M57N2 Timing Chain

[sunnyj]

Hello peeps. Excuse my ignorance on this but I was wondering if the M57N2 engines have had issues with timing chain failures? I've not seen anything on this forum? My understanding is that timing chains are designed to last the life of the car. I've read of issues with the timing chains on the N47 engines failing which has raised some concerns on the M57N2's. Also do the M57N2 engines have swirl flaps and if so is there anything to watch out for? :fencelook:

 

[frikkieh]

Let's define "life of a car". :thinking:
To me it's forever, to BMW it's between 5 and 7 years max...

 

[sunnyj]

Well, we've had some Mercs before switching over to BMW - never changed timing chains on any of them. Had a 1972 Alfa GTV, never changed the timing chain on that either. My understanding is that manufacturers use timing chains as they are meant to last forever whereas a belt is designed to be replaced every xxx km's. This is one of the reasons we always bought Mercs/BMW's as they use timing chains which improve reliability. I have not come across any useful information on any forum or from BMW advising on this matter or if timing chains do indeed need to be replaced.

 

[Andy1GP]

Sunnyj I think you're pretty safe to not worry about them failing. Even on it's higher revving petrol brother the 6cyl motors with chains are quite reliable. I had a 2001 E46 330i which with its current owner is sitting on 360,000km and original chain and guides. If anything the guides will wear away before the chains do. A1exander could comment more on this.

I also know of several M57N owners that have there cars running close to 300k km also no issues. I wouldn't imagine so since the lower RPM should give you a much longer lifespan on them than the petrol equivalent. The M57N2 is pretty much the same motor aside from the electric actuator, EGR thermostat and some changes in the cooling system. If you're going for 500-600k km then I would consider it. Else it's just sheer driving pleasure

 

[sunnyj]

Well then I guess that allays my fears of a timing chain failure on these engines.:thumbs:

There is still one thing of concern, do these engines come with swirl flaps as I've heard that these can fail and cause serious engine damage