Running cost of E87 120i

[realtrevor]

The timing tensioner presses on the timing chain to eliminate the slack which starts to develop as the chain stretches. The tensioner is spring operated and, like any metal spring, losses its strength over time. It is strongly recommended that the timing tensioner be replaced if your mechanic is advising you to.

How do you tell when its time to change the timing tensioner?
I have an E87 116i with 239,000Km.

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Coool, thanks my car only on 99k now so when do you thinkmit should be replaced?
Wow a 116i on 320k holy cow!!!
:thumbs:

This goes to show how BMWs are sometimes reliable than what they tell you out there. I am positive that my 116i will reach that mileage too without any breakdown. I'm on 239,000Km now.

 

[Jarv]

I love my 116 soooo much, dont need anything faster or better than it, 85kw is fast enough for me, sometimesvi think it finds more power somewhere. :thumbs:

 

[Lysis]

The chain tensioner is listed as a 'lifetime' component, although in BMW speak that generally means 100 000km or 5 years. How long the tensioner lasts for is dependent on a number of things, regularity of services, driving style, etc.

You will definitely know the tensioner is on its last legs when you can hear the timing chain rattle. To be on the cautious side I wouldn't think replacement every 100 000km to be unreasonable. The coil spring found inside the tensioner can be purchased separately from BMW for about R50.

 

[Jarv]

Awesome thanks will go see bmw about this tomo

 

[justinmccall]

A very helpful forum, thanks guys! I'm about to purchase a 2005 118i with 105,000 km on the clock.

 

[momo1]

Iv owned 2

except for the slight lack of power they excellent cars.

1) 2005 118i (same engine as 120i) bought on 150,000km and sold on 220,000, no problems at all except for a slight radiator leak at 210,000km.
I replaced it at silverton for R4500 for an original quality one with a warranty.

2) 2009 120i bought on 104,000km and on 118,000km currently , had oil leak as mentioned above, costed me R300 to get it fixed. (seals)

as mentioned above runflat tyres are the only big expense.
but you can get around that by fitting normal tyres and keeping a spare.

I did every service except for brakes at BMW and was reasonable, plugs service cost about R2000 but you only require a service for that every 100,000km/5years

I got a mech that works for BMW but does private jobs on weekends that did brakes for me for R2500 (included senses,pads and labour)
again these are based on how you drive, I only changed after 40,000km

 

[Justin1979]

Iv owned 2

except for the slight lack of power they excellent cars.

1) 2005 118i (same engine as 120i) bought on 150,000km and sold on 220,000, no problems at all except for a slight radiator leak at 210,000km.
I replaced it at silverton for R4500 for an original quality one with a warranty.

2) 2009 120i bought on 104,000km and on 118,000km currently , had oil leak as mentioned above, costed me R300 to get it fixed. (seals)

as mentioned above runflat tyres are the only big expense.
but you can get around that by fitting normal tyres and keeping a spare.

I did every service except for brakes at BMW and was reasonable, plugs service cost about R2000 but you only require a service for that every 100,000km/5years

I got a mech that works for BMW but does private jobs on weekends that did brakes for me for R2500 (included senses,pads and labour)
again these are based on how you drive, I only changed after 40,000km

Hi Momo1
My wife has an e87 120i and is on 140,000km and I suspect it has an oil leak as I have been filling oil quite often. Also smokes a little and I am a little concerned. I am new to the forum and would love any input you may offer, you mentioned having replaced seals which costed R300. I look forward to ur response.

 

[momo1]

Iv owned 2

except for the slight lack of power they excellent cars.

1) 2005 118i (same engine as 120i) bought on 150,000km and sold on 220,000, no problems at all except for a slight radiator leak at 210,000km.
I replaced it at silverton for R4500 for an original quality one with a warranty.

2) 2009 120i bought on 104,000km and on 118,000km currently , had oil leak as mentioned above, costed me R300 to get it fixed. (seals)

as mentioned above runflat tyres are the only big expense.
but you can get around that by fitting normal tyres and keeping a spare.

I did every service except for brakes at BMW and was reasonable, plugs service cost about R2000 but you only require a service for that every 100,000km/5years

I got a mech that works for BMW but does private jobs on weekends that did brakes for me for R2500 (included senses,pads and labour)
again these are based on how you drive, I only changed after 40,000km

Hi Momo1
My wife has an e87 120i and is on 140,000km and I suspect it has an oil leak as I have been filling oil quite often. Also smokes a little and I am a little concerned. I am new to the forum and would love any input you may offer, you mentioned having replaced seals which costed R300. I look forward to ur response.

Hi this seems to be your valve stem seals. which is quite different to the leak i had, which was a visible leak from the engine bay.
contact John at Leo Haese he had a special at R8500 for all seals and gasket cover.
see below link
https://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=74058

 

[tyronejames]

Iv owned 2

except for the slight lack of power they excellent cars.

1) 2005 118i (same engine as 120i) bought on 150,000km and sold on 220,000, no problems at all except for a slight radiator leak at 210,000km.
I replaced it at silverton for R4500 for an original quality one with a warranty.

2) 2009 120i bought on 104,000km and on 118,000km currently , had oil leak as mentioned above, costed me R300 to get it fixed. (seals)

as mentioned above runflat tyres are the only big expense.
but you can get around that by fitting normal tyres and keeping a spare.

I did every service except for brakes at BMW and was reasonable, plugs service cost about R2000 but you only require a service for that every 100,000km/5years

I got a mech that works for BMW but does private jobs on weekends that did brakes for me for R2500 (included senses,pads and labour)
again these are based on how you drive, I only changed after 40,000km

Hi Momo1
My wife has an e87 120i and is on 140,000km and I suspect it has an oil leak as I have been filling oil quite often. Also smokes a little and I am a little concerned. I am new to the forum and would love any input you may offer, you mentioned having replaced seals which costed R300. I look forward to ur response.

Hey man. Having owned two e87 120i in the past I'm quite certain that it sounds like its your valve stem seals. Its a common issue on the N46 engine. A quick test would be start the car up and let it idle for about 5-10 minutes. Then tramp the gas pedal and if a big puff of blue smoke comes out the rear you know whats the problem. Also where are you located?

 

[Justin1979]

Iv owned 2

except for the slight lack of power they excellent cars.

1) 2005 118i (same engine as 120i) bought on 150,000km and sold on 220,000, no problems at all except for a slight radiator leak at 210,000km.
I replaced it at silverton for R4500 for an original quality one with a warranty.

2) 2009 120i bought on 104,000km and on 118,000km currently , had oil leak as mentioned above, costed me R300 to get it fixed. (seals)

as mentioned above runflat tyres are the only big expense.
but you can get around that by fitting normal tyres and keeping a spare.

I did every service except for brakes at BMW and was reasonable, plugs service cost about R2000 but you only require a service for that every 100,000km/5years

I got a mech that works for BMW but does private jobs on weekends that did brakes for me for R2500 (included senses,pads and labour)
again these are based on how you drive, I only changed after 40,000km

Hi Momo1
My wife has an e87 120i and is on 140,000km and I suspect it has an oil leak as I have been filling oil quite often. Also smokes a little and I am a little concerned. I am new to the forum and would love any input you may offer, you mentioned having replaced seals which costed R300. I look forward to ur response.

Hey man. Having owned two e87 120i in the past I'm quite certain that it sounds like its your valve stem seals. Its a common issue on the N46 engine. A quick test would be start the car up and let it idle for about 5-10 minutes. Then tramp the gas pedal and if a big puff of blue smoke comes out the rear you know whats the problem. Also where are you located?

Thanks for the response, still new at this. I am situated in Jhb. Apologies for the late response.

 

[Kurt Adv]

My wife had a 120i Auto, from brand new, now my daughter's car, besides being quite heavy on fuel, due to Auto, and a bit flat, not bad cars. Valve stem seals went after 120 000km, BMW wanted a kidney donation to repair, took it to a private dealer, 60% less.
But after seeing how this model car helped my older daughter in accident, 118i manual, very tough car, she was hit in the left door by a Ford F250 complete with trailer, so hard that the car did a 360 in the air, all but one window was smashed, passenger door touched the centre console, she got out with whiplash and glass cuts, and slight concussion....hence the comfort of my younger daughter taking over my wife's 120i...