N20 / N26 Timing Chain Failure Log

Dev_inlife · 08-26-2019, 07:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kalalau

My timing chain was just replaced in my 2014 328 XI 67K miles by the dealership. My CPO warranty ended the following week. Extremely happy that the chain was replaced before the warranty was up. Are there any issues to watch out for after the repair?

I can only speak from my experience after mine was replaced. My car was suffering from heavy vibrations in the cabin. It was like my car was on vibrate, as if it were a cell phone

.

JoeyMcMahon101 · 08-26-2019, 08:39 AM

I am starting to see these poll numbers change, I have 123k miles on my n26. I will be selling soon for an n55 535i F10, as our n20-26 age, it's a matter of time before our chains need to be replaced. The parts are defective. I don't think it's worth taking that chance. The more start/stop gets us closer to the inevitable repair it will need.

jared21927 · 08-26-2019, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeyMcMahon101

I am starting to see these poll numbers change, I have 123k miles on my n26. I will be selling soon for an n55 535i F10, as our n20-26 age, it's a matter of time before our chains need to be replaced. The parts are defective. I don't think it's worth taking that chance. The more start/stop gets us closer to the inevitable repair it will need.

If you got 123k miles out of yours before anything happened, i think you've won. I honestly don't think it's as widespread an issue as it seems but if you get in the 115,120k range and nothing, i'd say you got your money's worth, especially if you bought used.

Model: 328i
Build: 2/2013
Mileage: 72k....purchased at 61k
Timing Chain Status: No problems, nothing changed
Oil Changes: Only done 1 so far. Will do another by year-end
Stop/Start Status: I coded this off
Additional Details: I have a Dinan sport tune. Not worried about the timing chain. If the chain/guides break, then it breaks. I'll take my chances and deal with it if that day comes but i'm not paying 2k+ for new preventative plastic. Miss me with that.

pierreye · 08-26-2019, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dev_inlife

I can only speak from my experience after mine was replaced. My car was suffering from heavy vibrations in the cabin. It was like my car was on vibrate, as if it were a cell phone

.

My dealer said all the parts and workmanship come with 1 year warranty (from Malaysia). So far my engine is very smooth.

EB_328 · 09-23-2019, 11:54 PM

Little late but figured it would be best to add onto this thread.
Model: 2014 328ix N26 50,000 miles
Build Date: 02/2014
Timing Chain Status: No issues
Oil Changes: Not too sure about previous owner, but since it was originally a lease, I'd say it was around every 7,000 miles. I do them every 7,000 miles.
Start/Stop: Luckily the previous owner coded this out and I don't use it.
Additional Details: Bought the car at around 39,500 miles and was originally a New Jersey car. I live in Illinois, thankfully that brutal winter we had didn't damage anything. Car is bone stock apart from a muffler delete.

jkwhar · 09-24-2019, 01:57 PM

Model: 2013 MY 4/13 N26, 87,000miles
Timing chain status: developed the whine
Oil Change: every 8~10,000 miles from 32,000 miles (purchased off lease).
start/stop: left it on but recently coded to remember off state in the last few hundred miles.
Additional note: took my car in for warranty related issue and the tech "checked" if I had any timing chain issue which came back as a no around 84~85,000 miles.

that_slow_f32 · 09-29-2019, 09:55 AM

Model: 2014 428i N26 50,500k miles

Production: 10/2013

Timing chain status: no issues

Oil change: purchased at ~39k miles and since then annual changes since I’m not putting a lot of miles on it. Had 3 oil changes since I’ve had it. Previous owner also had 3 changes with intervals ranging from 8k to 15k.

Start/stop: left off

Additional details: So far I’ve had zero issues with this car in my 2.5 year ownership. Other than a muffler delete it’s totally stock.

m1256 · 09-29-2019, 03:36 PM

Model: 2014 X1 sdrive28i - n20. 54,600 miles.

Production date: 08/13

Timing chain status: no issues so far.

Stop/start: off, unknown about previous owner.

Bought the car from friends that were re-locating back to Australia. car had 47,800 when I bought it. Yearly Dealer Oil changes prior to my buying the car. Oil changes ranged from 7,000 to 11,000 miles by previous owner. Car runs great, only issue I'v had was radiator replacement at 48,000 miles due to leaking. I'm using Total 5w40 Quartz 9000 oil and Mann filters. I'm changing oil yearly for I only drive about 6,000 miles a year.

kkasicha · 10-03-2019, 09:17 AM

Little late but figured it would be best to add onto this thread.
Model: 2013 328i N26 74,000 miles
Timing Chain Status: About to break. Did a preemptive repair.
Oil Changes: I'd say it was around every 8,000 miles.
Start/Stop: Factory
Additional info: BMW screwed me and said I am not covered for 7yr/70K warranty. No financial assistance was offered. Had Route66 easy street plan which covered everything. Cost quoted by dealer $3500. I paid $0

prkr · 10-03-2019, 01:04 PM

2012 328i n20 msport 95k miles
Timing chain status: pieces were falling off into my oil pan, I replaced before a catastrophic failure happened for about $2000 ($3000 including bootmod3 and a catless dp)
Oil changes: Regularly, car was CPO
Start stop: factory

MilanF30 · 10-04-2019, 04:17 AM

@kkasicha, @prkr any whining noise from engine, cold or hot?

stefanvd · 10-04-2019, 06:05 AM

320i sport edition, from 11/2012
88000 km -> stretched chain and broken guides

Solidjake · 10-04-2019, 09:45 AM

For the guys with failed chains/guides, any sounds only when the car was cold? I have a very very very faint whine (best I can describe it) when I drive the car cold for a bit but goes away when warm..... at 76k now. Bought at 58k

QUiKSR20 · 10-04-2019, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Solidjake

For the guys with failed chains/guides, any sounds only when the car was cold? I have a very very very faint whine (best I can describe it) when I drive the car cold for a bit but goes away when warm..... at 76k now. Bought at 58k

SolidJake, Yes that oil-pump whine... Read up a few messages from me and youll see thats one of the problems.. It appears theres 2 issues, 1 is a chain issue and 1 is pump whine.. One can kill your engine and from what ive read the pump noise will show its face on 50% of the N20s and usually not cause an issue.

Do your oil changes at a normal 6-6500 miles.

sspade · 10-04-2019, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by QUiKSR20

Quote:

Originally Posted by Solidjake

For the guys with failed chains/guides, any sounds only when the car was cold? I have a very very very faint whine (best I can describe it) when I drive the car cold for a bit but goes away when warm..... at 76k now. Bought at 58k

SolidJake, Yes that oil-pump whine... Read up a few messages from me and youll see thats one of the problems.. It appears theres 2 issues, 1 is a chain issue and 1 is pump whine.. One can kill your engine and from what ive read the pump noise will show its face on 50% of the N20s and usually not cause an issue.

Do your oil changes at a normal 6-6500 miles.

Took the words right outta my mouth...

I have the infamous oil pump growl on cold starts as well. To me... it's more of a growl than a whine. Hoping it doesn't lead to issues down the road. Currently at 85k.

wal-dog · 10-04-2019, 10:10 PM

2014 320i. Fit as a fiddle. 100,200 miles. No issues with chain. I did have to put a new gas tank in her . Cost me $1800 WTF. Known issue.

floridaorange · 10-05-2019, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stefanvd

320i sport edition, from 11/2012
88000 km -> stretched chain and broken guides

Quote:

Originally Posted by stefanvd

320i sport edition, from 11/2012
88000 km -> stretched chain and broken guides

Are you stock?

rjd_F30 · 10-05-2019, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Solidjake

For the guys with failed chains/guides, any sounds only when the car was cold? I have a very very very faint whine (best I can describe it) when I drive the car cold for a bit but goes away when warm..... at 76k now. Bought at 58k

Quote:

Originally Posted by sspade

Took the words right outta my mouth...

I have the infamous oil pump growl on cold starts as well. To me... it's more of a growl than a whine. Hoping it doesn't lead to issues down the road. Currently at 85k.

I have the same oil pump whine/growl on startup. Been going on for a while now... I'm not worried about it.

Solidjake · 10-05-2019, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by QUiKSR20

SolidJake, Yes that oil-pump whine... Read up a few messages from me and youll see thats one of the problems.. It appears theres 2 issues, 1 is a chain issue and 1 is pump whine.. One can kill your engine and from what ive read the pump noise will show its face on 50% of the N20s and usually not cause an issue.

Do your oil changes at a normal 6-6500 miles.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rjdnyy224

I have the same oil pump whine/growl on startup. Been going on for a while now... I'm not worried about it.

Ok thanks. Appreciate the info about the oil pump. I do my changes every 5k miles and I'll be sure to stay strict with that. I always let my car warm up for a few min when it's cold out, absolutely hate not letting the oils get to the right places

QUiKSR20 · 10-05-2019, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sspade

Took the words right outta my mouth...

I have the infamous oil pump growl on cold starts as well. To me... it's more of a growl than a whine. Hoping it doesn't lead to issues down the road. Currently at 85k.

Yep I started getting the noise around 85k as well, Im at 101k now and it hasnt gotten any worse...

Once the car warms up its completely gone and the car revs out nice and smooth.. I just keep my ears open on the noise, Do oil changes on-time and dont beat on the car until its warmed up.. The cool thing is our temp gauges is an oil temp gauge, Not coolant like most cars.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Solidjake

Ok thanks. Appreciate the info about the oil pump. I do my changes every 5k miles and I'll be sure to stay strict with that. I always let my car warm up for a few min when it's cold out, absolutely hate not letting the oils get to the right places

As long as you do that and dont get the mechanical chain noises you should be in good shape

kkasicha · 10-08-2019, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MilanF30

@kkasicha, @prkr any whining noise from engine, cold or hot?

Ya a bit of noise on a cold start but wasnt too evident. I could lift off timing chain with my finger.

prkr · 10-09-2019, 05:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MilanF30

@kkasicha, @prkr any whining noise from engine, cold or hot?

Nope engine sounded fine to 2 trusted separate mechanics prior to the replacement

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

08-26-2019, 08:39 AM	#134
JoeyMcMahon101 Banned 52 Rep 202 Posts Drives: 2013 BMW 328i xDrive Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: Iselin NJ iTrader: (0)	I am starting to see these poll numbers change, I have 123k miles on my n26. I will be selling soon for an n55 535i F10, as our n20-26 age, it's a matter of time before our chains need to be replaced. The parts are defective. I don't think it's worth taking that chance. The more start/stop gets us closer to the inevitable repair it will need.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-23-2019, 11:54 PM	#137
EB_328 New Member 6 Rep 13 Posts Drives: bmw 328xi Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: illinois iTrader: (0)	Little late but figured it would be best to add onto this thread. Model: 2014 328ix N26 50,000 miles Build Date: 02/2014 Timing Chain Status: No issues Oil Changes: Not too sure about previous owner, but since it was originally a lease, I'd say it was around every 7,000 miles. I do them every 7,000 miles. Start/Stop: Luckily the previous owner coded this out and I don't use it. Additional Details: Bought the car at around 39,500 miles and was originally a New Jersey car. I live in Illinois, thankfully that brutal winter we had didn't damage anything. Car is bone stock apart from a muffler delete.
	Appreciate 1 sspade2464.50 Quote

09-24-2019, 01:57 PM	#138
jkwhar Captain 172 Rep 740 Posts Drives: F30 328i Xdrive \| F15 x35i Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Central NJ iTrader: (7)	Model: 2013 MY 4/13 N26, 87,000miles Timing chain status: developed the whine Oil Change: every 8~10,000 miles from 32,000 miles (purchased off lease). start/stop: left it on but recently coded to remember off state in the last few hundred miles. Additional note: took my car in for warranty related issue and the tech "checked" if I had any timing chain issue which came back as a no around 84~85,000 miles. __________________ Did my post help? Click "Appreciate!" FOR SALE! Sport line Steering wheel with heated, paddle shifter, vibration motor, no airbag \| EDM Bi-Xenon adaptive headlights (SOLD) \| surround view retrofit kit (sold) \| KAFAS2 camera and ECU \| FLA camera(sold) \| 6WB cluster (SOLD)
	Appreciate 1 sspade2464.50 Quote

09-29-2019, 09:55 AM	#139
that_slow_f32 Registered 2 Rep 2 Posts Drives: BMW 428i Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: Florida iTrader: (0)	Model: 2014 428i N26 50,500k miles Production: 10/2013 Timing chain status: no issues Oil change: purchased at ~39k miles and since then annual changes since I’m not putting a lot of miles on it. Had 3 oil changes since I’ve had it. Previous owner also had 3 changes with intervals ranging from 8k to 15k. Start/stop: left off Additional details: So far I’ve had zero issues with this car in my 2.5 year ownership. Other than a muffler delete it’s totally stock.
	Appreciate 1 sspade2464.50 Quote

09-29-2019, 03:36 PM	#140
m1256 Private 31 Rep 97 Posts Drives: 2014 BMW x1 sdrive28l Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: socal iTrader: (0)	Model: 2014 X1 sdrive28i - n20. 54,600 miles. Production date: 08/13 Timing chain status: no issues so far. Stop/start: off, unknown about previous owner. Bought the car from friends that were re-locating back to Australia. car had 47,800 when I bought it. Yearly Dealer Oil changes prior to my buying the car. Oil changes ranged from 7,000 to 11,000 miles by previous owner. Car runs great, only issue I'v had was radiator replacement at 48,000 miles due to leaking. I'm using Total 5w40 Quartz 9000 oil and Mann filters. I'm changing oil yearly for I only drive about 6,000 miles a year.
	Appreciate 1 sspade2464.50 Quote

10-03-2019, 09:17 AM	#141
kkasicha Enlisted Member 8 Rep 46 Posts Drives: F30 328 Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: new jersey iTrader: (0)	Little late but figured it would be best to add onto this thread. Model: 2013 328i N26 74,000 miles Timing Chain Status: About to break. Did a preemptive repair. Oil Changes: I'd say it was around every 8,000 miles. Start/Stop: Factory Additional info: BMW screwed me and said I am not covered for 7yr/70K warranty. No financial assistance was offered. Had Route66 easy street plan which covered everything. Cost quoted by dealer $3500. I paid $0
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10-03-2019, 01:04 PM	#142
prkr Private 49 Rep 76 Posts Drives: f30 328i Sport Line Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Tempe Arizona iTrader: (0)	2012 328i n20 msport 95k miles Timing chain status: pieces were falling off into my oil pan, I replaced before a catastrophic failure happened for about $2000 ($3000 including bootmod3 and a catless dp) Oil changes: Regularly, car was CPO Start stop: factory
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-04-2019, 04:17 AM	#143
MilanF30 Private First Class 48 Rep 108 Posts Drives: BMW F30 328i Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Serbia iTrader: (0)	@kkasicha, @prkr any whining noise from engine, cold or hot?
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10-04-2019, 06:05 AM	#144
stefanvd Registered 0 Rep 1 Posts Drives: BMW E30 325e , F30 320i Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: Holland iTrader: (0)	320i sport edition, from 11/2012 88000 km -> stretched chain and broken guides
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10-04-2019, 09:45 AM	#145
Solidjake ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 945 Rep 1,762 Posts Drives: '13 328i Msport 6MT Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: NYC/SNJ iTrader: (2)	For the guys with failed chains/guides, any sounds only when the car was cold? I have a very very very faint whine (best I can describe it) when I drive the car cold for a bit but goes away when warm..... at 76k now. Bought at 58k __________________ 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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10-04-2019, 10:10 PM	#148
wal-dog Enlisted Member 10 Rep 36 Posts Drives: BMW 320i Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Tucson iTrader: (0)	2014 320i. Fit as a fiddle. 100,200 miles. No issues with chain. I did have to put a new gas tank in her . Cost me $1800 WTF. Known issue.
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