[chipguy]

Originally Posted by MilanF30

Thanks for sharing
Is it complicated to change the tensioner...I read somewhere that it's not an easy task?

Changing the tensioner is very easy. Should not take more than half an hour. Tensionser is in the front right of the engine. Next to the turbo wastegate actuator.

[QUiKSR20]

Originally Posted by chipguy

Changing the tensioner is very easy. Should not take more than half an hour. Tensionser is in the front right of the engine. Next to the turbo wastegate actuator.

Can you post a part # or picture of the tensioner? Has anyone else done this? I did my serp belt tensionser which was cake but not my timing chain tensioner.

[chipguy]

Originally Posted by quiksr20

can you post a part # or picture of the tensioner? Has anyone else done this? I did my serp belt tensionser which was cake but not my timing chain tensioner.

11318685091

[jsouth]

Originally Posted by chipguy

I am sure because I just did it. This is one of the pictures from TIS

Also, included the link for the procedure.

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/f...aft/1VncnN3x3P

Thanks. I stand corrected. I watched a video of DIY timing chain replacement and I would have sworn there was a timing cover. Wow! I still would not do all that without changing the chains (oil pump as well) but maybe I'm overly cautious.

[QUiKSR20]

Originally Posted by chipguy

11318685091

Thanks, Are people actively replacing this... Cant find anything online about replacing this for maintenance or it wearing..

[sspade]

Originally Posted by chipguy

Changing the tensioner is very easy. Should not take more than half an hour. Tensionser is in the front right of the engine. Next to the turbo wastegate actuator.

And you literally just find it and unscrew it... and twist in the new one?

Any special torque or just hand snug?

[chipguy]

Originally Posted by sspade

And you literally just find it and unscrew it... and twist in the new one?

Any special torque or just hand snug?

torque is 80Nm

[chipguy]

Originally Posted by jsouth

Thanks. I stand corrected. I watched a video of DIY timing chain replacement and I would have sworn there was a timing cover. Wow! I still would not do all that without changing the chains (oil pump as well) but maybe I'm overly cautious.

I can see why you would change out both chains. Replacing the chains require removing the oil pan, steering gear, part of the front suspension and will probably triple the amount of time needed. Plus I do not have a lift.

There are lots of debate whether the chain or the guides fail first. It is really hard to know for sure but I believe both could happen. Most have reported a whinning noise before failure but some claims it happened without warning. I believe the ones that happened without warning are the ones where the guide broke first. This is what I would like to avoid.

I would still monitor if the chain makes this whinning noise.

[chipguy]

Originally Posted by QUiKSR20

Thanks, Are people actively replacing this... Cant find anything online about replacing this for maintenance or it wearing..

https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1508793

There are a few threads on this. I doubt this will complete prevent failures, but it does not hurt for sure`

[QUiKSR20]

Originally Posted by chipguy

https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1508793

There are a few threads on this. I doubt this will complete prevent failures, but it does not hurt for sure`

Thanks dude its cheap and easy enough, Ill def look into it.

[langm1]

I am currently looking at buying a 2013 X3 28i but everything that I have been reading about the timing chain issues is kind of throwing me for a loop. Is it a 100% certainty that I am going to lose my timing chain at some point? Can I just replace the guide and have a peace of mind? Do I only need to replace the tensioner? Any help from those more experienced would be greatly appreciated.

[QUiKSR20]

Originally Posted by langm1

I am currently looking at buying a 2013 X3 28i but everything that I have been reading about the timing chain issues is kind of throwing me for a loop. Is it a 100% certainty that I am going to lose my timing chain at some point? Can I just replace the guide and have a peace of mind? Do I only need to replace the tensioner? Any help from those more experienced would be greatly appreciated.

No you could get a timing chain issue or you could not, You could get an oil pump whine thats harmless outside of the annoying sound or your car could never have an issue.

The people on this forum, myself included are only a small fraction of the people in the world driving these cars that are affected.

If I was to re-purchase though I would purchase one with the updated parts just for piece of mind.. My 2013 has a whiny oil pump but once warm it goes away and drives like a dream @ 102k miles just be sure to change your oil every 6-6500 miles and disable start stop. Both of those tips seem to go a long way.

[F30BimmerChris]

Model: 2013 328i N26
Build: Munich 01/2013
Mileage: 77k miles
Timing Chain Status: No problems
Oil Changes: Every 6k since 45k
Stop/Start Status: Coded off at 50k
Additional Details: Bootmod3 at 60k,

I have always been on top of maintenance because that's all my car has needed, every oil change has been with Liqui Moly products and have used CeraTec every 30k, just poured in my second bottle after my previous oil change.
I got this car used with 45k, and it still runs like new.
Oil changes done from 45k to 74k I used Liqui Moly Leichtlauf High Tech 5W 40 with a bottle of Mos2 Anti-Friction additive. I started doing research on the new Molygen oils and gave it a shot at 74k, it made the engine is a lot quieter at idle. So I do believe it has the proper mix of Additives and this is my new oil as I am not going to buy the Mos2 additive anymore and will be using just the Molygen 5W 40.

Service records only indicate warranty work for the steering wheel horn, and when I take my oil cap off I see the orange timing chain guides, so it's all original.

[sgovind]

Model: 2014 328xi N26
Mileage: 33k miles
Timing Chain Status: No problems, but replaced under CPO warranty
Oil Changes: Every 7.5k since 9k (bought at 9k)
Stop/Start Status: Turned off since 10k

Took my car in for an oil change and brake fluid flush. CPO expires in 02/2020 so I asked the dealer to check a bunch of stuff including the timing chain. They reported back saying timing chain was good and no problems. I insisted that I wanted to replace it since the motor won't be covered under the extended limited warranty in case something were to happen. They were kind enough to accept and replaced it under CPO warranty.

I had the car advertised on the forum briefly and it really bugged me that nobody was even willing to consider it because of the potential timing chain issue. I eventually decided to keep the car and pushed the dealer to replace it. Took some effort but worth it since it gives me peace of mind.

[f30nick]

Maybe should clarify that the timing chain may not be the only thing to go wrong.

In my case it was the guides breaking into the oil pan.

[rgolding]

Model: MY 2015 428i xDrive.
September 2014 build date
Mileage: 84k
Timing Chain Status: Getting replaced now
Oil Changes: Every 5-8k miles since 49k miles, not sure about PO
Stop/Start Coded Status: Always off, note sure about PO
Additional Details: Car is currently getting repaired, timing chain guide broke. While front subframe was down the dealership determined my turbo needed to be replaced too. Once i get the car back i will make a detailed post with a video and more pictures

[RMachuca3d]

Originally Posted by rgolding

Model: MY 2015 428i xDrive.
September 2014 build date
Mileage: 84k
Timing Chain Status: Getting replaced now
Oil Changes: Every 5-8k miles since 49k miles, not sure about PO
Stop/Start Coded Status: Always off, note sure about PO
Additional Details: Car is currently getting repaired, timing chain guide broke. While front subframe was down the dealership determined my turbo needed to be replaced too. Once i get the car back i will make a detailed post with a video and more pictures

Dealer covering it? extended warranty?

[rgolding]

Originally Posted by RMachuca3d

Dealer covering it? extended warranty?

Dealer covering timing chain work because of extended warranty which ends in 700 miles. TBD if turbo is covered, unrelated issue

[jkwhar]

Originally Posted by rgolding

Dealer covering timing chain work because of extended warranty which ends in 700 miles. TBD if turbo is covered, unrelated issue

If you have a N26, your turbo is covered under the SULEV warranty. Got mine replaced under that.

[RMachuca3d]

Originally Posted by jkwhar

If you have a N26, your turbo is covered under the SULEV warranty. Got mine replaced under that.

IF you live in one of the supporting SULEV states.

[jkwhar]

Originally Posted by RMachuca3d

IF you live in one of the supporting SULEV states.

Oh snap, forgot about the supporting states, thanks for correcting me!

[rgolding]

Originally Posted by jkwhar

Oh snap, forgot about the supporting states, thanks for correcting me!

Car is an NJ car but I'm currently in SC which isnt one of the states. Will most likely be covered, still waiting unfortunately. Will do a proper post when i get the car back and all of the details