N20 / N26 Timing Chain Failure Log

IraHayes · 06-12-2019, 07:17 AM

Model: MY 2015 328i . October, 2014 build date. Rosslyn, South Africa.
Mileage: 45k miles
Timing Chain Status: No problems
Oil Changes: Every 6k miles since 28k miles. Car is CPO, so not sure about PO. Car was under original warranty still, so I'm hoping they were doing every 10k max.
Stop/Start Coded Status: Coded, always off.
Additional Details: Using 5w-40.

MacklinUSOB · 06-12-2019, 09:49 AM

Model: MY 2012 328i . May, 2012 build date. Munich.
Mileage: 76,000 miles
Timing Chain Status: No whine or issue detected
Oil Changes: Every 4-5,000 miles since 50,000 miles, PO records show 12-15000 miles OCI (old BMW schedule). Weight: 5w-40
Stop/Start Coded Status: Coded, always off.

Solidjake · 06-12-2019, 11:51 AM

Model: 2013 328i. Sept 2012 build date
Mileage: 72k miles
Timing Chain Status: No problems
Oil Changes: Every 5k miles since 58k miles. PO said every 7500 miles
Stop/Start Coded Status: Coded off, not sure about PO
Additional Details: Bootmod3 at 62k miles

Love_Hounds · 06-12-2019, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IraHayes

Nice template, I’m going to steal it. What is PO?

Previous Owner

arvi604 · 06-12-2019, 12:33 PM

Build date 2012 MY '13 328xi 91000KM no issues so far.

rjd_F30 · 06-12-2019, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IraHayes

Nice template, I’m going to steal it. What is PO?

Thanks, but I stole it from MyEvo8u

PO= Previous Owner

sspade · 06-12-2019, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pierreye

528i built 3/2013. 70000 km without whining sound. ASS is coded off since day 1. As I'm going to keep my car long term, I'll bring it in next 2 days to change the timing chain, chain guide and tensioner. Will also take a peek at intake valve if that need cleaning too.

Make sure to share any photos or additional details you may come across in the process.

fluke · 06-12-2019, 09:46 PM

Some info I've posted before if you choose to accomplish the timing chain service bulletin preemptively:

It's about $2000 to have the timing chain service bulletin preemptively done at an independent shop. Basically it's 10 hours labor plus parts and 2 extra hours if you want them to replace the oil pump while they're in there. The oil pump is just a couple of bolts since they already have the pan off, so an independent mechanic may charge less time against it. Here's the service bulletin:

https://bmwtechnician.com/2017/08/02...-bmw-bulletin/

pierreye · 06-13-2019, 02:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sspade

Make sure to share any photos or additional details you may come across in the process.

Just send in yesterday. I ask the service advisor to call me when they disassemble the engine so that I can take a look at the timing chain rail and also the intake valve for carbon buildup after 70000 km.

Here in Malaysia, the timing chain replacement is around RM 4k (USD 1k) with authorized service center. Normally have a special discount on parts and labor if the car is service by them.

stroker15 · 06-13-2019, 03:28 AM

Model: 2013 328i. April 29, 2013 build date
Mileage: 103k miles
Timing Chain Status: Don't know if it's whining or not, don't think so.
Oil Changes: 11K Miles
Stop/Start Coded Status: Coded off
Additional Details: Bootmod3 at 103K Miles.

Now I'm worried. I've seen a post somewhere that listed a specific date that the timing chain guide rails were upgraded to prevent the problem. Does anyone have that list or date? I was under the impression that BMW corrected the problem? Anyone know when that was?

I seen the list of 7/70 warranty extension but I'm way out of that based on miles.

pierreye · 06-13-2019, 06:27 AM

The last change on newest part was in 2015. 2013 definitely have a potential timing chain issue.

F30lolz · 06-13-2019, 06:32 AM

Great thread. I’m not voting since my built date is 03/15. However, I did have a 13 328i with a built date of 01/13 that had IIRC 33k miles before I traded it in for the 335 and I did hear whine/chain noise from 25k on.

sspade · 06-13-2019, 08:19 AM

stroker15

Considering the ELW covers vehicles built up to 02/2015... anything built before that could have the old part numbers.

All 2012, 2013, 2014 and some 2015 are effected.

I noticed a guy on FB group yesterday who thought he had the new parts because his car was 2015. When he decoded the VIN... he found his build date to be 11/2014.

tonytwocans · 06-13-2019, 02:26 PM

Model: 228i, built 2/15
Mileage: 45,000 miles
Timing Chain Status: No whine or issue detected
Oil Changes: Every 4-5,000 miles since 35,000 miles, no records from PO
Stop/Start Coded Status: Always off, probably coded by the PO.

JoeyMcMahon101 · 06-13-2019, 03:00 PM

2013 328i xDrive N26

121k miles, same chain and guide.

Auto Start/Stop Turned Off.

No issues to speak of, love this car.

Change oil every 5-6k.

stroker15 · 06-13-2019, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pierreye

The last change on newest part was in 2015. 2013 definitely have a potential timing chain issue.

Thanks, I'm gonna have to start saving up. The timing chain kit alone is $556. I can assume the labor won't be cheap. But cheaper than a new motor.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...-11318648732kt

stroker15 · 06-13-2019, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeyMcMahon101

2013 328i xDrive N26

121k miles, same chain and guide.

Auto Start/Stop Turned Off.

No issues to speak of, love this car.

Change oil every 5-6k.

Thanks for your post. It's a relief to know you made it to 121K miles with no issues. I have hope mine will last long enough for me to afford changing it out. I got 103K miles.

I'll definitely start changing my oil more often now.

acr1271 · 06-14-2019, 07:09 AM

Model: MY 2015 328i. February 23, 2015 build date. Rosslyn, South Africa.
Mileage: 26k miles
Timing Chain Status: No problems
Oil Changes: Every 5k miles.
Stop/Start Coded Status: Coded, always off.

See timing chain pic attached. Looks like I have the old timing chain.

egon0119 · 06-16-2019, 07:49 PM

Model: 2014 F30 328i Sport RWD
Build: Munich, 2019-08
Mileage: 68,000 miles
Timing Chain Status: Short block replaced at 67,000 miles at BMW's cost after having my dealer investigate a whirring noise typical of the timing chain guide wear issue.
Oil Changes: Between 8,000 and 10,000 miles since new. Interval was deemed appropriate by used oil analysis.

sspade · 06-16-2019, 11:46 PM

Cheers to 340idude for being the first deushbag to vote (Yes, of course) who hasn’t had an N20.

A new member with a handful of posts... that username... but owned an N20 powered vehicle prior? That failed nonetheless? And never once came to this forum? GTFO.

15Blk428i · 06-17-2019, 08:49 PM

2015 428i N26 manufactured 06/15 28000miles
no issues

leadfoot12 · 06-18-2019, 01:32 AM

Model: MY 2014 328i . 2, 2014 build date.
Mileage: 63,000 miles
Timing Chain Status: No whine, no issues
Oil Changes: Every 6-7000 miles since 28,000 miles
Weight: 5w-40
Stop/Start Coded Status: Never in eco mode so it's never on.

Driven hard every day on my 24mile commute (one way)

View Poll Results: Did you experience timing chain failure on your N20 engine?
Yes, my timing chain failed or required replacement.	33	14.47%
No, I have not experienced timing chain failure.	187	82.02%
I replaced my timing chain as a preventative measure.	8	3.51%
Voters: 228. You may not vote on this poll

06-12-2019, 07:17 AM	#23
IraHayes First Lieutenant 154 Rep 387 Posts Drives: 328i Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: CA iTrader: (0)	Model: MY 2015 328i . October, 2014 build date. Rosslyn, South Africa. Mileage: 45k miles Timing Chain Status: No problems Oil Changes: Every 6k miles since 28k miles. Car is CPO, so not sure about PO. Car was under original warranty still, so I'm hoping they were doing every 10k max. Stop/Start Coded Status: Coded, always off. Additional Details: Using 5w-40. Last edited by IraHayes; 06-12-2019 at 02:16 PM..
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06-12-2019, 09:49 AM	#24
MacklinUSOB Captain 518 Rep 891 Posts Drives: f30 328i 6MT Sport Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Connecticut iTrader: (0)	Model: MY 2012 328i . May, 2012 build date. Munich. Mileage: 76,000 miles Timing Chain Status: No whine or issue detected Oil Changes: Every 4-5,000 miles since 50,000 miles, PO records show 12-15000 miles OCI (old BMW schedule). Weight: 5w-40 Stop/Start Coded Status: Coded, always off. __________________ 328i RWD \| MW on CRed Slick Top \| 6MT \| BM3 \| MPE \| GPlus FMIC \| CSF Radiator \| Millway Street Camber Plates & Monoballs \| KW V2 6k/18k Swift Springs \| F80 LCA/TS \| SPL Bump Steer Kit \| APEX SM-10 \| R-S4 \| DS2500 \| RBF600 \| SS Lines \| Past: E36 328is & E38 740i
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06-12-2019, 11:51 AM	#25
Solidjake ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 945 Rep 1,762 Posts Drives: '13 328i Msport 6MT Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: NYC/SNJ iTrader: (2)	Model: 2013 328i. Sept 2012 build date Mileage: 72k miles Timing Chain Status: No problems Oil Changes: Every 5k miles since 58k miles. PO said every 7500 miles Stop/Start Coded Status: Coded off, not sure about PO Additional Details: Bootmod3 at 62k miles __________________ Tensioner/belt DIY \| Side skirt extension DIY Apex SM-10/DWS06+ \| 400m/X-ice Xi3 \| Injen Exhaust \| Stoptech SS Lines \| 335 Front Brakes Hawk HPS 5.0 \| RBF600 \| ER Charge Pipes \| Wagner Evo Comp 2 FMIC
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06-12-2019, 12:33 PM	#27
arvi604 Private First Class 61 Rep 155 Posts Drives: F30 328xi SPORT Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Vancouver BC iTrader: (0)	Build date 2012 MY '13 328xi 91000KM no issues so far.
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06-12-2019, 09:46 PM	#30
fluke Private 36 Rep 68 Posts Drives: 2013 328 and 2015 X5 Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	Some info I've posted before if you choose to accomplish the timing chain service bulletin preemptively: It's about $2000 to have the timing chain service bulletin preemptively done at an independent shop. Basically it's 10 hours labor plus parts and 2 extra hours if you want them to replace the oil pump while they're in there. The oil pump is just a couple of bolts since they already have the pan off, so an independent mechanic may charge less time against it. Here's the service bulletin: https://bmwtechnician.com/2017/08/02...-bmw-bulletin/
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06-13-2019, 03:28 AM	#32
stroker15 Private First Class 63 Rep 178 Posts Drives: 2013 328I Sportline Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	Model: 2013 328i. April 29, 2013 build date Mileage: 103k miles Timing Chain Status: Don't know if it's whining or not, don't think so. Oil Changes: 11K Miles Stop/Start Coded Status: Coded off Additional Details: Bootmod3 at 103K Miles. Now I'm worried. I've seen a post somewhere that listed a specific date that the timing chain guide rails were upgraded to prevent the problem. Does anyone have that list or date? I was under the impression that BMW corrected the problem? Anyone know when that was? I seen the list of 7/70 warranty extension but I'm way out of that based on miles. __________________ ER Catted Downpipe\| K&N Drop in Air Filter\| FTP Charge Pipes\| CSF Intercooler\| Bootmod3 Stage 2\| Michelin Pilot Sport 4S\| Carbon Fiber Trim\| 30% Ceramic Tint\| Audio Control DM-810 DSP\| Audison Bit DMI Digital Interface\| Pioneer Amps\| Rockford Fosgate T3-BMW1\| Earthquake Subs.
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06-13-2019, 06:27 AM	#33
pierreye Lieutenant 212 Rep 500 Posts Drives: F10 & G01 Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: Malaysia iTrader: (0)	The last change on newest part was in 2015. 2013 definitely have a potential timing chain issue.
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06-13-2019, 08:19 AM	#35
sspade Major General 2465 Rep 5,457 Posts Drives: F30 Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: Stevenson, WA iTrader: (3) Garage List 2016 BMW 320i [7.87] 2014 BMW 328i [6.83]	stroker15 Considering the ELW covers vehicles built up to 02/2015... anything built before that could have the old part numbers. All 2012, 2013, 2014 and some 2015 are effected. I noticed a guy on FB group yesterday who thought he had the new parts because his car was 2015. When he decoded the VIN... he found his build date to be 11/2014.
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06-13-2019, 02:26 PM	#36
tonytwocans New Member 3 Rep 16 Posts Drives: 2015 BMW 228i Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: Florida iTrader: (0)	Model: 228i, built 2/15 Mileage: 45,000 miles Timing Chain Status: No whine or issue detected Oil Changes: Every 4-5,000 miles since 35,000 miles, no records from PO Stop/Start Coded Status: Always off, probably coded by the PO.
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06-13-2019, 03:00 PM	#37
JoeyMcMahon101 Banned 52 Rep 202 Posts Drives: 2013 BMW 328i xDrive Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: Iselin NJ iTrader: (0)	2013 328i xDrive N26 121k miles, same chain and guide. Auto Start/Stop Turned Off. No issues to speak of, love this car. Change oil every 5-6k.
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06-14-2019, 07:09 AM	#40
acr1271 New Member 5 Rep 20 Posts Drives: F30 Join Date: May 2018 Location: AL iTrader: (0)	Model: MY 2015 328i. February 23, 2015 build date. Rosslyn, South Africa. Mileage: 26k miles Timing Chain Status: No problems Oil Changes: Every 5k miles. Stop/Start Coded Status: Coded, always off. See timing chain pic attached. Looks like I have the old timing chain. Attached Images
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06-16-2019, 07:49 PM	#41
egon0119 Enlisted Member 5 Rep 34 Posts Drives: 2014 328i Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Philadelphia iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 BMW 328i [0.00]	Model: 2014 F30 328i Sport RWD Build: Munich, 2019-08 Mileage: 68,000 miles Timing Chain Status: Short block replaced at 67,000 miles at BMW's cost after having my dealer investigate a whirring noise typical of the timing chain guide wear issue. Oil Changes: Between 8,000 and 10,000 miles since new. Interval was deemed appropriate by used oil analysis.
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06-16-2019, 11:46 PM	#42
sspade Major General 2465 Rep 5,457 Posts Drives: F30 Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: Stevenson, WA iTrader: (3) Garage List 2016 BMW 320i [7.87] 2014 BMW 328i [6.83]	Cheers to 340idude for being the first deushbag to vote (Yes, of course) who hasn’t had an N20. A new member with a handful of posts... that username... but owned an N20 powered vehicle prior? That failed nonetheless? And never once came to this forum? GTFO.
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06-17-2019, 08:49 PM	#43
15Blk428i Private 35 Rep 67 Posts Drives: 2015 Black sapphire metallic Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0) Garage List 2015 BMW 428i Coupe [0.00]	2015 428i N26 manufactured 06/15 28000miles no issues __________________ VRSF downpipe ST coilovers 435 MPE exhaust Bootmod3 stg2, ER comp series FMIC, ER charge pipe, ER turbo to inter cooler charge pipe, GFB dv+, NGK LI plugs K&N air filter
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06-18-2019, 01:32 AM	#44
leadfoot12 Private 92 Rep 56 Posts Drives: 2016 340i Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	Model: MY 2014 328i . 2, 2014 build date. Mileage: 63,000 miles Timing Chain Status: No whine, no issues Oil Changes: Every 6-7000 miles since 28,000 miles Weight: 5w-40 Stop/Start Coded Status: Never in eco mode so it's never on. Driven hard every day on my 24mile commute (one way)
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