F30 - Timing Chain

[MiteshN]

Good day fellow Fanatics.

I booked my vehicle (320i Sport) in last week for a few minor checks, and what I assume is a rough idle, and I was told by some others that it is just seeming rough as it is direct injection and the pressure on the injectors that causes it to seem rough. I was called back by the dealer to advise that they diagnosed that the timing chain needs to be replaced.

I am just curious to know if this is a common issue with the F30 engines. Has anyone else had this issue.

My car is only on 76000km. I have driven other cars such as VWs that have timing chains, and never had an issue even over 180000km And I was always under the impression if you have a belt that usually gets changed around 90000 - 100000km but with a chain it usually lasts almost forever, or beyond 200000km

 

[Junz]

What year model ?

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check this thread

https://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=84327

 

[MiteshN]

Thanks Junz.

It is a 2013, so assume it was supposed to have been rectified on this model.
Well it is under motor plan still, so I just have to wait until I get the car back now, and see if she seems smoother.

I assume they have to change the oil at the same time. I know the next service was going to be in 8000km so maybe that will now change?

 

[Loom]

Apparently there was a recall (bulletin 0011540300) to replace the tensioner. According to the bulletin affected vehicles are E6x E8x E9x with N47 engines.

The document is uploaded here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B52kNOwSMHMVNGRJWUo4NE8wanc/view

Edit: the OP has a petrol engine and the N47 is a diesel engine.

 

[Junz]

Apparently there was a recall (bulletin 0011540300) to replace the tensioner. According to the bulletin affected vehicles are E6x E8x E9x with N47 engines.

The document is uploaded here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B52kNOwSMHMVNGRJWUo4NE8wanc/view

I read somewhere that BMW is considering a recall for the F30 timing chain issues, nothing official from BMW yet

 

[individj]

it would be a miracle if they did..should do it for all the //M bearings!

 

[MiteshN]

Thanks Loom and Junz

The official recall you mention Loom, is not for the F30. I wonder if BMW will recall the F30 and if so, will they contact BMW owners?

 

[Loom]

Thanks Loom and Junz

The official recall you mention Loom, is not for the F30. I wonder if BMW will recall the F30 and if so, will they contact BMW owners?

Sorry, it's for the N47 which is a diesel engine but also used in the F30 series.

 

[MiteshN]

Thanks Loom

How do I find out which engine I have? I think it is the N20.

 

[Iceman007]

Guys all I can say is the new 320i cars dont idle smooth and have numerous problems with engines. I would not want to own one out of motor plan. Just my 2c from things I have seen and heard

 

[Samo135]

Hi guys got my car back yesterday. Cost to the MP was 150k.. The only thing they kept from the old motor was the turbo. The new motor I was told by the BMW mechanic has the strengthend crankshaft and stronger cam chain guides. The new motor also has the electronic waste gate. It comes with a 2 year warranty. So not sure if I will extend the plan for its final year. In all the reading I have done and with trends in Europe and America. This fault is not as common as people make it out. But the items mentioned above that have been strengthend in the newer motor was a weakness on the early n20 motors. But they seem to have solved it. Also if I keep mine I will do a yearly oil change or 10000kms whichever comes first.

 

[shark111]

Apparently there was a recall (bulletin 0011540300) to replace the tensioner. According to the bulletin affected vehicles are E6x E8x E9x with N47 engines.

The document is uploaded here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B52kNOwSMHMVNGRJWUo4NE8wanc/view

Edit: the OP has a petrol engine and the N47 is a diesel engine.

Having an N47 engine which might have been impacted I asked a friend who works at BMW about that, he said that recall was over awhile ago, from what I read online it ended in December 2015, not sure how much of work was done on it in SA.

 

[MiteshN]

Thanks everyone for all your responses and feedback on this issue. I received my car back on Friday and they replaced the timing chain and the tensioners, etc. Total cost with some aircon work on the ducts etc, due to aircon odors is R22K. All covered in MP.

But since receiving it back the come seems like it doesn't have that same power as before. I am not sure if it just needs some time, or if there is something else, or a computer reset or something. I am taking it back in tomorrow as they need to still replace the front lip which I cracked and they had to order the part.

Also for them to sort out my windscreen as they chipped it while it was with them.

I do love my car. I do think that the car is still a very good car, just some niggly bits to sort out. But I think any car in any brand could have some issues, just glad this one is still in MP and being sorted out. I will look to extend the MP when it expires towards the end of the month.

Will keep you guys updated.

 

[MiteshN]

Ok, so I got my car back this morning.

I don't understand, that BMW did not pick up some things on the car, themselves. I don't think they do a very good job at doing an overall check on the car.

I had to inform them that the front discs have a ridge and should be replaced, this I would think they would pick up and inform me, not vice versa. Any how, they replaced the front discs and pads, repaired my windscreen, replaced the front lip and claim to have done an auto software update. The software on the iDrive still shows the same version as before. Maybe they just reset the computer or something.

But after the replacement of the timing chain, and an aircon overall for the odours, and the above items, my beast seems to be in good order and nick. She has her power back, and runs nice and smooth.