N20 / N26 Timing Chain Failure Log

Clean.F30 · 05-09-2020, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clean.F30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clean.F30

Quote:

Originally Posted by MRii328i

That's unfortunate if true. I have a 2013 so I'm right in the danger zone but I am honestly starting to believe the issue is less common than I thought, when I started reading the forums a couple months ago... thankfully. I've only had it for just over a month. It was keeping me up a night lol. I've resigned myself to only do pretty mods and not tune my n26. Doesn't seem worth it to mess with it. Still quick in these streets and I don't race anyway.

Ya, I was told over the phone by the service manager that the timing chains failed. The thing that seemed weird was that I didn't experience any of the symptoms beforehand and the car should have the updated chain and guides. I personally don't think that the timing chains were the cause of the engine failure because I haven't read about another owner having the symptoms that I had, and the car was put on the flatbed under its own power.

Here is the work order

The problem seems more like piston rings failed, why would the dealer tell me it was the timing chain? Would the timing chain have anything to do with the failure.

shoman24v · 05-13-2020, 04:47 PM

How do piston rings fail?

lmach · 05-24-2020, 03:10 AM

Model: 2014 F22 228i
Mileage: 94,000km (58,000 miles)
Built: July 2014, West Germany
Timing Chain Status: No problems (so far)
Oil Changes: Approx every 10,000km. Every 8,000km from now on.
Stop/Start Coded Status: Coded off.
Additional Details: FBO stage 2 with decat since ~90,000km. Idles rough after startup, but my tuner says this is due to the cold start delete.

Unrelated thing that I'm not sure if anyone else experiences, but my car doesn't change out of 1st gear after cold/semi cold start until about 2200 RPM. Not sure if this is normal? If I drive really slowly for a little before taking off though it shifts into 2nd normally.

MilanF30 · 05-25-2020, 03:04 PM

Yep, happens to me too, car doesn't change the gear after cold start until about ~2500 rpm. I guess because of bm3, I didn't flash transmission tune...

DadzBmer_N2o · 05-25-2020, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MilanF30

Yep, happens to me too, car doesn't change the gear after cold start until about ~2500 rpm. I guess because of bm3, I didn't flash transmission tune...

Quote:

Originally Posted by lmach

Model: 2014 F22 228i
Mileage: 94,000km (58,000 miles)
Built: July 2014, West Germany
Timing Chain Status: No problems (so far)
Oil Changes: Approx every 10,000km. Every 8,000km from now on.
Stop/Start Coded Status: Coded off.
Additional Details: FBO stage 2 with decat since ~90,000km. Idles rough after startup, but my tuner says this is due to the cold start delete.

Unrelated thing that I'm not sure if anyone else experiences, but my car doesn't change out of 1st gear after cold/semi cold start until about 2200 RPM. Not sure if this is normal? If I drive really slowly for a little before taking off though it shifts into 2nd normally.

Mine does that too (320ix), i even have the BM3 Trans flash done..

gzN26 · 06-02-2020, 10:55 AM

***HIGH MILEAGE UPDATE***
Model: 2013 F30 328i (N26) Sport RWD
Mileage: 110,000 miles
Timing Chain Status: Very little play. Minimal marking/scoring on chain
Oil Changes: Every 6k with OE BMW Oil.
Stop/Start Coded Status: Coded off.
Additional Details:
I started tuning around 90k miles and have been FBO since 100,000 (Call me crazy for waiting this long but i did it anyways and now ive got a mean daily driver.

When I do my next OC (111k), I will be replacing Valve cover and oil filter housing gaskets and will further inspect the TC. Will probably also think about doing the transmission since i plan on making this bad boy hit 200k!! (I recently saw a 209k 2012 328i for sale at BMW so its possible!)

Next upgrade will be the MHI Turbo and transition to BM3 from Jb4

Upgrading to FBO seems to be more beneficial for the N20 than a detriment (in my opinion)....granted that you take great care of your car.

Let me know if you have any questions. I hope this helps ease the minds of other high mileage F30 owners.

F30Ben · 06-02-2020, 05:44 PM

2013 328i, no timing chain issues so far, 65k miles, full synthetic every 5-6k miles. Also FBO running stage 2 BM3 if that matters

LongTimeBeemer · 06-24-2020, 11:30 AM

I absolutely agree.
This should be an ongoing survey to get a more & more accurate picture of the numbers.
I suggested a while back adding more info such as the millage when any failure/preventative-replacement was done too.
Would be interesting to see if there's any pattern like where the failed units come from. Or are they all from the same factory?

Gen2mike · 06-28-2020, 07:27 AM

Hey. Last month I noticed a whine on my 2013 328i 71,000 miles build date 9/2012 Took it to dealer and they verified it was indeed the dreaded oil pump chain whine. Contacted BMW NA. Long story short they good willed the whole cost. Worked with Nick at BMW of Schererville in Schererville, Indiana. Very pleased to see BMW step up. The advisor said that the general consensus will be a recall in the near future. He said they have done around 20 this month alone. All my oil changes done at dealer 6 month intervals less than 8k each time except initial one. Auto start stop coded off since 11k Miles. Seems to be hit or miss as far as preventing this issue. Roll the dice it seems.

aL_bmwf30 · 06-28-2020, 09:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gen2mike

Hey. Last month I noticed a whine on my 2013 328i 71,000 miles build date 9/2012 Took it to dealer and they verified it was indeed the dreaded oil pump chain whine. Contacted BMW NA. Long story short they good willed the whole cost. Worked with Nick at BMW of Schererville in Schererville, Indiana. Very pleased to see BMW step up. The advisor said that the general consensus will be a recall in the near future. He said they have done around 20 this month alone. All my oil changes done at dealer 6 month intervals less than 8k each time except initial one. Auto start stop coded off since 11k Miles. Seems to be hit or miss as far as preventing this issue. Roll the dice it seems.

So your service advisor told you there might be a recall??

Hdarkace · 06-29-2020, 08:05 PM

2014 328 N20 engine
Build date 6/2014
Miles 57,200

Chain broke. It’s sitting at dealer. Oil changes done every 6,000 miles or 90 days which ever comes first.

Waiting to hear from BMW to see if it covered. Meanwhile I’m driving a loaner

sspade · 06-29-2020, 10:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hdarkace

2014 328 N20 engine
Build date 6/2014
Miles 57,200

Chain broke. It's sitting at dealer. Oil changes done every 6,000 miles or 90 days which ever comes first.

Waiting to hear from BMW to see if it covered. Meanwhile I'm driving a loaner

No way you're not covered. Rest easy, once repaired... you'll be golden for many miles. So long as you keep maintenance up.

Other than the coolant thermostat (relatively common) and timing chain (relatively uncommon) the N20 has proven to be a very reliable engine. Capable of 200k plus with proper care.

MacklinUSOB · 06-30-2020, 03:12 PM

I just wanted to pop back in here and make sure everybody knew about FCP's new 2 part timing chain DIY. It is the only DIY that I know of on this job and they really did put a lot of effort into capturing the details. Hope someone finds it helpful!

Part 1

Part 2

Gen2mike · 07-03-2020, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aL_bmwf30

So your service advisor told you there might be a recall??

Yeah he said there will likely be a recall in the near future. The cases they have encountered and have gotten covered with vehicles outside of the warranty period seems to indicate that. In addition the failure rate is becoming more prevalent with the vehicles getting up higher in miles. The only thing I see as a barrier is that i don't think its very common for a manufacturer to issue a recall for model years that are that old.

trentr98 · 08-11-2020, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gen2mike

Yeah he said there will likely be a recall in the near future. The cases they have encountered and have gotten covered with vehicles outside of the warranty period seems to indicate that. In addition the failure rate is becoming more prevalent with the vehicles getting up higher in miles. The only thing I see as a barrier is that i don't think its very common for a manufacturer to issue a recall for model years that are that old.

I hope this happens soon... I'm somewhat considering selling my 2013 but will happily stick with it for a couple more years if I don't have to worry about anything timing chain related

issabimmer · 08-12-2020, 09:57 AM

Guides failed at 130k kms on my '13 328ix. I recently replaced timing chain and I'm getting 2 camshaft position sensor codes paired with all cylinders misfiring. I made sure that my timing is correct and these codes (being so generic) don't really tell much. Has anyone else faced the same issues? Is it possible thats it's a vanos issue?

cchriss · 08-28-2020, 12:19 AM

2013 F30 n26 328i 70,500 miles running bm3 stage 2 with FBO . If I take it in to the dealership to get it diagnosed will there be an issue if I'm FBO and have the tune? Even if I flash it back to stock they'd see the FBO? I'm in CA . I dont hear any whining noises but wonder if I should bring it in to have them check or am I already out of the 70k warranty since im 70,500?

If I do bring it in, I'd be going to McKenna if that matters. I know Charlie isnt there anymore and I haven't been back since he left .

Solidjake · 08-28-2020, 05:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cchriss

2013 F30 n26 328i 70,500 miles running bm3 stage 2 with FBO . If I take it in to the dealership to get it diagnosed will there be an issue if I'm FBO and have the tune? Even if I flash it back to stock they'd see the FBO? I'm in CA . I dont hear any whining noises but wonder if I should bring it in to have them check or am I already out of the 70k warranty since im 70,500?

If I do bring it in, I'd be going to McKenna if that matters. I know Charlie isnt there anymore and I haven't been back since he left .

I would revert the tune to stock, put miles on it so it "clears" (same as getting the cats ready for inspection). I did see one thread where a car was blacklisted for having a tune even after it was tuned back to stock prior going to the dealer.

BoxA · 08-28-2020, 02:21 PM

Model: 2013 320i
Build: Munich, April 2013
Mileage: 38k mi (62k km)
Timing Chain Status: No problems
Oil Changes: except for first oil change at 1400 mi, change interval ranges between 4300 mi and 7100 mi (average 5k mi)
Stop/Start Status: Coded off at 16k mi

cchriss · 08-29-2020, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Solidjake

I would revert the tune to stock, put miles on it so it "clears" (same as getting the cats ready for inspection). I did see one thread where a car was blacklisted for having a tune even after it was tuned back to stock prior going to the dealer.

got it, thanks for the feed back.

chrisca70 · 09-15-2020, 05:43 PM

X1 2013
85600 miles
No signs of TC failure
Oil changed every 7.5k miles
ASS coded off at 60k miles

The car drives great, does not burn a drop of oil. Car smokes a bit upon start-up if not driven for several days so it probably needs the updated turbo oil line replaced. My wife loves it and drives it gently so we may just gamble and be vigilant for TC symptoms.

Wojtasso · 09-19-2020, 10:25 AM

Hi everyone.
I have read that after 03/2015 BMW changed materials used in timing chain system (chain, rail guides etc) and after that, the colour of rails should be white. I just checked mine thru the oil filling cap and its seems that I have old rails because they are yellowish! But my car is produced on 09/2015. Should I be prepared for timing chain replace? I have 80kkm.
Kind regards

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

05-13-2020, 04:47 PM	#266
shoman24v Second Lieutenant 105 Rep 221 Posts Drives: 2018 330i, 2022 Highlander Join Date: Feb 2020 Location: Fresno, CA iTrader: (2)	How do piston rings fail? __________________ \| 2018 BMW 330i \| 30k Miles \| M-Sport Package \| Driving Assistance Plus \| Premium Package \| Executive Package \| Harmon Kardon \| Active Blind Spot Detection \| PDC \| Mineral Grey Metallic/Coral Red Dakota Leather \| \| 2022 Toyota Highlander Platinum AWD \|
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05-24-2020, 03:10 AM	#267
lmach New Member 62 Rep 26 Posts Drives: 2018 M2 LCI Join Date: Mar 2020 Location: QLD, Australia iTrader: (0)	Model: 2014 F22 228i Mileage: 94,000km (58,000 miles) Built: July 2014, West Germany Timing Chain Status: No problems (so far) Oil Changes: Approx every 10,000km. Every 8,000km from now on. Stop/Start Coded Status: Coded off. Additional Details: FBO stage 2 with decat since ~90,000km. Idles rough after startup, but my tuner says this is due to the cold start delete. Unrelated thing that I'm not sure if anyone else experiences, but my car doesn't change out of 1st gear after cold/semi cold start until about 2200 RPM. Not sure if this is normal? If I drive really slowly for a little before taking off though it shifts into 2nd normally.
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05-25-2020, 03:04 PM	#268
MilanF30 Private First Class 48 Rep 108 Posts Drives: BMW F30 328i Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Serbia iTrader: (0)	Yep, happens to me too, car doesn't change the gear after cold start until about ~2500 rpm. I guess because of bm3, I didn't flash transmission tune...
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06-02-2020, 10:55 AM	#270
gzN26 Enlisted Member 17 Rep 34 Posts Drives: 328i N26 Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: San Antonio, Texas iTrader: (0)	*HIGH MILEAGE UPDATE* Model: 2013 F30 328i (N26) Sport RWD Mileage: 110,000 miles Timing Chain Status: Very little play. Minimal marking/scoring on chain Oil Changes: Every 6k with OE BMW Oil. Stop/Start Coded Status: Coded off. Additional Details: I started tuning around 90k miles and have been FBO since 100,000 (Call me crazy for waiting this long but i did it anyways and now ive got a mean daily driver. When I do my next OC (111k), I will be replacing Valve cover and oil filter housing gaskets and will further inspect the TC. Will probably also think about doing the transmission since i plan on making this bad boy hit 200k!! (I recently saw a 209k 2012 328i for sale at BMW so its possible!) Next upgrade will be the MHI Turbo and transition to BM3 from Jb4 Upgrading to FBO seems to be more beneficial for the N20 than a detriment (in my opinion)....granted that you take great care of your car. Let me know if you have any questions. I hope this helps ease the minds of other high mileage F30 owners. __________________ BMW 328i \| Injen Intake \| ER Charge/TIC Pipes \| VRSF FMIC and Catless DP \| BMS Oil Catch Can \| Muffler Delete \| Jb4-Map 2, 93oct \|
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06-02-2020, 05:44 PM	#271
F30Ben New Member 2 Rep 10 Posts Drives: 2013 BMW 328i Join Date: Feb 2020 Location: Kentucky iTrader: (0)	2013 328i, no timing chain issues so far, 65k miles, full synthetic every 5-6k miles. Also FBO running stage 2 BM3 if that matters
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06-24-2020, 11:30 AM	#272
LongTimeBeemer New Member 0 Rep 10 Posts Drives: 428ix Join Date: Jan 2020 Location: Switzerland iTrader: (0)	I absolutely agree. This should be an ongoing survey to get a more & more accurate picture of the numbers. I suggested a while back adding more info such as the millage when any failure/preventative-replacement was done too. Would be interesting to see if there's any pattern like where the failed units come from. Or are they all from the same factory?
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06-28-2020, 07:27 AM	#273
Gen2mike Private 10 Rep 51 Posts Drives: 2013 328i xDrive, 2018 X3 M40i Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Crown Point, In (Chicago) iTrader: (0)	Hey. Last month I noticed a whine on my 2013 328i 71,000 miles build date 9/2012 Took it to dealer and they verified it was indeed the dreaded oil pump chain whine. Contacted BMW NA. Long story short they good willed the whole cost. Worked with Nick at BMW of Schererville in Schererville, Indiana. Very pleased to see BMW step up. The advisor said that the general consensus will be a recall in the near future. He said they have done around 20 this month alone. All my oil changes done at dealer 6 month intervals less than 8k each time except initial one. Auto start stop coded off since 11k Miles. Seems to be hit or miss as far as preventing this issue. Roll the dice it seems.
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06-29-2020, 08:05 PM	#275
Hdarkace First Lieutenant 17 Rep 329 Posts Drives: 2007 328I Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Charlotte NC iTrader: (0)	2014 328 N20 engine Build date 6/2014 Miles 57,200 Chain broke. It’s sitting at dealer. Oil changes done every 6,000 miles or 90 days which ever comes first. Waiting to hear from BMW to see if it covered. Meanwhile I’m driving a loaner
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06-30-2020, 03:12 PM	#277
MacklinUSOB Captain 518 Rep 891 Posts Drives: f30 328i 6MT Sport Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Connecticut iTrader: (0)	I just wanted to pop back in here and make sure everybody knew about FCP's new 2 part timing chain DIY. It is the only DIY that I know of on this job and they really did put a lot of effort into capturing the details. Hope someone finds it helpful! Part 1 Part 2 __________________ 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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08-12-2020, 09:57 AM	#280
issabimmer New Member 0 Rep 7 Posts Drives: 2013 BMW 328i X-drive Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Mississauga, ON iTrader: (0)	Guides failed at 130k kms on my '13 328ix. I recently replaced timing chain and I'm getting 2 camshaft position sensor codes paired with all cylinders misfiring. I made sure that my timing is correct and these codes (being so generic) don't really tell much. Has anyone else faced the same issues? Is it possible thats it's a vanos issue?
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08-28-2020, 12:19 AM	#281
cchriss Enlisted Member 1 Rep 39 Posts Drives: 328i Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: LA iTrader: (0)	2013 F30 n26 328i 70,500 miles running bm3 stage 2 with FBO . If I take it in to the dealership to get it diagnosed will there be an issue if I'm FBO and have the tune? Even if I flash it back to stock they'd see the FBO? I'm in CA . I dont hear any whining noises but wonder if I should bring it in to have them check or am I already out of the 70k warranty since im 70,500? If I do bring it in, I'd be going to McKenna if that matters. I know Charlie isnt there anymore and I haven't been back since he left .
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08-28-2020, 02:21 PM	#283
BoxA Registered 2 Rep 3 Posts Drives: 2013 320i Join Date: Aug 2020 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	Model: 2013 320i Build: Munich, April 2013 Mileage: 38k mi (62k km) Timing Chain Status: No problems Oil Changes: except for first oil change at 1400 mi, change interval ranges between 4300 mi and 7100 mi (average 5k mi) Stop/Start Status: Coded off at 16k mi
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09-15-2020, 05:43 PM	#285
chrisca70 Enlisted Member 39 Rep 40 Posts Drives: E84 N20B20, E30 M42B18 Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Treasure coast iTrader: (0)	X1 2013 85600 miles No signs of TC failure Oil changed every 7.5k miles ASS coded off at 60k miles The car drives great, does not burn a drop of oil. Car smokes a bit upon start-up if not driven for several days so it probably needs the updated turbo oil line replaced. My wife loves it and drives it gently so we may just gamble and be vigilant for TC symptoms.
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09-19-2020, 10:25 AM	#286
Wojtasso Enlisted Member 14 Rep 34 Posts Drives: F36, F48, F82 M4 Comp, E90 Join Date: Apr 2019 Location: EU iTrader: (0)	Hi everyone. I have read that after 03/2015 BMW changed materials used in timing chain system (chain, rail guides etc) and after that, the colour of rails should be white. I just checked mine thru the oil filling cap and its seems that I have old rails because they are yellowish! But my car is produced on 09/2015. Should I be prepared for timing chain replace? I have 80kkm. Kind regards
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