[j.f.leonard]

Hello,

Recently my 2012 n20 starting making the infamous whining noise so I went ahead and had the timing chain assembly replaced preemptively to avoid my engine blowing up. This was a couple months ago, right at 82,000 miles.

I know there is a settlement for the timing chain issue with BMW, but I am unaware if I am eligible or not due to my car being a 2012 model. At one point, I thought they had settled for if the repair had been done within a year of the settlement date the person claiming the settlement would get 55% back. But, I have received no letters or emails or anything about it.

Any help or info is much appreciated, as I would love to get a portion of the $2,600 I spent getting it repaired back!!

[cfm56d7b]

From https://www.carcomplaints.com/news/2...g-chains.shtml

"The lawsuit alleges the plastic guide for the timing chain is made with a defective polycarbonate composition that causes the guide to break apart and lodge in the crankshaft drive sprocket, causing the chain to damage the engine.

As for the secondary chain, the lawsuit says it connects the oil pump and balance shaft assemblies to the crankshaft, but due to allegedly defective materials, the chain elongates and damages the sprocket."

The sad truth: this problem could be entirely avoided if engineers were allowed to return to the fundamentals taught in whatever engineering school they graduated from.

[Billfitz]

This is more current: https://www.carcomplaints.com/news/2...-reached.shtml

[j.f.leonard]

Originally Posted by Billfitz

This is more current: https://www.carcomplaints.com/news/2...-reached.shtml

So basically theres no reimbursement for vehicles over the 8 year/ 100k mile mark repaired within a year of the settlement date?

[Billfitz]

That would seem to be the case, although I've yet to receive or see an official document from BMW on this. I don't think it matters when the work was done, just the mileage or age of the car when the work was done.

[j.f.leonard]

Originally Posted by Billfitz

That would seem to be the case, although I've yet to receive or see an official document from BMW on this. I don't think it matters when the work was done, just the mileage or age of the car when the work was done.

Man, thats unfortunate. Well maybe once BMW releases official documents I may see the proposed settlement for cars repaired within a hear regardless of age. Thanks for the replies!

[pobrienny]

Does anyone know of a reason why the American N20/N26 engines have this issue? I've heard it's the gas quality- do some people use 87 Octane? Just wondering since the European cars don't have this issue. My 2013 N26 has 150k miles and is running strong -inspected the chain when I replaced the valve cover a couple of months ago. On the other hand, my 2013 X3 I just picked up with 39k miles just started making the infamous whine. Thoughts?

[Billfitz]

I've yet to see a definitive answer, but fuel is the last thing I'd suspect. I see no reason why Euro models wouldn't have the same problem, the engines are virtually identical. Look up the timing chain and associated parts for US and Euro versions at realoem, they're the same.

[F32Fleet]

Originally Posted by pobrienny

Does anyone know of a reason why the American N20/N26 engines have this issue? I've heard it's the gas quality- do some people use 87 Octane? Just wondering since the European cars don't have this issue. My 2013 N26 has 150k miles and is running strong -inspected the chain when I replaced the valve cover a couple of months ago. On the other hand, my 2013 X3 I just picked up with 39k miles just started making the infamous whine. Thoughts?

Iirc BMW had this problem in the UK prior to bringing the N-series 4-cylinder to the US. In the UK the N47 was the primary problem child and BMW dragged their feet in reaching a settlement. It was a huge disappointment for me because I wanted another 3-series diesel.

It's a design/materials issue unrelated to fuel quality. BMW didn't learn its lesson from the timing chain problem back in the 1990's.

Try a Google Search.

[Grateful_Newt]

I have a car which seems to be affected by this lawsuit. It's a 2015 320i. It is under the 8 year limit, and still well under the 70,000 miles extended warranty as well. Will BMW replace these parts on my car before they break?

[sspade]

Originally Posted by Grateful_Newt

I have a car which seems to be affected by this lawsuit. It's a 2015 320i. It is under the 8 year limit, and still well under the 70,000 miles extended warranty as well. Will BMW replace these parts on my car before they break?

What's your VIN?

Very specific models/model years covered. You are DEFINITELY at the far end of the spectrum (towards vehicles that have the updated components and are not covered). Also... BMW will only cover repair of timing chain components if it meets certain criteria. They will test for chain elongation with a special tool through the timing chain tensioner port.

Aimlessly showing up at a dealer looking for a free replacement without showing signs of failure will most likely result in you paying an hour or two labor for diagnosis of a problem that does not exist. Do what you want, just my experience/ honest opinion.

First thing is determining your actual build date and therefore whether you fall within the dates covered by the extended warranty. Second thing, is to question whether or not you are showing signs of failure.

I challenge you to run your vehicle through a BMW service department and pay zero dollars, keep us posted on the outcome.

[Billfitz]

Originally Posted by Grateful_Newt

Will BMW replace these parts on my car before they break?

Not unless they feel that they're on the verge of failure. The characteristic whining like a horny tom cat is the usual first sign. Evidence points to the timing chain tensioner being the real culprit. It's not an expensive part to change, so you should do so.

[Serg0211]

Hello Everyone,

I took my car to my mechanic and the car wouldn’t start. He opened it up because he thought it was the starter. Come to find out it was a time chain that slipped. He suggested that I take it to the dealership to see if they can cover it. I have a 2016 328i sulev GT with 48,790 miles. Does anyone know if there is coverage on that model?
Some advice would be really appreciated.

[F32Fleet]

Originally Posted by Serg0211

Hello Everyone,

I took my car to my mechanic and the car wouldn’t start. He opened it up because he thought it was the starter. Come to find out it was a time chain that slipped. He suggested that I take it to the dealership to see if they can cover it. I have a 2016 328i sulev GT with 48,790 miles. Does anyone know if there is coverage on that model?
Some advice would be really appreciated.

It covers vehicles with a build date ending 2/2015.

Assuming proper oil change history ask for good-will repair.

[Serg0211]

Originally Posted by F32Fleet

It covers vehicles with a build date ending 2/2015.

Assuming proper oil change history ask for good-will repair.

Than you for the feedback.
Mine is a 2016 I think I maybe out of luck.
Any guesses on how much for a new timing chain?

[F32Fleet]

Originally Posted by Serg0211

Than you for the feedback.
Mine is a 2016 I think I maybe out of luck.
Any guesses on how much for a new timing chain?

I have no idea but see if BMWNA will give you a break on the repair. Perhaps you pay for the parts and they pick up the labor.