05-21-2020, 11:17 PM | #1 |
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Can this be the notorious Timing Chain issue? VIDEO
Hi guys, new to the F30 platform and just got the car 2 weeks ago. Its a 2012 328i N26, production 06/2012. I was always aware that the N20/N26 sounds like diesel engines but started noticing it more and more that it's so clanky and noisy when I accelerate. Started inspecting the Timing Chain and was wondering if this is normal or is it a sign that I need to replace the it. Bought the car used @ 112k. Everything drives smooth and quick and the overall condition of the car is excellent for the mileage and for the price but now I'm starting to think that I may have a Timing Chain issue since it's a high mileage car. Below is a video of how loose the chain is. Is this normal? I will upload the video of how the engine sounds.
P.S: I've search all over and couldn't really find the answer. Last edited by 10kredline; 05-22-2020 at 01:21 AM.. |
05-22-2020, 12:42 AM | #2 | |
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My timing chain was replaced at 75k miles.
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05-22-2020, 01:00 AM | #3 | |
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05-22-2020, 01:22 AM | #4 |
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Cool, I'll check that first thing tomorrow. Thanks.
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05-22-2020, 01:25 AM | #5 |
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Sorry, I thought I posted it. It's a 2012 328i N26 engine produced on 06/2012.
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05-22-2020, 01:33 AM | #6 |
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05-22-2020, 07:32 AM | #7 |
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The way to test the timing chain is to rev the engine. If bad it produces a characteristic whine. The are many videos of it here and on youtube. Another method is to look at the guide with a borescope.
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05-23-2020, 09:55 PM | #8 |
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I've been looking online myself of the different videos and I think I've got the rpm whine. Had it not been for the low rpm vibrations, even after replacing my engine mounts, spark plugs etc. I wouldn't really be looking into it. Got to get some replies in before I can post a thread myself.
I too tested my chain from the filler when cold and it could move a little but got super tight when hot, which makes sense because of the VVT being oil actuated/fed. My only worry about mine is that I have a 2015 March build date, which apparently has the new part and isn't part of the extra 7 year extra warranty coverage. Now I do have 3rd party warranty as I bought it used not quite a year ago with only 61,000KM and only at about 67,000KM now. |
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05-23-2020, 11:45 PM | #9 |
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There's no loud or really noticeable "whine" when I rev it but I do hear a small amount of "whine" which I hear in every n20/n26 videos online assuming that it's normal? I will record it and post it here tomorrow.
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05-24-2020, 08:10 AM | #10 |
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There's whine, and there's whine. A bad timing chain is unmistakable.
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05-24-2020, 10:03 AM | #11 |
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05-26-2020, 04:57 PM | #12 |
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Hey just curious, dose sticking your bare finger inside like that contaminate anything?
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05-26-2020, 04:59 PM | #13 |
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Is that a quote from Orsen Wells, lol...
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05-28-2020, 06:19 PM | #14 |
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I'm reading mixed reviews on this, but can anyone confirm what is the cut off build date for N20's with bad timing chain designs? I'm readin that some people are saying after January 2015, and some people are saying after March 2013
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05-28-2020, 06:41 PM | #15 |
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To my knowledge it's 2015.
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06-01-2020, 10:39 PM | #17 |
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Yea it's 2015 and I'm at 112k lol. Not even touching the car because I ordered the Timing Chain kit from FCP. Gonna work on it myself soon.
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06-04-2020, 09:36 PM | #18 |
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Here is a video of the engine at cold start, I'm hearing knocking/ticking. It's more noticeable when I drive and have the A/C on while revving/driving at lower rpms. I also took it to a BMW repair shop to have them listen to the sound. One of the mechanics said they hear the knocking sound and another said it's normal even though they rarely serviced the F30 and never changed a timing chain on the n20/n26 before.... which is kind of odd. The shop quoted me $3000+ lol. I called around other shops and got quoted $2200 and then another European autoshop quoted $1500. This is giving me a headache . I know it's suppose to sound like a whine but I heard that it also makes a knocking noise. I will upload another video of the actual sound I hear when idle and driving.
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06-04-2020, 10:31 PM | #19 | |
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06-05-2020, 12:53 PM | #20 | |
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06-06-2020, 11:50 PM | #21 |
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Here is finally the noise I was talking about. Notice that it gets louder when I turn on the A/C, the knocking/ticking is more noticeable along with the whining noise that everyone mentions about as a Timing Chain/Oil pump chain guide issue.
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06-07-2020, 12:32 AM | #22 |
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The knocking noise sounds pretty characteristic of the early n20s. If that whine is from the chain and not the turbo I would have it replaced sooner than later. When the chains whine the noise is from the oil pump chain drive and if the tensioner or the brittle guides let loose it can get a whole lot more expensive
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