How to: F30 328i N20/N26 Timing Chain Replacement
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 ต.ค. 2024
- In this video, my good friend Alex and I take on repairing his 328i N20 timing chain. Although it didn't look too out-of-shape, these are known to break down over time, depositing plastic chunks into the oil pan, the tensioners get worn out, and either of these can cause timing chain failure.
Timing Kit Used in Video: www.fcpeuro.co...
Part number for Tow Hook: 72157203519
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I was thinking of buying my wife a 320i but this video single handled changed my mind 😅 it really is a Job and a half
i have just let my X1 28i to BMW 2 days ago , and went back home with X3 N55 for replacement . now my mind is free
Great video guys, it gave me clear guidance on how to lower the sub-frame as I needed to remove the oil pan to change the gasket.
Thanks for watching!! 👍
Normally I "skip" the offer for the warranty when buying a used car. Bought a 2014 228i and though it would be a good idea to include the warranty (5 years or up to 100k miles) - now I'm glad I did - I wouldn't be totally uncomfortable doing this myself but as pointed out - if you can swing it have a shop do it. There's a great independent shop that works on German cars here in town - if this becomes an issue I'll suggest that the warranty claim work go through them. Great video I learned a lot!
Nice work, way to save yourself 2.7k-4K$. Idk but making that much money in 2-3 days makes me want to be a mechanic!
Plan to do it myself with friend but after watching this video we have changed our minds..lol.
Good choice lol, not a fun or easy job!
If your f30 car is Sulev n26 engine and you reside in CA. You can actually demand BMW to replace the entire timing chain or the entire engine for free. This is part of the Super low emission contract that BMW had with the state. The engine must have less than 150k miles and less than 15 years old. which ever come first.
Only 2015 and up
@@Oscarmunozofficial correct 7 year 70,000 mile coverage on timing chain even on SULEV car.
Are you sure bro
@@SilentEscape818 yes please verify with your dealer and provide VIN
@@kennypham8585 Isn’t it for emissions parts only? The timing chain isn’t included in that warranty
That is hell of a job, good stuff!
Thanks 😊
My 2013 N26 328i is in the dealership shop right now gettig the timing chain fixed, guides crumbled and chain broke, luckily i have an extended warranty and only have to pay $100 bucks and pay for an oil filter.
How much miles on yours? Mine has 99k and dealer told me today I’m fucked lmao
I have a 2014 bmw 328i xdrive and one of my friend had a 2012 328i, we compared our timing chains and found out that the 2014 and up ones actually have the updated timing chain, my timing chain was a light cofeee color while his 2012 was really dark (old chain), also confirmed it by looking it up on the threads
all guides are white when they are new. The brown color is from the oil and temperature
@NGlitchesFTW
Just so you know, 2014s don't have the updated parts. They updated from 2015 some time.
My 2014 328i had this issue when I bought it from a BMW dealer (UK). But I had the chain, guides, sprockets, oil pump, etc, all changed for free under warranty.
For your info really. Might not happen, but just so you're aware that 2014s from factory had the flawed parts.
Why didn't you replace the oil pump drive?
@@shootermcgavin6105 I have a 2015 428i build date 9/2014. But the updated components came out in 1/2015 build dates. Man I hope mines still holds up well.
@@DuckMcDuckinson update for yall, when i commented this, i was at about 58k miles, now im at 98k, and still holding strong on a stage 1 bootmod3 tune, changing my oil every 3k miles on the original chain and everything so far looks to be good and healthy, also replaced my valve cover gaskets 10k miles ago, and looked at my guides while valve cover was off and so far no issues on the original chain and guide
no shop will do this job .. you should offer this service.. am sure there are people out there
very impressive!
It's good to change the Oil pump drive module in the same time
Right, oil pump chain sometimes just breaks without any warning.
You probably won’t see this, but I’m looking at a 2013 328i on marketplace and the guy is very unclear, he says “the engine was in the process of changing the timing chain. Old timing chain is in decent shape must take to shop for reassembly.” Im so lost😂
nice video my chain is only loose randomly. sometimes ill be able to fit a finger under it and other times its tight. chain tensioner problem? or does is it just have to do with the position the engine is in?
The timing chains have different levels of tightness at different points on the chain, so its not uncommon for you to feel that difference. The chain stretches at certain spots, not all at once. If you find one spot that is very loose, and have high mileage, you may want to consider changing the tensioner or possibly doing the whole timing chain repair. Good luck!
I’ve owned a 2014 328i for over a year now and this is always on the back of my mind 😬. Love the car otherwise tho!
what mileage?
@@master-hx7gw I’m at 60k now bought it at 41k.
@@LeGiitlegion47 miles or kilometers?
@@master-hx7gw oh oops lol miles
@@LeGiitlegion47 hows it running now or did you get it done
Need to do this on my 2013 528i and it’s been a pain
what mileage?
Hello. I have 428i gran 2015 october.I have reached 102k miles.When should i change chain? thanks for information
Nice man, that’s a good job on stands in the garage... what year is that , I have a 6/2016 built supposedly revised parts but wondering if the LCI N20’s are fine or just less likely.
I think BMW tried to alleviate the problem on the LCI motors, but that's not to say it won't ever fail! Regular oil changes is the best thing you can do for this motor though, so just change every 5-6k miles and she'll be happy!
My x5 2005, now 220 000km. I never change timing chain.
Haha awesome video. I will hopefully be getting a 2012 328i Sport line with an n20 motor it needs a timing chain. We are getting it for dirt cheap. It has only 100,000kms (66,000 miles) I think I may be able to take on this job just fine. I rebuilt my Honda J-Series motor by myself. I know the BMW motor is a lot more sophisticated. But either way I am confident I can do it just fine. I laughed at the 450 lb break point for that BMW crank pulley hahahaha, if you know Hondas then you know that they're crank pulley bolts are notoriously tight, sometimes exceeding well over 1,000 foot pound. The only way I was able to break the crank pulley bolt off on my Honda was with a Milwaukee 1/2 inch impact gun with 1400 lb breakaway torque and a weighted socket. Hopefully I can do this one fine
If you've got the right tools, the job isn't too difficult, but definitely time consuming! Good luck with the project mate :)
I have 160K miles on my 2013 F30 328i SULEV. Seems to be running strong and has had no issues yet. I understand that I am running on borrowed time. What else should be replaced during this timing chain replacement? Oil pump, water pump, gaskets, turbo oil seals / hoses, etc... I only want to do a major tear down once with the bolt on stuff. When it comes to internal repairs like rods and bearings, I think it is time to sell. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks in advance. :)
Serpentine belt eventually
Great video from where you got timing chain kit? OE or BMW
OE through FCP Euro
You guys didn’t Show people the timing tool for the front phasers where there’s pin holes for the reluctor rings Or you didn’t have it?
Did you disconnect the steering wheel shaft?
Be aware the tow hook that is in the tool kit is not the same thread as the head attempts to use it have damaged the head, as demonstrated by our local BMW dealer, who then went on to sell the customer replacement engine.
Ouch! Should have used an E-chassis tow hook
Thought about doing this job myself then watched this video... hard pass lol
I wish, mf said 10k to fix it imma just have to watch it on repeat till it starts to make sense 😭
Is there anyway to check to see if the vehicle has been affected?
Best way is to pull your oil pan and check for slack in the timing chain, oil pump chain, and debris from cracked guides.
Hey man I have a massive question. When putting the engine at top dead center, I know you have to make the slats horizontal and both the QR codes have to be up, but how are the valves supposed to look? Because I don’t want to do it wrong and break the engine.
Must i change sprockets?
Are the replacement guides built stronger than the oem?
They're the same structure and material as far as I'm concerned. Really no way around the issue with the current design.
Thank you guys!! Can you PLEASE let me know what happened right before he realized this had to be done? Or was this just preventative?? I’m getting set up to take this on with my N20 in my 528i
This was 100% preventative, but if you hear timing chain slack while idling with the oil cap off, its time to replace!
Ok. I started to this past Tuesday. Before I got to work, I got the drivetrain warning in the idrive, followed by the oil pressure loss, followed by her shutting down completely and right before she shut down, the timing chain made the horrible noise! I had it towed home and I’m trying to figure out where to start now
@@eriksnead6391 Pull the valve cover off and inspect, or do an oil change to check for metal shavings.
@@TheBimmerBarn I actually did see some on my last oil change 2 weeks ago. Slightly on the magnetic end of the plug. First time for that
@@TheBimmerBarn I guess my question really is that IF the timing chain IS the reason for the break down, is this the fix? or when would it be considered past the point of repair and a new engine be the only fix. Do you have any recommendations on where to buy the parts? Other than fcpeuro? And the specialty tools needed? Timing tool, etc
Where are you located I have a 2014 650ix with 106,000 miles I need my timing chain replaced. How much will you charge????
Why those car it’s always the chain or the engine 2013 and up they hit messed up??
did you had to do any coding? also, I was told you have to do something after putting the valve cover back on. like pump the gas peddle like five times hold the start button to get the air out of the lines. Did you do something like that?
No coding, and the first time the car cranks it will self purge the air. Takes about 10 seconds of cranking to get the fuel pressure up
Chris Buisson thank you.. your video is great 👍🏼
yea, i just paid close to $3k for this job - didn't want to spends days to figuring this out and buying special tools
Honestly worth every penny!
Hi, Chris if this is a 2014 model why did you guys change the timing chain? BMW was supposed to have fixed this late in 2013 no? thank for the video
We did this as preventative maintenance to ensure the car lasts a while. Also, I believe the N20 update came in 01/2015, but I don't think that means those timing chains are impervious to failure.
@@TheBimmerBarn Thank you for taking the time to answer...KUDOS! can you post the parts list to do the overhaul and did you guys replace the oil pump? or water?
Just curious how many miles did the car have I’m looking at a 2014 series 3 328i for around 12,000$ with 100,000 . What noises does it make for u to know. Also is it a good idea to buy it ??
Ill sell u my 2013 328i 120k miles all covers, gaskets & serpentine belt replaced, preventative maintenance & still under 150k mile warranty
Had Camshaft position sensor error code, replaced the sensor but the error still pops up. Now I hear the chain rattling and it's loose already(via the engine oil cap check). Planning to do it by myself, it will be a long day or burn my pocket by going to a repairshop.
Replace your timing chain tensioner and change your oil! You may be able to save it still :)
@@TheBimmerBarn changing the tensioner is plug and play right? Thanks for the input!
@@TheBimmerBarn weird thing is, when I erase the code the engine runs fine(parked) and when I drive it the error pops up and serpentine belt squicks.
@@dyoodekzromo4474 Yes! no special tools needed
Doesn’t look like a fun job, how many miles did his timing chain go when this happened? My buddy Alex has the same exact car and we believe this is the problem
If the timing chain goes, the motor is done-zo, so we did this preventatively.
What type a tow hook you are using to keep the engine. Can you provide a link please.
Search eBay for E36 tow hook, they used the same thread through all of the E generation cars I believe. The OE one works well too!
@@TheBimmerBarn Thank you!
How many miles were on the car
Hi
Can you please tell what Tow Hook did you use , cause the F30 Tow Hook is much bigger
Your help will be highly appreciated.
Thank You
Douglas
E36/E46 tow hook, I added the part number in a reply to a comment on this video a while back! You can get one off ebay, even the aftermarket ones will work.
@@TheBimmerBarn
Thank you very much
Hi. Are you offering mechanic services? I'd be willing to pay for this to be done.
do you have a link to where you bought your tow hook? I can't find one that mounts into engine block properly, the aftermarket eBay/amazon hook's don't thread in all the way without hitting the engine block
I used an angle grinder to get it down to size. That, or using an OEM e36/E39 tow hook, PN 72157203519, works well.
Can you do mine?
Will the timing chain spin still if it’s broken? My f30 328i doesn’t start it just makes a wierd noise when cranking
remove the oil filler cap and put a flashlight on the timing chain while someone starts the car, and you can see if its spins or not! Good luck
@@TheBimmerBarn I did it it spins
My serpentine belt turns over when I’m cranking but it doesn’t start I think it might be spark plugs or ignition coils
@@TheBimmerBarn like when I go to push the start button it turns over the belts are moving and engine is turning over however it doesn’t start
@@TheBimmerBarn I figuered it out bro the plastic thing that holds the timing chain broke lol time for a new car 😂
Could you tell me which hook you used?
OEM e36/e39 tow hook, PN 72157203519, works well. Can also use an Ebay tow hook and grind down the shaft to make it work. Good luck!
Do you recommend to replace the oilpump too when replacing the timing chain ?
I'd recommend replacing the chain and tensioner assembly. No reason to chain the oil pump, they're pretty robust.
Chris Buisson why should I replace the tensioner assembly ? & I ment the chain not the pump 🤦♂️
Yes change the oil pump your right there and it’s cheap besides the new pump has the updated sprocket.
Yes replace the oil pump drive module in the same time It's made of the same cheap plastic guide so yes change it
2012 328i timing chain just broke. 70,000 miles.
Thinking of putting in a motor from a 2015 328i...built after 3/2015.
Anyone know if a 2015 motor will work in a 2012?
my cousin bought a 2012 328i with a blown engine due to timing chain guide failiure, and was able to save that motor by replacing the guides and chain on that car, there still might be a chance to save ur current motor, his engine wouldnt even start was completly dead, took a chance and took all broken guide pices out and the car started right up after the new guides and chain
@@NGlitchesFTW i had engine replaced at discount from bmw dealership. 3 wks later engine blew up. Fk bmws
I have a 2013 328xi an my timing chain guides broke off an the dealer wats to charge me $6,000 to fix! I’d rather just replace the motor 🤷🏻♂️
Ooph, the Xi models are 5x harder to do because of the awd system. Sorry for the bad luck!
Do you by chance know which production build dates are affected by this. Seeing mixed reviews between anything before 3/2013 or anything before 1/2015 are affected by these faulty mistake.
BMW released an extended warranty notice for all affected vehicles, so I'd look there to see if your motor applies. This issue was common before 2013 too on the Mini motors, so I'd take this issue on a case by case basis. Keep up with oil changes, replace your timing chain tensioner early, check your oil pan for chunks of timing chain debris.
@@TheBimmerBarn dropping oil pan is not that easy ;) for a common guy
03/2015 build date and before use the old timing chain guides and timing chains.
if you still have the orange timing guide its still the old one, change it to the white one here is the part number for the new designed timing guide 11317592850
@@anggasss they all become orange, it's the matter of time
How much would a job like this be?
Takes about 15-20 hours, so the price depends on what labor rate you're being charged. Definitely not a quick job, hope that helps!
is there the same issue on a 2015 as well ?
BMW made a slight redesign in 2015 but any engine could be prone to it.
Where did you get the engine hoist?
Harbor freight!
Do you know what size is the towing hook?! thanks
BMW PN# 72157203519 or any E series tow hook. Thread is M16x3.
Did you guys forget to do the bottom chain.
Nope it was replaced as well! Part of the kit, although the I think the tensioner fails first which causes the chain failure.
So little space to work with in the engine bay...
Why did you remove the injectors? Lol.
They'd never been checked before, and you can either remove those or the sparkplugs to alleviate cylinder compression so the motor will turn over freely 👍
Just for the record n20 is a non interference engine.. I know and can prove it
also, I read that broken valve guides can lodge itself into the crank sprocket and tear up stuff. Plus the oil pump chain elongates, damages oil pump sprocket teeth and sometimes the chain then breaks on the oil pump. Material and maybe design/thickness issues with the plastics and metals.
@@johnnypolex very possible
This is an 18hr job per book. It’s horrendous
is there a reason that the guides are plastic, why wouldn’t they just make it metal? i heard that there is a new law In Germany which requires all manufacturers to use 100% recycled plastic for any product in manufacturing or production perhaps the plastic they use was of lesser quality because it being from 100% recycled plastic I don’t know just a thought anyhow plastic guides are fucking stupid anyways...
They could make the structure of it metal, and then use a plastic shield for the chain to slide over, but then you might run into the issue like other BMW motors have where the plastic comes separated from the structure, and has all the same problems. Plastic does not like heat lol