[Jtizle]

I recently took my car into a very reputable shop after hearing a slight whine noise for a few days. It didn’t sound all that serious but was curious what you guys might think it is. The shop said it’s potentially the oil pump/timing chain beginning to fail. They found some slack in the timing chain as well but I did some research on it and it seems that’s only an issue when the engine is cold. I checked it out myself when it was warm and it was tight but I’ll have to check tomorrow when it’s cold and see if it has a little slack. They recommended me to change the timing chain and guides and while I’m already down there to also change the fuel pump to save time down the road. What do you guys think about this? I had done a lot of research on the timing chain prior to getting the car and it seemed to be in very good condition but now I’m getting a little paranoid about the issue. Should I be worried? I’ll like the video of the sound they took at the shop. It’s like a low whirr or hum at low rpms https://s3.amazonaws.com/shopware.at...mp4?1607610410

[j.f.leonard]

Its most likely your timing chain which stretches over time on the 2012-early 2015 model n20s. Its a super big issue with these n20s, so much so that theres a lawsuit against BMW in the works right now that is supposed to be settled in I believe February which would grant eligible recipients a partial refund on timing chain repairs. Mine whines pretty loudly above 2500rpms even when warm so Ive been looking at getting mine replaced before it breaks and blows my motor.

[Jtizle]

So would the lawsuit being finished cover my repair later on? Or most likely cover it? Because I was trying to prevent my engine from blowing too, the guy said I have a few months before it really could become an issue

[Billfitz]

This is what timing chain noise sounds like:

[Jtizle]

Well I’ve seen that video before and it sounds like that a really extreme case of the issue like his is about to go out that day. Mine somewhat has a similar whine but it’s just way quieter I’m thinking it might be it but just the earlier stage of the issue, idk if you heard it in the video. You think it’s the same thing?

[Billfitz]

I can't hear your video. The file size is so large that it won't load.

[Jtizle]

The video plays but you don’t hear anything? It should be some link it brings you too

[Billfitz]

The video plays in fits and starts, taking a while to load, then it shows a still picture, then it loads some more, shows another still picture. No audio. Besides, what I think doesn't matter. It's up to your dealer to decide if it qualifies for warranty replacement.

[Jtizle]

Yeah unfortunately I’m at 76k miles so I’m out of range for the warranty replacement. Im just hoping this whole trial they’re doing go through so maybe if I get it fixed I’ll be reimbursed some

[Billfitz]

You're late to the party, details of the class action suit have been out for a couple of weeks, most N20/26 owners have already received letters with the details. https://www.carcomplaints.com/news/2...-reached.shtml

[Jtizle]

I just bought the car a month ago, so is there no way that I can get anything for the repairs I might have to make soon? I thought it was being settled in February

[Jtizle]

Cause I possible planned on getting it fixed within the next month or so if the chain was for sure the issue.

[ooshnoo]

Originally Posted by Jtizle

I just bought the car a month ago, so is there no way that I can get anything for the repairs I might have to make soon? I thought it was being settled in February

You should plan on trading it in already as the repair will run you a few thousand dollars.

[Jtizle]

Yeah I wasn’t expecting the repairs to be cheap, but I know my car would be really reliable after its fixed and I planned to have it another like 4 years. Would it not still be worth fixing and keeping?

[Jimmert]

Aah finally, another one that has the same sound as my engine has (420i N20). It is not the typical high rpm high pitch sound (as you hear most of the times). But the low pitch “humming” noise that is best audible with low rpm (and release of throttle). I recognized it immediately. I also heard it first not long after I bought the car. Was a bit worried at the time, but that has settled a bit. First it is not always present, especially when the engine is fully warmed-up, usually you can’t hear it. Although recently I hear it less and less (or I am filtering it out already).

But now, what is it? I haven’t got a solid (and proven) answer to that, but from what I’ve understood after googling/reading/listening/googling more/reading more, it is not any of the two chains, but it is the oil pump itself that makes this sound. And from what I’ve read more, it could be considered ‘normal’ and the pump could get old with it. Although this is what I ‘believe’ at the moment, surely I am keeping an eye on it, but certainly it hasn’t worsened and perhaps if I ever replace the chains, I’ll have the pump replaced for a peace of mind too.

So if I were you, I wouldn’t empty your wallet (yet). Good luck!

(unfortunately I haven’t got the link to the above statements ready, but they are out there)

[Jtizle]

Oh thank goodness someone else can relate with my issue. I felt like it had to be something else because it didn’t quite sound like the timing chains but was similar to it. But same as you, I’m not quite ruling it out unless the sound becomes louder, then it’s likely the chains. I have been really paranoid about the whole thing though cause I’m out of the warranty range and everything, and I just got the car, plus getting different answer from some people. Thank you so much for you input tho, it’s definitely put my mind at ease a little more. I’ll Be sure to do some more research and watch out for it. If you ever find the link to some post you’ve seen, feel free to send them cause I’d love to read them.

[Jimmert]

Found this one again. Hope it relaxes you too.

[alexander7599]

Check my last thread! I got my timing chain covered as long as it's 7 years or 70k miles!

[Jtizle]

Sadly I’m already past 70k I’m at 76k miles. I wonder if they’d let it slide and still let me get it

[alexander7599]

Originally Posted by Jtizle

Sadly I’m already past 70k I’m at 76k miles. I wonder if they’d let it slide and still let me get it

Even though it is past warranty, BMW dealers are independently owned and get paid for the labor from BMW in Germany. So it is worth a shot especially if you know a service advisor well.

Give them a call, and if all fails, mention you got a class action letter in the mail, maybe it'll nudge them in the right direction.

[switchman]

FYI guys,,,my SA told me warranty coverage just got extended to 8 years and so many more miles. I just don't remember the exact mileage it got extended to. My 2014 is 7 years old and 47k miles, my SA said it will be covered but 25% out of pocket cost.
7 years was the old extended warranty covering this issue which included cooling problems .
I will update once I hear back from dealer as I just brought my car in 2 days ago.