F30 defective timing chain guides

[Laheraa]

Hi, is anyone else also having a problem with slack in the timing chain caused by faulty internal plastic timing chain guides that wear down prematurely? My 2012 F30 328i built with the N20 engine has this problem. There was a BMW recall in America because of it but nothing here in SA about it, which seems quite unfair. I also just wanted to know if anyone raised it with BMW SA and if so what the response was?

 

[NB92325]

Funny enough I was reading about this very same issue this morning. Apparently the pre-facelift F30s are known for bad timing chain reliability but it was addressed in the LCI process.

It really pisses me off because the correction is an admission that there's a factory or design flaw yet out of warranty they just shrug their shoulders.

Same with the e90 lights which have a known issue with corrosion because of crap solder used. BMW sorted you out under warranty but out of warranty, take a hike.

Sent from my SM-S916B using Tapatalk

 

[Sabretooth tiger]

Good luck getting BMWSA to do anything about it. It will be less painful for you to do the required preventative maintenance.

 

[Laheraa]

That's what I was afraid of. BMW USA only relented after a lawsuit by customers. When I called BMW SA they simply said there's no such campaign here, a diagnostic assessment will cost 1700 (to tell me what I already know), and naturally any repairs will be at my cost.

 

[Laheraa]

Any ball park estimates for what the preventive maintenance might cost?

 

[NB92325]

Any ball park estimates for what the preventive maintenance might cost?

Question would be whether the timing chain is still located at the back of the engine as with many German platforms of that time, in which case it might mean engine and transmission out

 

[Sabretooth tiger]

No idea of costs. Which are are you located in. Can perhaps suggest a place or 2. depending.

 

[NB92325]

OK it seems it's located in front, but jeeeeeez, this is still not a quick or cheap job it seems. Sorry bro:

 

[NB92325]

The Audi B6 S4 (the 4.2l V8) had the same problem which was easy to fix with upgraded RS4 chain guides. Problem is it was an engine out job and it was not an if, but a when issue. I was looking at buying a beautiful one with low mileage for very good price but then Racing Technik advised me that the timing chain job would run me around R100k to do as it was incredibly labour intensive and the guides were NLA so you had to import them from some obscure European suppliers that hoards them.

Needless to say I didn't go with the Audi...

 

[Laheraa]

OK it seems it's located in front, but jeeeeeez, this is still not a quick or cheap job it seems. Sorry bro:

Goodness!

 

[Laheraa]

No idea of costs. Which are are you located in. Can perhaps suggest a place or 2. depending.

Sandton, but any place in and around Joburg/Midrand would be fine

 

[Laheraa]

The Audi B6 S4 (the 4.2l V8) had the same problem which was easy to fix with upgraded RS4 chain guides. Problem is it was an engine out job and it was not an if, but a when issue. I was looking at buying a beautiful one with low mileage for very good price but then Racing Technik advised me that the timing chain job would run me around R100k to do as it was incredibly labour intensive and the guides were NLA so you had to import them from some obscure European suppliers that hoards them.

Needless to say I didn't go with the Audi...

Wow that's nuts. They really make money with out of warranty repairs. My dilemma is it's also a when issue, so I need to do the preventive maintenance

 

[Sabretooth tiger]

Sandton, but any place in and around Joburg/Midrand would be fine

chat to @Peter@AEW. He should be able to advise

 

[Laheraa]

chat to @Peter@AEW. He should be able to advise

Thank you very much

 

[Laheraa]

Goodness!

Thanks for taking the time to look into this🤛

 

[Mytfine]

Its a common problem and is fixable without removing the engine, A weekends job if you going to DIY or a months paycheck if you send it in

 

[rodga]

Its a common problem and is fixable without removing the engine, A weekends job if you going to DIY or a months paycheck if you send it in

Bro.... I wish everything was as cheap to repair as my monthly paycheck

 

[Mytfine]

The Audi B6 S4 (the 4.2l V8) had the same problem which was easy to fix with upgraded RS4 chain guides. Problem is it was an engine out job and it was not an if, but a when issue. I was looking at buying a beautiful one with low mileage for very good price but then Racing Technik advised me that the timing chain job would run me around R100k to do as it was incredibly labour intensive and the guides were NLA so you had to import them from some obscure European suppliers that hoards them.

Needless to say I didn't go with the Audi...

Thats nuts, for 100k i could have a home workshop with a lift.