[Couleebyi]

Hi! I am looking into purchasing this 2013 BMW 328i xDrive from a private seller. On their listing they listed a few things that they recently replaced.. Something such as oil and tires clearly are just maintenance, but I was wondering if someone with more mechanical insight could let me know if you think they replaced these parts for maintenance reasons as they stated, or if it seems like they were trying to chase down a problem, gave up and decided to sell. Obviously no way to know until I buy and it's too late.. But maybe someone may know more on this.

It has 128,900 miles.
Their post includes:
"Clean title. Runs and drive perfect. New turbo. New tires. New oil. New transmission oil. New transmission flush. New A/T oil Pan kit.New spark plugs. New thermostat. I have all the recepts.
Just need a bigger car
My lost your gain!"

Any thoughts?

[tturedraider]

At 130k all pretty routine except probably the new turbo. But even that is not totally out of the ballpark. Especially on a 2013 with 130k. I think the turbos on say the B46 might be a little more robust, but I can’t say that with 100% certainty. I’d be disappointed to have to replace the turbo, but not shocked.

I’d say all that’s been done is pretty good stuff. Just be aware some of the ancillaries could be coming up for replacement. I’m thinking of the starter and the water pump in particular. If I remember correctly, and I’m pretty sure I do, the electric water pump can fail without warning. I know that is the case with the E90 and I’m pretty certain it is with the F30, too.

[Billfitz]

What I'd be concerned about is it doesn't list a new timing chain or timing chain tensioner. If the timing chain and guides look OK using a bore scope and you buy it you should have the tensioner upgraded ASAP.

[tturedraider]

Originally Posted by Billfitz

What I'd be concerned about is it doesn't list a new timing chain or timing chain tensioner. If the timing chain and guides look OK using a bore scope and you buy it you should have the tensioner upgraded ASAP.

Good point!! That should have occurred to me!

[F32Fleet]

Originally Posted by tturedraider

Good point!! That should have occurred to me!

May not be original owner

[NDA601551]

Sounds solid. Ten years old. Anything could happen though. At least two big items out of the way. Services performed, has receipts for repairs. Might consider asking about valve cover gasket and suspension replacement/repair. I’d ride it, depending on price of course.

[Billfitz]

The valve cover gasket is due at 100,000 miles. Doing that will expose the timing chain and guides, allowing for close inspection.

[fe7565]

Originally Posted by Billfitz

What I'd be concerned about is it doesn't list a new timing chain or timing chain tensioner. If the timing chain and guides look OK using a bore scope and you buy it you should have the tensioner upgraded ASAP.

Don't want to hijack the OP's thread, but my question is relevant to his situation too. I am familiar with the problem(s) behind the timing chain, guide, and tensioner for the N20/N26. I know that around 2015 BMW upgraded the tensioner and also changed the chain design-structure for better. But if upon inspecting my timing chain tension with a borescope via the oil fill opening I do not see any slack, should I replace the tensioner? Can the tensioner just get stuck overnight (loses oil) and allow the timing chain to slack? If that happens, wouldn't I hear a loud whining sound for quite a few miles before a catastrophic failure happens...thus giving me time to remedy?

[Billfitz]

The chain was replaced in January 2015, the tensioner in 2016. What's key is that the N20 and N55 used the same chain, same guides, different tensioner. The N55 didn't have the chain problems to anywhere near the extent that the N20 did. That, and the fact that BMW changed the tensioner design, tells me that the tensioner was the problem all along. The whining indicates that the guide has been damaged, so changing the tensioner at that point is too late. IMO the tensioner replacement is far too inexpensive to not do it, especially considering the cost of chain and guide replacement, or worse.

[SuperLomi]

The only thing I question is : “ New transmission flush.” what exactly was done here, because everything I have read, including from ZF, says specifically NOT to flush the transmission, just refresh the oil and pan/filter.

Could also just be a terminology misunderstanding.

[fe7565]

Some detailed info on the N26 (and others) tensioner changes, etc




And the process of replacing it:



And the parts:

[fe7565]

So looks like this is a correct part number for the updated tensioner:

Tensioner 11318685091

Better to buy from dealer, or like ECS Tuning or FC Euro, because I see OEM used on Ebay which may come with its own problems, but also (strangely) brand new ones for $25 which must be from China.