[GpAevo]

Hi folks,

I've not been on the forum for nearly 8 years since I sold my e90 330d.

I'm now very close to coming back into the BMW world and am drawn to an F30 320i. The car is a 2013 with 40k and I was about to place a deposit whenever I discovered all the horror about the timing chains.

My question is, do I believe the hype and not even consider an N20? Would you buy and N20? My local dealer says they have never had an N20 back with timing issues (white lies, maybe, maybe not).

Cheers in advance.

[SkyJawa]

20i would be the one engine in the BMW line-up I would avoid unless it was a B series.

Or cover your ass with a decent warranty.

[j.s.]

Originally Posted by GpAevo

Hi folks,

I've not been on the forum for nearly 8 years since I sold my e90 330d.

I'm now very close to coming back into the BMW world and am drawn to an F30 320i. The car is a 2013 with 40k and I was about to place a deposit whenever I discovered all the horror about the timing chains.

My question is, do I believe the hype and not even consider an N20? Would you buy and N20? My local dealer says they have never had an N20 back with timing issues (white lies, maybe, maybe not).

Cheers in advance.

Our 2014 320i with 50k km never had an issue, of course that is just one data point. The car is now driven by my father in-law after I replaced it with a 440i, I'm not worried about it.

However I would not tune it ...

[Sasquartch]

My 328i has now done 60k miles, chain still intact

However I have done interim oil changes as I believe that clean oil will definitely prolong the life of all engine components. Long life servicing is fine for people getting rid as the warranty expires but not so good for owners further down the line

As long as the oil has been changed regularly it should be OK. I walked away from a 328i that had its first oil change at 28k ! And that was an AUC car too.

[sspade]

Get the car, N20 engine failures are a rare occurrence.

Probably do yourself a favor and manually/visually inspect the chain through oil cap for slack or scoring on the chain.

[GpAevo]

Hum....still on the fence over this.

[Mikesmith2939]

I have a 2013 320i xDrive with 56000 miles and it's fine.

[davethefish]

I'm not aware of any abnormally high timing chain issues on the N20
Though BMW should beef up this area as it has become an inherent weakness.

The N47 is another kettle if fish though...
Engine design is piss poor.

[GpAevo]

From reading into this more, it seems that the chain issue is more linked to USDM car rather than UK cars. Correct me if i'm wrong?

[ES-Jet]

I have a 2013 N20 320i with 34,000 miles on the clock. It's been ok so far, although I accept it is still quite low mileage.

I do renew the warranty every year, and change the oil every service, even if the car isn't indicating it needs it.

[2CRO4TV]

328i here 44000 miles and touch wood no engine issues. I think the n20 has a bad rep but mine has been excellent in the 3 years I have had the car.
IMHO as long as the car has been looked after it should be fine but an car could be a lemon after purchase.

[GpAevo]

Thanks for the input folks. I see that BMW USA have extended the warranty for 7 years, 70,000 miles. Wonder why UK haven't followed suit

[davethefish]

Originally Posted by GpAevo

Thanks for the input folks. I see that BMW USA have extended the warranty for 7 years, 70,000 miles. Wonder why UK haven't followed suit

Don't quote me...
But I vaguely remember some 320i issues that were all over the main board on f30 post about 5 or 6 years ago.
but they pertained to the US 320i's not the UK 320i's.

When I rang the dealer about it, they said that globally 320i engines were manufactured in a variety of places.
but the UK engines were not affected.
...but as i said, don't quote me

[sspade]

Originally Posted by GpAevo

Thanks for the input folks. I see that BMW USA have extended the warranty for 7 years, 70,000 miles. Wonder why UK haven't followed suit

Neither has Canada.