmw putting a chain from a bicycle with a chip plastic guides.

You've had crazy luck OP
I'm totally disappointed... I'll never buy another bmw again

I’ve really been enjoying this f30 to be honest, its my third 3 series and although things like this are frustrating I don’t see myself leaving the brand.

[floridaorange]

Originally Posted by prkr

Yeah I mean im paying $3000 USD all the timing chain nonsense AND bootmod3 AND the catless downpipe

No. It's not THAT prevalent of an issue, or there would absolutely be a recall. Many members love the N20.

[prkr]

Originally Posted by floridaorange

No. It's not THAT prevalent of an issue, or there would absolutely be a recall. Many members love the N20.

I know I've been enjoying it so far (other than this)

[MilanF30]

I'm am enjoying the car, and it's also my third 3 series, but c'mon this is too much.
I previously owned E90 320d with N47 engine... notorious for timing chain issue, that's why i sold it and got F30 328i for which at that time were not so many cases of broken TC... aaaand look at it now.
Just type BMW timing chain on google or youtube and you'll get endless list of cases and variety of engines. So i guess they won't ever learn

[cmsee17]

I'm at 65k miles right now for my f30 and still within the extended warranty period for the timing chain. Does this mean I can take it in to a service center and request it be replaced?

[sspade]

Originally Posted by cmsee17

I'm at 65k miles right now for my f30 and still within the extended warranty period for the timing chain. Does this mean I can take it in to a service center and request it be replaced?

Not unless they deem it necessary. Your engine would have to be showing symptoms of chain/guide failure. Most often this is characterized by excessive slack in the timing chain and a high pitched whining noise that increases in intensity with engine RPM increase.

They likely won't replace it "just because" but I guess it's worth a visit to see. Let us know what they say if you do decide to take it to dealer. Be prepared for a diagnostic fee if they don't find anything wrong.

[cmsee17]

Originally Posted by sspade

Not unless they deem it necessary. Your engine would have to be showing symptoms of chain/guide failure. Most often this is characterized by excessive slack in the timing chain and a high pitched whining noise that increases in intensity with engine RPM increase.

They likely won't replace it "just because" but I guess it's worth a visit to see. Let us know what they say if you do decide to take it to dealer. Be prepared for a diagnostic fee if they don't find anything wrong.

Thanks for the information. I'm not sure about hearing a high pitch whining noise since I do a lot of highway driving and my windows are usually closed. Is there an existing thread with instructions on how to check to see if there is excessive slack? I'm kinda hoping I can at least show for one of these symptoms so I don't have to cough $3k for a replacement.

[sspade]

Originally Posted by cmsee17

Thanks for the information. I'm not sure about hearing a high pitch whining noise since I do a lot of highway driving and my windows are usually closed. Is there an existing thread with instructions on how to check to see if there is excessive slack? I'm kinda hoping I can at least show for one of these symptoms so I don't have to cough $3k for a replacement.

Nothing official on checking for slack...

One thing you can do is open up the oil fill cap when the engine is off but warm... and try to gently move the chain with your fingers. If you do it when engine is cold, it wouldn't be out of the ordinary for there to be a bit of slack because the chain tensioner works on oil pressure. If there is zero oil pressure built up... the tensioner is relaxed and not pushing against guide rail to keep chain taught. That's why you want to check with engine warm.

[pierreye]

Good catch! I also done my pro-actively around 70,000 km and the technician show me the broken rail guide. No whining sound for my engine too as mine had crack on the rail but the plastic is not broken into pieces.