F30POST
F30POST
2012-2015 BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum (F30 / F32) | F30POST > 2012-2019 BMW 3 and 4-Series Forums > General F30 Sedan / F32 Coupe / F36 Gran Coupe Forum > Timing Chain Question
Studio RSR
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      10-02-2021, 05:34 PM   #1
Four2
New Member
1
Rep
8
Posts

Drives: 2013 BMW 328i xDrive
Join Date: Sep 2021
Location: San Antonio, TX

iTrader: (0)

Timing Chain Question

Hello,

Taking a look at the timing chain on my 328i xDrive today to see if I'm in danger of needing to replace soon...

In the picture posted, the chain itself is perfectly taut, no play at all. No typical timing chain dying cat sound, no visible scoring on the chain. However, the orange/brown plastic guide piece does have some slight side to side movement under pressure. It isn't a loose movement, but with a reasonably firm push on either side, it does move a quarter inch or so to each side.

Something I should be worried about or am I just being paranoid like usual?

Thanks!
Attached Images
 
Appreciate 0
      10-02-2021, 06:07 PM   #2
Billfitz
Lieutenant General
Billfitz's Avatar
United_States
8170
Rep
15,962
Posts

Drives: '15 328iX GT
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: New Hampshire

iTrader: (0)

It may not be anything to be worried about, but change the tensioner. From what I've been able to surmise it's the reason why the chain and/or guides fail.
Appreciate 0
      10-02-2021, 10:42 PM   #3
helomech
Enlisted Member
30
Rep
43
Posts

Drives: 2012 328i
Join Date: Jul 2021
Location: WI

iTrader: (0)

I recently removed the valve cover and oil pan to do a thorough inspection of my timing chain & guides (2012 328i). I had an issue detailed in another thread.

https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...w+oil+pressure

The timing components had been replaced less than 20K miles earlier under a previous owner under warranty by a dealer. I did notice that the guides moved in line with the crankshaft (you mentioned side to side, so we may be talking about different movement...), as if they were designed to float on pins rather than be fastened securely to the block. I did not have any play other than the fwd and aft movement, and nothing was broken or worn. Just a sample of one car, hope this helps.

I am curious as to what a good service interval is for replacing that tensioner. It doesn't look to be a bad job, and its not a crazy expensive part. I would much rather replace the tensioner early on a schedule, than have the guides fail and be facing a TC replacement.
Appreciate 0
      10-02-2021, 11:13 PM   #4
gameson
Captain
167
Rep
696
Posts

Drives: 2015 BMW 320i N20
Join Date: Jul 2021
Location: USA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Billfitz View Post
It may not be anything to be worried about, but change the tensioner. From what I've been able to surmise it's the reason why the chain and/or guides fail.
Is it expensive to change the tensioner? Thanks.
Appreciate 0
      10-03-2021, 09:13 AM   #5
Billfitz
Lieutenant General
Billfitz's Avatar
United_States
8170
Rep
15,962
Posts

Drives: '15 328iX GT
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: New Hampshire

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by helomech View Post
I am curious as to what a good service interval is for replacing that tensioner. It doesn't look to be a bad job, and its not a crazy expensive part.
There's no service interval. Here's the deal: the N20/26 timing chain and guides are the same as those in the N55. The original tensioner was not. The N20/26 tensioner was superseded by a different design in 2016. BMW wouldn't have done that unless they had good reason to. IMO the original tensioner was the problem, otherwise the chain and guide on the N55s would have failed at the same rate. If your build date is before 12/28/2016, which means pretty much all N20/26, it's a good idea to change it. If you had the timing chain replaced since then it should have had the new design tensioner installed.
Appreciate 2
      10-03-2021, 10:07 AM   #6
gameson
Captain
167
Rep
696
Posts

Drives: 2015 BMW 320i N20
Join Date: Jul 2021
Location: USA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Billfitz View Post
There's no service interval. Here's the deal: the N20/26 timing chain and guides are the same as those in the N55. The original tensioner was not. The N20/26 tensioner was superseded by a different design in 2016. BMW wouldn't have done that unless they had good reason to. IMO the original tensioner was the problem, otherwise the chain and guide on the N55s would have failed at the same rate. If your build date is before 12/28/2016, which means pretty much all N20/26, it's a good idea to change it. If you had the timing chain replaced since then it should have had the new design tensioner installed.
Do you know the part number for the new tensioner design? So you are saying that tensioner for n55 is the same throughout the lifetime of n55 but the n20 tensioner is changed in 2016? And is it changed to n55 tensioner?

I have an n20 build 5/15, and i think i may keep the car for a while, so i want to try to keep my engine as reliable as possible, and try to reduce problematic part as much as i can.

I read that if i change tensioner then may as well change the timing chain and guide. Should i do that? Also is there a timing chain made in metal instead of plastic?

I also know there is problem with oil pump and oil pressure sensor and i intend to have those checked as well. I read that broken oil pump may lead to broken pistons and fixing pistons require rebuilding engine. Expensive…

Thanks.

Last edited by gameson; 10-03-2021 at 10:15 AM..
Appreciate 0
      10-03-2021, 01:03 PM   #7
helomech
Enlisted Member
30
Rep
43
Posts

Drives: 2012 328i
Join Date: Jul 2021
Location: WI

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Billfitz View Post
There's no service interval. Here's the deal: the N20/26 timing chain and guides are the same as those in the N55. The original tensioner was not. The N20/26 tensioner was superseded by a different design in 2016. BMW wouldn't have done that unless they had good reason to. IMO the original tensioner was the problem, otherwise the chain and guide on the N55s would have failed at the same rate. If your build date is before 12/28/2016, which means pretty much all N20/26, it's a good idea to change it. If you had the timing chain replaced since then it should have had the new design tensioner installed.
Very good to know that. Thanks for the clarification.
Appreciate 0
      10-03-2021, 07:28 PM   #8
Billfitz
Lieutenant General
Billfitz's Avatar
United_States
8170
Rep
15,962
Posts

Drives: '15 328iX GT
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: New Hampshire

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by gameson View Post
Do you know the part number for the new tensioner design?
All is answered here:
https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/select
Appreciate 0
      10-04-2021, 11:40 AM   #9
sspade
Major General
sspade's Avatar
United_States
2460
Rep
5,451
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 have the new tensioner although not installed yet… it definitely it a different design with a stiffer spring and relocated/resized holes for oil flow. Pretty sure I posted pics on here at some point.
Appreciate 0
      10-04-2021, 11:49 AM   #10
gameson
Captain
167
Rep
696
Posts

Drives: 2015 BMW 320i N20
Join Date: Jul 2021
Location: USA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Billfitz View Post
https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/par...&q=11318685091

This one? How many do i need? Also is it a high labor intensive work to get this done? Should i change the guide and chain while at it or no? I believe build 2015 and later already have the new chain design, right?

Main diagram

https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=11_4773

Thanks.
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:47 AM.




f30post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST