[DG330]

Hi,

Buying a used 320i 2012with 90k miles and wondering what to look for?

I believe the chain was replaced in 2015 at 60k by Bmw. Does this mean they would have used the later guides? If so, is there any distinguishing features I could check through the oil filler cap?

Any other bits to check out when inspecting?

Thanks,

Tim

[DG330]

Bump

[Mike_BMW]

Hi Txs330D, please view and read this thread:

https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1622988

Should help you a lot with the timing chain question. But a basic summary is that no body really knows why the timing chain fails - no specific answer unfortunately. I think a few lawsuits are ongoing about the issue which might help in the future.

Thanks.

[DG330]

Bump

[Davidbmwdd]

You can check on this link
https://bmwtechnician.com/2016/08/07...g-chain-issue/

I believe that the new plastic guide that came after 03/2015 is white comparing to the old one that was orange. Not 100% sure this is correct criteria to determine if f it is revisit part as i think i have read some comments that newer cars had also the same orange color of the guide. You can check yours and provide feedback

[sspade]

Originally Posted by Davidbmwdd

You can check on this link
https://bmwtechnician.com/2016/08/07...g-chain-issue/

I believe that the new plastic guide that came after 03/2015 is white comparing to the old one that was orange. Not 100% sure this is correct criteria to determine if f it is revisit part as i think i have read some comments that newer cars had also the same orange color of the guide. You can check yours and provide feedback

This has been proven to be incorrect a hundred times over.

All guides started white, new and old design. End of story.

This is proven by the factory tour/assembly video of the N20 (produced in 2012) shows white guides. This was taken before they even knew the timing chain would become an issue.

The guides turn orange/brown over time once they become discolored/saturated by the oil.

[MacklinUSOB]

Originally Posted by sspade

This has been proven to be incorrect a hundred times over.

All guides started white, new and old design. End of story.

This is proven by the factory tour/assembly video of the N20 (produced in 2012) shows white guides. This was taken before they even knew the timing chain would become an issue.

The guides turn orange/brown over time once they become discolored/saturated by the oil.

Think about the most pale person you know getting heavy into tanning with oil and bronzer, (almost) the same thing happens.

[Gen13 F36]

Originally Posted by MacklinUSOB

Think about the most pale person you know getting heavy into tanning with oil and bronzer, (almost) the same thing happens.

[floridaorange]

Save up for a 328 at least, untuned the 320i is gonna eventually bore you. That's my advice having had a tuned and detuned 320i.