discussion BMW X5 N57 Engine Timing Chain Replacement & Costs?

[Rocket5979]

I'm looking to purchase a F15 X5 M50D in the near future. I hear that, although the N57 engines in these are reliable, the timing chain and associated components sometimes need replacement later in life.

-At what amount of km do these require the timing chain and other related components to be replaced? Is the need for a timing chain replacement in these evident by chain slap or anything audible like that, or do people opt to proactively replace them without any visual/auditory cues before a catastrophic failure occurs?

-What is the typical rough cost for something like that?

 

[shark111]

As someone looking at an E70 40d, would love to know too

Sent from my SM-G781B using Tapatalk

 

[Solo Man]

I have never heard of the timing chain issue on the twin and triple turbo motors although i have read about timing chain breakage on the 730d motor which is probably the same motor but with only one turbo. Also not sure if it is on the earlier m57 motors or the newer n57 motors. Would also like to hear from people who have actually experienced timing chain breakage on their cars?

 

[Rocket5979]

I have never heard of the timing chain issue on the twin and triple turbo motors although i have read about timing chain breakage on the 730d motor which is probably the same motor but with only one turbo. Also not sure if it is on the earlier m57 motors or the newer n57 motors. Would also like to hear from people who have actually experienced timing chain breakage on their cars?

From how I understand it it's not that they are expected to break, but rather some of the components require replacement such as chain guides and tensioners. Then I assume while everything is apart, the chain is proactively replaced too; probably as more a preventative measure in case it stretched over the years. In my experience, most timing chains are quite durable and don't really stretch much, but I've heard some people end up replacing them after 100k on the N57 engines.

I'm a total noob to the BMW diesels so I can only go off what I've read in a few(questionable?) discussions but that's the impression I received. I could be mistaken though, and rather hope that I am, honestly.

I'm hoping someone with a significant amount of mechanical experience with these will weigh in here.

 

[3 serious]

Hi there. I am following this thread because of my interest in the N57 engine. I have owned one, f30 330d (single turbo) and plan to own a 640d (bi turbo) in the near future. From my ownership experience and other N57 owners, I have never heard of this issue. I think I have seen a few (literally) chain related issues on youtube/internet regarding this engine. I therefore doubt it is a common problem especially if the car is well taken care of. Maybe the tri-burbo are less reliable because of the power they make? I don't know. I also hope the knowledgeable folks in this forum will respond. Otherwise the N57 has a reputation of being one of the most reliable BMW engines currently available and have never heard of the chain problem in this forum. Cheers

 

[PsyCLown]

I think it is more preventative maintenance and depends on what mileage you plan on taking the car to and your appetite for risk.
Cheaper to replace the timing chain than fix the mess if it goes and the possible damage which could be caused - offers peace of mind as well.

Probably not a bad idea to replace it between 150k and 200k KM. Most international forums seem to point towards 120k miles which is just under 200k KM.

 

[Rocket5979]

Hi there. I am following this thread because of my interest in the N57 engine. I have owned one, f30 330d (single turbo) and plan to own a 640d (bi turbo) in the near future. From my ownership experience and other N57 owners, I have never heard of this issue. I think I have seen a few (literally) chain related issues on youtube/internet regarding this engine. I therefore doubt it is a common problem especially if the car is well taken care of. Maybe the tri-burbo are less reliable because of the power they make? I don't know. I also hope the knowledgeable folks in this forum will respond. Otherwise the N57 has a reputation of being one of the most reliable BMW engines currently available and have never heard of the chain problem in this forum. Cheers

I appreciate the reassurance. Perhaps what I saw was a fluke. I hope so.

 

[GravityLee]

Piggy backing on this, what are some preventative maintenance items to keep in mind for 40d and 50d motors as they go over 100k km?

 

[tarsus]

Just some feedback on an old post. i have a 2014 X3 with N47 engine D20C revision. car has 205,000km. and no timing chain rattles or noices. No real issues to mention. Car been amazingly faithful with no problems. At 200,000 i decided to change the glow plugs and snapped X2 of them. What a bugger to drill them out. Advice would be every time you do an oil change it cost nothing to unscrew the glow plugs and put a bit of Hi temperature copper grease on the thread. That way they don't snap because they are siezed. Decided to remove the intake as well for cleaning believing it would be carboned up. not a stitch of carbon. the vales and intake looked like they just came of the showroom floor. Couldn't believe it. I'm keeping this car for much longer.