[alexander7599]

In short:

2015 BMW 328i

I just passed 69000 miles, my motor has 20000 miles less because I had to get a new one, so it is a different motor. I began to hear a very fast ticking noise coming from the engine and diagnosed the problem as a wearing timing chain. This is the sound.

The "ticking" noise is much more prominent in person. That is a brand new serpentine belt btw. Yes, regular and extensive preventative maintenance has been done. Very weird timing that I noticed this noise after I got the class action suit against BMW for a faulty timing chain. Just makes you wonder.

My local mechanic (I live in a small town) told me even if I provide the parts, I am looking at a $2,500 - $3,100 job... I'm not sure why haha... Then says if we have to remove the headers to check for any damage it will be around $4,200.

I did find a great tutorial online which provided links to all the necessary tools and parts required for the worn timing chain fix.

With the two required part kits and some other tools (that you can find on that page), I am looking at around $800 - $850 (with next day shipping). Is $2,500 - $4,200 a realistic cost for labor for this job?

What would any of you recommend?

UPDATE: I opened my oil cap and felt the chain with a screwdriver and then tried to move it around with my finger and NO budge, whatsoever. I am hoping that my preventative maintenance has lengthened the life of my timing chain. Remember that my motor is ~20,000 miles less than the odometer, which reads almost 70,000 miles. I also do not recall hearing the distinct "whining" noise associated with early timing chain failure, which I think is good... right?

[Billfitz]

That's not timing chain noise. Timing chain noise is a high pitched whine, not ticking.

[alexander7599]

Originally Posted by Billfitz

That's not timing chain noise. Timing chain noise is a high pitched whine, not ticking.

If you look at the link I included that shows the tutorial for the chain replacement, there is a video that lets you hear (at 0:44 seconds) the ticking sound, which is the same sound that my car is making; the same sound in the video I uploaded.

[QUiKSR20]

Have you drained your oil or checked your oil level to make sure your not low? You shoudlnt be but still thats the first thing to check. Drain all your oil.. See how much comes out, Add in the proper amount and see if the sound changes.. My 107k mile N20 has the oil pump whine but no chain noise. It also burns a little oil, I do my liquimoly changes every 6k miles and add a 1/2 quart to be safe at 3k. After she warms up it rips to 7k and has been tuned since 40k miles..

[Billfitz]

That video doesn't have timing chain noise. This one does:

[Silverlining_m2]

Originally Posted by alexander7599

In short:

2015 BMW 328i

I just passed 69000 miles, my motor has 20000 miles less because I had to get a new one, so it is a different motor. I began to hear a very fast ticking noise coming from the engine and diagnosed the problem as a wearing timing chain. This is the sound.

The "ticking" noise is much more prominent in person. That is a brand new serpentine belt btw. Yes, regular and extensive preventative maintenance has been done. Very weird timing that I noticed this noise after I got the class action suit against BMW for a faulty timing chain. Just makes you wonder.

My local mechanic (I live in a small town) told me even if I provide the parts, I am looking at a $2,500 - $3,100 job... I'm not sure why haha... Then says if we have to remove the headers to check for any damage it will be around $4,200.

I did find a great tutorial online which provided links to all the necessary tools and parts required for the worn timing chain fix.

With the two required part kits and some other tools (that you can find on that page), I am looking at around $800 - $850 (with next day shipping). Is $2,500 - $4,200 a realistic cost for labor for this job?

What would any of you recommend?

UPDATE: I opened my oil cap and felt the chain with a screwdriver and then tried to move it around with my finger and NO budge, whatsoever. I am hoping that my preventative maintenance has lengthened the life of my timing chain. Remember that my motor is ~20,000 miles less than the odometer, which reads almost 70,000 miles. I also do not recall hearing the distinct "whining" noise associated with early timing chain failure, which I think is good... right?

I'm pretty sure thats what an N2x motor sounds like when operating normally?

[Billfitz]

Sounds normal to me.

[alexander7599]

Originally Posted by QUiKSR20

Have you drained your oil or checked your oil level to make sure your not low? You shoudlnt be but still thats the first thing to check. Drain all your oil.. See how much comes out, Add in the proper amount and see if the sound changes.. My 107k mile N20 has the oil pump whine but no chain noise. It also burns a little oil, I do my liquimoly changes every 6k miles and add a 1/2 quart to be safe at 3k. After she warms up it rips to 7k and has been tuned since 40k miles..

I'll check my oil today, I recently got it changed so it should be fine. I will double check. My motor is around 50,000 miles, feels and sounds healthy for the most part. I am only here because my mechanic said that rapid ticking sound is my chain failing.

[alexander7599]

Originally Posted by Billfitz

That video doesn't have timing chain noise. This one does:

Okay so my engine doesn't make ANY noise that sounds remotely like that, although my motor is at ~50,000 miles, (odometer at 69,000) it sounds and runs healthy as far as I can tell.

I'll post a video of me trying to move my timing chain with my finger let me know what you think.

Thanks!

[ooshnoo]

I agree with the others...that's not timing chain noise. The clicking is from the injectors.

[Billfitz]

Originally Posted by alexander7599

I am only here because my mechanic said that rapid ticking sound is my chain failing.

Your mechanic must not be familiar with the BMW four bangers, which are renowned for sounding like diesels. That clicking is from the fuel injectors.

[Jtizle]

Yeah from what I’ve been told it’s normal, my car makes the same ticking noise too.

[alexander7599]

I called the BMW center near me and scheduled an appointment for them to look at the timing chain, which cost $225 (not upfront).

A day later they said they will replace it under warranty for free and also waived the $225 fee.

All is good. Thanks for the help guys.

[thejeremyman9]

Originally Posted by alexander7599

I called the BMW center near me and scheduled an appointment for them to look at the timing chain, which cost $225 (not upfront).

A day later they said they will replace it under warranty for free and also waived the $225 fee.

All is good. Thanks for the help guys.

And the noise went away now?

Also, no issues with your mods/tune shown in signature, with respect to them covering under warranty?

[alexander7599]

Originally Posted by thejeremyman9

And the noise went away now?

Also, no issues with your mods/tune shown in signature, with respect to them covering under warranty?

No problems, I just got the invoice. The warranty was just for the timing chain and the whole job was covered, even though my car is out of its original warranty.

They did not say anything about any of my bolt ons or tune!