10-02-2021, 05:34 PM | #1 |
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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! |
10-02-2021, 06:07 PM | #2 |
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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.
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10-02-2021, 10:42 PM | #3 |
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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. |
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10-02-2021, 11:13 PM | #4 |
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10-03-2021, 09:13 AM | #5 |
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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 The N20/26 tensioner was superseded by a different design in 2016.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.
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10-03-2021, 10:07 AM | #6 | |
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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.. |
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10-03-2021, 01:03 PM | #7 | |
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Quote:
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10-03-2021, 07:28 PM | #8 |
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All is answered here:
https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/select |
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10-04-2021, 11:40 AM | #9 |
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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.
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10-04-2021, 11:49 AM | #10 | |
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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. |
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