I used your videos to replace the timing chain 1+ year ago on my BMW X1. I did not replace the oil pump/ tensioner. The car has been running super smooth with absolutely no issues. Thanks for his great videos
Very very useful video. Yours more details then the others. Thanks for that. Is there any specific procedure if just replacing the chain tensioner? Keep making more videos.👍
Thanks Fong! The chain tensioner would not need any special procedure to replace. They can be a bit of a pain due to the fine threads and spring in the tensioner.
Awesome Scott! That really is the best way so you be sure you have the correct TDC location. No fun having to take it apart to time it again a second time 😀
I did both timing chain and oil chain replacement but my counterbalance alignment is off when timing is spot on at tdc. Is there a way to easily fix the counterbalance or will I have to remove crankshaft bolt to adjust counterbalance position?
@@AskTheCarExperts I figured it out. Just have to loosen the crankbolt again, take tension off oil pump chain, and then rotate the oil chain via the lower bolt until the hole in the counterbalance is visible, then put alignment tool in, and replace Crankcase bolt and tighten.
@@n54_GOAT Excellent. Keep in mind the crank bolt is a one time use bolt. If you already torqued and torque angled the bolt you should replace it. Bad things happen if the crank bolt backs out. BMWs are not keyed.
My top end appears to be in tdc but the flywheel pin is about a half inch from going in the hole. What do i do? I also have the cam lock tool already installed, sprockets removed..
This could indicate that your timing is out. You would need to pin the TDC in place. Make sure the piston is at TDC and then loosen the cam bolts and move the camshaft into the correct position to correct the timing.
Sweet! Super content, Roger 👏🏻 I need to watch a few times, lots of great tips. Imagine how much Zion knows about the N20 engine 🐶 That timing kit looks like a great deal. I always worry about the quality of these “bargain” kits especially their accuracy. Do you go by word of mouth or even reviews when choosing a kit? And that wheelbarrow…limited slip diff on that sucker??
Thanks Mario! Going to pull the VANOS units out today and correct the timing. Maybe Zion can do the next video and I can hold the camera 😂 I was not sure about the timing kit when I purchases it but it had all the tools I am familiar with for multiple repairs so it made sense. It seems pretty robust and the tolerance is correct so it should be a one time purchase. I was talking with my friend that I should try to find one that needs a timing chain so I can repair it, video it, and flip it. Maybe one day. LOL the wheel barrel is so convenient right now. Going to need to switch to a boring engine stand soon so I can open up the bottom end. 😉
@@AskTheCarExperts Dude - modify the wheel barrow! Could be new product to market 😁 Hurry with the next video … Just bought new runflats for wife’s X1. Damn pricey Pirellis. Summer set. Still sporting original Goodyears since new 2011. Low mileage only 50,000kms. Last year Nokian full winter boots.
LOL I need to before someone steals the idea! I did take your advice and asked Zion if he wants to learn about the N20 engine in the next video Sat at 8 am :) Pirellis are a good tire over all. I have seen some scalloping on Goodyear causing some noise over time but you got some great life out of your tires. The full sporty drivers I see go through tires about every 10K!
Hi, thank you so much for your help and your video. I have 2011 BMW 528i and 6 cylinder. Your video is four-cylinder, and turbo the tools is the same and instruction is same to or is different
The procedure is almost identical. On your N52 you will need a different set of timing tools but the general procedure is the same. Your vanos bolts are one time use however and should not be reused
Hello, thanks for the great videos and advice. I have used this information to do my BMW X1 2014 X28 i timing chain. At this point I am ready to remove the crank shaft bolt to complete the job. Can any one advise if is mandatory to replace the oil pump/ balance shaft ? Thanks in advance fir advice
Hello, That is great! The oil pump and balance shaft do not need to be replaced. Just the sprocket for the chain due to wear. Make sure you torque the crank bolt correctly. If it loosens your engine can jump time and valves impact.
@@AskTheCarExperts really appreciate your expertise and the videos. I couldn’t have done the job without them. I did torque the crack bolt to 70 ft/lbs + 270 degrees using a bolt breaker bar with a long pipe extension. It took great effort but it worked. Thank you !
@@AskTheCarExpertstook the car for a run yesterday and it feels great. But I now have one code for fuel air mixture to lean. I will check intake for leaks, valve cover gasket, MAFS. If no luck 🍀 I may need your advice :)
Hello, Ever since I replaced the timing chain I have some issues with codes 2BC0- 2BC01 fuel air mixture too lean. I cleaned the entire intake, used the Mass air flow cleaner and made sure no leaks there. The valve cover has no leaks and no oil is leaking. I did however noticed some oil dripping from the connector to the 2 vacuum hoses that attach to the side on the top engine cover. I have a scan tool and have not reset any adaptations I’m not sure if I should do that. Appreciate advice and thanks in advance.
Good video, wanted to see if you have a video on replacing just the exhaust side oil control valve ( central valve bolt) not the vanos unit on the same n20 engine as this video
Wow, Sorry to hear that! With the VANOS units out you may be able to fish it out with a magnet but in most cases the oil pan would need to be removed to recover the bolt.
Hello, I have not yet done a head gasket. Normally when this engine fails it is pretty catastrophic and they require engine replacement. I have not had just a head gasket fail yet. Did you run into a head gasket failure? A lot of times the oil and coolant mixing is from the oil filter housing.
@@AskTheCarExperts unfortunately I Jammed up the spark plugs threads on cylinder 2. So Im pulling the head of and sending it to the the machine shop. My car has 116k so also doing everything I should do like chains
Sorry to hear that. The reason your vehicle does not start would not be due to the timing procedure which is correct. You may have missed a step or there is another issue you need to diagnose still.
Hey bud, That tool would be to hold the transmission in place so you can tighten the Crank Bolt but it also can be used to keep the engine for turning when tightening the VANOS bolts up top.
@@AskTheCarExperts understood, thanks man. My timing tool kit did not come with that piece but I’m only changing Exhaust Vanos unit, will cam holder/timing rig suffice in order to just torque the new exhaust Vanos unit? The plan is to swap out guides along with timing chain, but using the actual BMW service manual method which is to open links in timing chain in order to install instead of from oil pan. It is an X-drive and the customer does not want the additional labor.
I have heard of the link method but BMW never went that way in a dealer setting. For your question, yes the timing tools should be sufficient along with the TDC pin to hold everything just to do the VANOS unit. The crank central bolt is a lot of torque angle and it can bend the tool and the TDC pin. Not fun when that happens! If you are looking for a good smoke machine make sure to enter my give away on this video - th-cam.com/video/sUHlB6NSbnM/w-d-xo.html
@@AskTheCarExperts Lol yeah I’m pretty sure nobody used the chain-link method even though it’s in BMW service manual lol. I’ve never timed an N20 so I figured I’d ask someone that had experience with them. Thanks brother God bless.
I have car in tdc with locking tool but when I install cam locking tool only one cam will lock into place driver side cam is off a quarter turn what now !!!!! Please help
@@AskTheCarExperts so if in tdc and cams are off then un torque vanos with out cam locking tool obviously then manually position cams in time then lock down cams and can I only rotate to the right ?
Hi Sasa, I try to share as much information as I can. Not everyone wants to just pay someone else to fix there car, so why not share the knowledge! Thanks for posting!
All Data Does a great job overall. Is your BMW a manual or auto? If you reach out to me via my website @ www.askthecarexperts.com I may be able to help with some steps.
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I used your videos to replace the timing chain 1+ year ago on my BMW X1. I did not replace the oil pump/ tensioner. The car has been running super smooth with absolutely no issues. Thanks for his great videos
That is awesome! Thanks for posting!
I have a 2012 bmw 328i id let ya use for demonstration if ya fix it in the process it need that vvt pump valve cover gasket leaks wont run good at all
I have a 2013 bmw 528i my timing chain is loose the plastic broke iam in los angeles
Mine too
I think if you have a SULEV car you may be eligible for reimbursement under an N20 class action lawsuit, FYI
Sorry to hear that. The timing chain, guide and sprocket should be replaced if the guides are broken.
Hi Brandon, The Class action is over unfortunately. The N20 is not a sulev you would need to have the N26 for it to be SULEV.
I got the kit. And, I had to order a stubby torx socket set to help me remove the vacuum pump.
Very very useful video. Yours more details then the others. Thanks for that. Is there any specific procedure if just replacing the chain tensioner? Keep making more videos.👍
Thanks Fong! The chain tensioner would not need any special procedure to replace. They can be a bit of a pain due to the fine threads and spring in the tensioner.
great video a lot of good information 1:19
Glad it was helpful Thomas!
Per your recommendation, I used a bore scope to find the TDC hole in the flexplate. Great tip!
Awesome Scott! That really is the best way so you be sure you have the correct TDC location. No fun having to take it apart to time it again a second time 😀
I did both timing chain and oil chain replacement but my counterbalance alignment is off when timing is spot on at tdc. Is there a way to easily fix the counterbalance or will I have to remove crankshaft bolt to adjust counterbalance position?
Hi Neal, I have not rum into that problem. Let me look into it and I will try to get back to you by the end of the day tomorrow.
@@AskTheCarExperts I figured it out. Just have to loosen the crankbolt again, take tension off oil pump chain, and then rotate the oil chain via the lower bolt until the hole in the counterbalance is visible, then put alignment tool in, and replace Crankcase bolt and tighten.
@@n54_GOAT Excellent. Keep in mind the crank bolt is a one time use bolt. If you already torqued and torque angled the bolt you should replace it. Bad things happen if the crank bolt backs out. BMWs are not keyed.
@@AskTheCarExperts yes, new bolt ordered.
My top end appears to be in tdc but the flywheel pin is about a half inch from going in the hole. What do i do? I also have the cam lock tool already installed, sprockets removed..
This could indicate that your timing is out. You would need to pin the TDC in place. Make sure the piston is at TDC and then loosen the cam bolts and move the camshaft into the correct position to correct the timing.
Is there a follow-up video about fixing this slipped timing?
Hi Scott, I definitely will be doing more videos on the N20 but I need to clear out my E46
Awesome video thanks for pointing out barcode position for the cams very informative and professional
@Joeylucio22 Thanks Joey!
Sweet! Super content, Roger 👏🏻
I need to watch a few times, lots of great tips.
Imagine how much Zion knows about the N20 engine 🐶
That timing kit looks like a great deal. I always worry about the quality of these “bargain” kits especially their accuracy.
Do you go by word of mouth or even reviews when choosing a kit?
And that wheelbarrow…limited slip diff on that sucker??
Thanks Mario! Going to pull the VANOS units out today and correct the timing. Maybe Zion can do the next video and I can hold the camera 😂 I was not sure about the timing kit when I purchases it but it had all the tools I am familiar with for multiple repairs so it made sense. It seems pretty robust and the tolerance is correct so it should be a one time purchase. I was talking with my friend that I should try to find one that needs a timing chain so I can repair it, video it, and flip it. Maybe one day. LOL the wheel barrel is so convenient right now. Going to need to switch to a boring engine stand soon so I can open up the bottom end. 😉
@@AskTheCarExperts Dude - modify the wheel barrow! Could be new product to market 😁
Hurry with the next video …
Just bought new runflats for wife’s X1. Damn pricey Pirellis. Summer set.
Still sporting original Goodyears since new 2011. Low mileage only 50,000kms.
Last year Nokian full winter boots.
LOL I need to before someone steals the idea! I did take your advice and asked Zion if he wants to learn about the N20 engine in the next video Sat at 8 am :)
Pirellis are a good tire over all. I have seen some scalloping on Goodyear causing some noise over time but you got some great life out of your tires. The full sporty drivers I see go through tires about every 10K!
Hi, thank you so much for your help and your video. I have 2011 BMW 528i and 6 cylinder. Your video is four-cylinder, and turbo the tools is the same and instruction is same to or is different
The procedure is almost identical. On your N52 you will need a different set of timing tools but the general procedure is the same. Your vanos bolts are one time use however and should not be reused
Hello, thanks for the great videos and advice. I have used this information to do my BMW X1 2014 X28 i timing chain. At this point I am ready to remove the crank shaft bolt to complete the job. Can any one advise if is mandatory to replace the oil pump/ balance shaft ?
Thanks in advance fir advice
Hello, That is great! The oil pump and balance shaft do not need to be replaced. Just the sprocket for the chain due to wear. Make sure you torque the crank bolt correctly. If it loosens your engine can jump time and valves impact.
@@AskTheCarExperts really appreciate your expertise and the videos. I couldn’t have done the job without them. I did torque the crack bolt to 70 ft/lbs + 270 degrees using a bolt breaker bar with a long pipe extension. It took great effort but it worked.
Thank you !
@@DIY.11.11 Excellent! That is the most common mistake that can be costly.
@@AskTheCarExpertstook the car for a run yesterday and it feels great. But I now have one code for fuel air mixture to lean. I will check intake for leaks, valve cover gasket, MAFS. If no luck 🍀 I may need your advice :)
Hello,
Ever since I replaced the timing chain I have some issues with codes
2BC0- 2BC01 fuel air mixture too lean. I cleaned the entire intake, used the Mass air flow cleaner and made sure no leaks there. The valve cover has no leaks and no oil is leaking. I did however noticed some oil dripping from the connector to the 2 vacuum hoses that attach to the side on the top engine cover. I have a scan tool and have not reset any adaptations I’m not sure if I should do that. Appreciate advice and thanks in advance.
Good video, wanted to see if you have a video on replacing just the exhaust side oil control valve ( central valve bolt) not the vanos unit on the same n20 engine as this video
Hello Jose, I actually do have a video on that topic.
th-cam.com/video/_aObWUce2Es/w-d-xo.html
I think my BMW is F10 did you know F 10 and N 20 and 26 is the same or different?
Hello, The N20 and N26 engines are very similar.
Any advise how to take the Eccentric shaft stopper bolt fell into the chain housing or oil pan.
Wow, Sorry to hear that! With the VANOS units out you may be able to fish it out with a magnet but in most cases the oil pan would need to be removed to recover the bolt.
Nice video have you done a head gasket on the n20
Hello, I have not yet done a head gasket. Normally when this engine fails it is pretty catastrophic and they require engine replacement. I have not had just a head gasket fail yet. Did you run into a head gasket failure? A lot of times the oil and coolant mixing is from the oil filter housing.
@@AskTheCarExperts unfortunately I Jammed up the spark plugs threads on cylinder 2. So Im pulling the head of and sending it to the the machine shop. My car has 116k so also doing everything I should do like chains
Beautiful dog just like the one i had twenty years ago.
Thank you Peter, Zion is 6 years old now and still healthy thankfully. He is the best dog ever :)
Thanks for sharing information ❤
Your welcome 😀
How can I get the complete timing tool?
I purchased mine off of Amazon. I have a link in the video description.
Great 👍
I followed your instructions. I rotated the engine after timing. Everything lined up perfectly. No codes. Now car won't start
Sorry to hear that. The reason your vehicle does not start would not be due to the timing procedure which is correct. You may have missed a step or there is another issue you need to diagnose still.
Very helpful!!!
Great to hear Audria!
2:04 The “Central bolt” (to be tightened) that you’re referring to, is that the crank bolt or vanos bolts?
Hey bud, That tool would be to hold the transmission in place so you can tighten the Crank Bolt but it also can be used to keep the engine for turning when tightening the VANOS bolts up top.
@@AskTheCarExperts understood, thanks man. My timing tool kit did not come with that piece but I’m only changing Exhaust Vanos unit, will cam holder/timing rig suffice in order to just torque the new exhaust Vanos unit?
The plan is to swap out guides along with timing chain, but using the actual BMW service manual method which is to open links in timing chain in order to install instead of from oil pan. It is an X-drive and the customer does not want the additional labor.
I have heard of the link method but BMW never went that way in a dealer setting. For your question, yes the timing tools should be sufficient along with the TDC pin to hold everything just to do the VANOS unit. The crank central bolt is a lot of torque angle and it can bend the tool and the TDC pin. Not fun when that happens!
If you are looking for a good smoke machine make sure to enter my give away on this video - th-cam.com/video/sUHlB6NSbnM/w-d-xo.html
@@AskTheCarExperts Lol yeah I’m pretty sure nobody used the chain-link method even though it’s in BMW service manual lol. I’ve never timed an N20 so I figured I’d ask someone that had experience with them. Thanks brother God bless.
God Bless and have a great Christmas!
I have car in tdc with locking tool but when I install cam locking tool only one cam will lock into place driver side cam is off a quarter turn what now !!!!! Please help
I would first verify that you are in the correct hole. If you are then you loosen the vabis bolt and turn the cam with a wrench to correct timing.
@@AskTheCarExperts so if in tdc and cams are off then un torque vanos with out cam locking tool obviously then manually position cams in time then lock down cams and can I only rotate to the right ?
I would be interested to know the answer to this.
Why the breaks of my mini cooper s 2006 R53 are so hard
Hi Luis, Is the pedal hard when your braking or you have poor stopping performance?
You are brilliant
Hi Sasa, I try to share as much information as I can. Not everyone wants to just pay someone else to fix there car, so why not share the knowledge! Thanks for posting!
Could it be a vacum line?
Hi Luis, a hard brake pedal can be caused by an air leak, loss of engine vacuum, failed vacuum pump, or failed brake booster.
is there a manual that you used to pull the motor
Hello, No manual as I have pulled out quite a few motors in my day. 😀
@@AskTheCarExperts haha would you recommend any ? im going to pull out my 2015 N20 motor
All Data Does a great job overall. Is your BMW a manual or auto? If you reach out to me via my website @ www.askthecarexperts.com I may be able to help with some steps.
Im in Dallas tx
It would be a long way to send your car to CT :)
Incredible video. Thank you
Hope it helped!
Great details 👍🏼
Thanks! 👍