Timing Chain - Preventative Replacement Costs

sspade · 03-27-2019, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by madmortar

SUB

Was at the dealer for an oil change and asked them to check my timing chain. They reported back no issues or slack to be concerned with. I have 1.5 years left on my warranty.

I was trying to get out of it and jump into a 2018 m240i in a stick that a sales rep was getting out of.... You would not BELIEVE what they wanted to offer for my car. Its crazy. Dont know if these timing chain concerns have killed the value of these cars but no way am I getting rid of this car for such a low quote.

I mean, I LOVE my car. Exterior and interior are perfect, exactly what i want (m-sport black with red interior). I just would rather have a) a motor that doesnt sound like a TDI and b) a stick.

But looks like if i dont want to burn a pile of money, i need to hold on to this car long term. Modding more when warranty is up. But yes, I do want to get the updated timing chain installed to avoid that headache down the line.

There's a lot of us in this boat, some are more likely to admit it than others.

I would venture a guess that nearly every single owner on this forum owes more on the car than its worth. But then again, that can be said for most cares on the road...

These cars are not worth a lot once they get north of 50k miles.

A smart financial decision would be to enjoy the hell out it until it dies. Its a great car to do that with in my opinion especially since the aftermarket parts scene is so hot. Any feature or look that your car is missing can easily be added (for the most part).

You can nurse an F30 along indefinitely if you wanted. Sorta my plan, not to say I dont have plans to own any other vehicles for the rest of my life

madmortar · 03-27-2019, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sspade

Quote:

Originally Posted by madmortar

SUB

Was at the dealer for an oil change and asked them to check my timing chain. They reported back no issues or slack to be concerned with. I have 1.5 years left on my warranty.

I was trying to get out of it and jump into a 2018 m240i in a stick that a sales rep was getting out of.... You would not BELIEVE what they wanted to offer for my car. Its crazy. Dont know if these timing chain concerns have killed the value of these cars but no way am I getting rid of this car for such a low quote.

I mean, I LOVE my car. Exterior and interior are perfect, exactly what i want (m-sport black with red interior). I just would rather have a) a motor that doesnt sound like a TDI and b) a stick.

But looks like if i dont want to burn a pile of money, i need to hold on to this car long term. Modding more when warranty is up. But yes, I do want to get the updated timing chain installed to avoid that headache down the line.

There's a lot of us in this boat, some are more likely to admit it than others.

I would venture a guess that nearly every single owner on this forum owes more on the car than its worth. But then again, that can be said for most cares on the road...

These cars are not worth a lot once they get north of 50k miles.

A smart financial decision would be to enjoy the hell out it until it dies. Its a great car to do that with in my opinion especially since the aftermarket parts scene is so hot. Any feature or look that your car is missing can easily be added (for the most part).

You can nurse an F30 along indefinitely if you wanted. Sorta my plan, not to say I dont have plans to own any other vehicles for the rest of my life

totally agree.
I just wish it was a stick...and had a B58 in there haha.

but I got in the car this morning...it is soooo nice. I mean it's a BMW! fancy and sharp. And it blows my mind that they would offer such a low number for such a nice car!

Solidjake · 03-29-2019, 02:55 AM

I'm at 69k. I wish we didn't have to deal with timing chain bs....

jkwhar · 03-29-2019, 07:36 AM

Just rolled over 80k 2 days ago with FBO and bm3 stage 2. I was actually talking to my buddy who works at BMW service and ask him whats the book hours for this and he said (I think he said) 20 hours.

ejsanto Where in NJ are you getting price? $1000-1500 is the price tag for a standard timing belt/water pump cost and I would pay that without hesitation (depending on the shop of course)!

MacklinUSOB · 03-29-2019, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jkwhar

Just rolled over 80k 2 days ago with FBO and bm3 stage 2. I was actually talking to my buddy who works at BMW service and ask him whats the book hours for this and he said (I think he said) 20 hours.

ejsanto Where in NJ are you getting price? $1000-1500 is the price tag for a standard timing belt/water pump cost and I would pay that without hesitation (depending on the shop of course)!

20 hours?!

I guess I'm not really surprised, they quote pad and rotor swap at 4 hours an axle or something insane.

madmortar · 03-29-2019, 09:44 AM

This is horse shit
and killing our value via Kelly Blue Book

obert · 03-29-2019, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by madmortar

This is horse shit
and killing our value via Kelly Blue Book

The average person buying our cars including myself have no clue about this and the dealer selling the car might not even know so they are not going to adjust the price of our cars down due to this possibly being an issue.

The value of our cars suck all by themselves. Lol

ejsanto · 03-29-2019, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jkwhar

Just rolled over 80k 2 days ago with FBO and bm3 stage 2. I was actually talking to my buddy who works at BMW service and ask him whats the book hours for this and he said (I think he said) 20 hours.

ejsanto Where in NJ are you getting price? $1000-1500 is the price tag for a standard timing belt/water pump cost and I would pay that without hesitation (depending on the shop of course)!

Its family friend for who owns the shop and he's decent with BMWs. That price is only for the timing chain+guide change. The water pump will be added to the bill. 20 hours is a steep estimate, ouch.

ejsanto · 03-29-2019, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MacklinUSOB

20 hours?!

I guess I'm not really surprised, they quote pad and rotor swap at 4 hours an axle or something insane.

Lol I could a rotor+pad change for you for 60 bucks and in way less time, if you're in the north jersey area

MacklinUSOB · 03-29-2019, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ejsanto

Lol I could a rotor+pad change for you for 60 bucks and in way less time, if you're in the north jersey area

Thanks for your offer, much appreciated but I've been DIYing for years now. Kind of a financial necessity if tracking the car and swapping out pads every season.

I just wish I was as comfortable changing the TC as I am with suspension and brakes.

BettyFkinCrocker · 03-29-2019, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by madmortar

This is horse shit
and killing our value via Kelly Blue Book

Used BMW (with the exclusion of some sought after models) have historically had terrible resale. The main market is in leases, and then the supply is flooded with used BMWs. And considering the 28i is basically the economy version of their lines, you shouldn't expect otherwise. So the value goes down. As was said, the timing chain has little to no effect. BMWs higher cost of long term maintenance and the high supply/low demand are the significant factors.

sspade · 03-29-2019, 11:58 AM

I think the 20 hr time estimate is all relative to the actual cost. Its almost irrelevant. In this case, if the labor rate of the shop was $90-100 per hr then this would be an accurate/fair estimate.

Obviously if their labor rate is $150 then the estimate of 20 becomes way too high.

My best guess is that an experienced tech can do a timing chain in 8-10 hrs (uninterrupted).

RMachuca3d · 03-29-2019, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sspade

I think the 20 hr time estimate is all relative to the actual cost. Its almost irrelevant. In this case, if the labor rate of the shop was $90-100 per hr then this would be an accurate/fair estimate.

Obviously if their labor rate is $150 then the estimate of 20 becomes way too high.

My best guess is that an experienced tech can do a timing chain in 8-10 hrs (uninterrupted).

Thats what BMW mechanics typically charge per their technical book, TC is quoted at 9 hours I believe.

cjs2002 · 03-29-2019, 12:42 PM

I'm at 76k now and my CPO warranty ends in May. Does anyone else have any experience with final check in before end of warranty?

sspade · 03-29-2019, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cjs2002

I'm at 76k now and my CPO warranty ends in May. Does anyone else have any experience with final check in before end of warranty?

Most times, they check it and report no issues. Then you're on your own.

D3nns4un · 04-06-2019, 09:49 PM

Are there an abundance of special tools required for the timing chain and oil pump drive job? No one here friendly enough with an indy German ship to tackle it and document with photos and tips? I’m sure you’d be the heros of many an N20 owner....

sspade · 04-06-2019, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by D3nns4un

Are there an abundance of special tools required for the timing chain and oil pump drive job? No one here friendly enough with an indy German ship to tackle it and document with photos and tips? I’m sure you’d be the heros of many an N20 owner....

The only special thing that you need is an N20 specific, cam alignment tool.

No biggie, same as any other motor. Other than this... should be simple hand tools.

If anyone knows otherwise... please let us know.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-N20-N26...0AAOSwLfNa2CV9

D3nns4un · 04-06-2019, 10:05 PM

I guess at least we have these now, but still pretty lame walkthroughs for non-bimmer mechanics.

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/e...shaft/FYz9DVh0

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/e...motor/FWywQ9mB

OlCrefoo · 04-13-2019, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sspade

The only special thing that you need is an N20 specific, cam alignment tool.

No biggie, same as any other motor. Other than this... should be simple hand tools.

If anyone knows otherwise... please let us know.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-N20-N26...0AAOSwLfNa2CV9

I did a post that covers some of the tools you need to do this at home recently. It's a bit more than just a cam tool. There's an oil pump tool. You'd be wise to do the crank seal tool, too.
https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...php?p=24429008

You may be able to get a 9 hr book job. I'd expect it to be a few more. Parts should run around $600. Also, that post covers some things you should add on.

madmortar · 04-15-2019, 06:02 AM

someone turned me on to the fact that I maybe able to get a refund for my extended warranty. My CPO ends this June 2019 but I bought an extra year for $2150 that goes to June 2020. Maybe worth getting a refund if I can and using that to go ahead and pay for this timing chain to get upgraded...

rjd_F30 · 04-15-2019, 07:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by madmortar

someone turned me on to the fact that I maybe able to get a refund for my extended warranty. My CPO ends this June 2019 but I bought an extra year for $2150 that goes to June 2020. Maybe worth getting a refund if I can and using that to go ahead and pay for this timing chain to get upgraded...

I would definitely refund that. IMO that money is much better spent on upgrading to new TC parts than paying for a warranty that you likely won't use.

Sanelko · 04-16-2019, 12:28 PM

It's tough to say one this one. The couple local dealerships I spoke to said they have seen the issue, but not to the proportion that people make it seem. Also said that every case they have seen was exhibiting a loud whine (described as a dying cat). My car's at about 95k now with no issues... that's not to say that it can't happen at any moment to me, but just not sure if it's worth stressing over like some people are.

03-29-2019, 02:55 AM	#25
Solidjake ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 945 Rep 1,762 Posts Drives: '13 328i Msport 6MT Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: NYC/SNJ iTrader: (2)	I'm at 69k. I wish we didn't have to deal with timing chain bs.... __________________ Tensioner/belt DIY \| Side skirt extension DIY Apex SM-10/DWS06+ \| 400m/X-ice Xi3 \| Injen Exhaust \| Stoptech SS Lines \| 335 Front Brakes Hawk HPS 5.0 \| RBF600 \| ER Charge Pipes \| Wagner Evo Comp 2 FMIC
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03-29-2019, 07:36 AM	#26
jkwhar Captain 172 Rep 740 Posts Drives: F30 328i Xdrive \| F15 x35i Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Central NJ iTrader: (7)	Just rolled over 80k 2 days ago with FBO and bm3 stage 2. I was actually talking to my buddy who works at BMW service and ask him whats the book hours for this and he said (I think he said) 20 hours. ejsanto Where in NJ are you getting price? $1000-1500 is the price tag for a standard timing belt/water pump cost and I would pay that without hesitation (depending on the shop of course)! __________________ Did my post help? Click "Appreciate!" FOR SALE! Sport line Steering wheel with heated, paddle shifter, vibration motor, no airbag \| EDM Bi-Xenon adaptive headlights (SOLD) \| surround view retrofit kit (sold) \| KAFAS2 camera and ECU \| FLA camera(sold) \| 6WB cluster (SOLD)
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03-29-2019, 09:44 AM	#28
madmortar Captain 181 Rep 785 Posts Drives: 2013 BMW 328i M-Sport Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Savannah, GA iTrader: (0)	This is horse shit and killing our value via Kelly Blue Book
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03-29-2019, 11:58 AM	#34
sspade Major General 2465 Rep 5,457 Posts Drives: F30 Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: Stevenson, WA iTrader: (3) Garage List 2016 BMW 320i [7.87] 2014 BMW 328i [6.83]	I think the 20 hr time estimate is all relative to the actual cost. Its almost irrelevant. In this case, if the labor rate of the shop was $90-100 per hr then this would be an accurate/fair estimate. Obviously if their labor rate is $150 then the estimate of 20 becomes way too high. My best guess is that an experienced tech can do a timing chain in 8-10 hrs (uninterrupted).
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03-29-2019, 12:42 PM	#36
cjs2002 New Member 0 Rep 6 Posts Drives: 2013 328iX Sport Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Chicago Burbs iTrader: (0)	I'm at 76k now and my CPO warranty ends in May. Does anyone else have any experience with final check in before end of warranty?
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04-06-2019, 09:49 PM	#38
D3nns4un New Member 2 Rep 7 Posts Drives: 2012 x1 28i Join Date: May 2018 Location: Ontario Canada iTrader: (0)	Are there an abundance of special tools required for the timing chain and oil pump drive job? No one here friendly enough with an indy German ship to tackle it and document with photos and tips? I’m sure you’d be the heros of many an N20 owner....
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04-06-2019, 10:05 PM	#40
D3nns4un New Member 2 Rep 7 Posts Drives: 2012 x1 28i Join Date: May 2018 Location: Ontario Canada iTrader: (0)	I guess at least we have these now, but still pretty lame walkthroughs for non-bimmer mechanics. https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/e...shaft/FYz9DVh0 https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/e...motor/FWywQ9mB
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04-15-2019, 06:02 AM	#42
madmortar Captain 181 Rep 785 Posts Drives: 2013 BMW 328i M-Sport Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Savannah, GA iTrader: (0)	someone turned me on to the fact that I maybe able to get a refund for my extended warranty. My CPO ends this June 2019 but I bought an extra year for $2150 that goes to June 2020. Maybe worth getting a refund if I can and using that to go ahead and pay for this timing chain to get upgraded...
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04-16-2019, 12:28 PM	#44
Sanelko Second Lieutenant 70 Rep 235 Posts Drives: 2012 Jet Black 328i Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Seattle iTrader: (0)	It's tough to say one this one. The couple local dealerships I spoke to said they have seen the issue, but not to the proportion that people make it seem. Also said that every case they have seen was exhibiting a loud whine (described as a dying cat). My car's at about 95k now with no issues... that's not to say that it can't happen at any moment to me, but just not sure if it's worth stressing over like some people are.
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