bmw 320 d e46 2003 timing chain

biglovin · 29-03-2010 9:37am #1

Hi,
Am i correct in saying that the above model of car doesnt have a timing belt but a timing chain?
What does this mean with regards to maintenance, i know you should be changing a belt every 60k or so, is there anything that needs be be done with the chain / anything that i should look out for?

Thanks

unkel · 29-03-2010 11:37am

Yup, all BMWs (of recent decades) have timing chains. They don't need any maintenance and should normally last 200k miles or more. A timing chain that's on the way out will start to rattle so it will give you plenty of notice

I wish all cars had chains

biglovin · 29-03-2010 11:52am

ya all my previous cars had timing belts and i am getting to the stage where i would have been thinking about replacing it (if my car had one)

thanks for that.

Dr_Colossus · 29-03-2010 12:50pm

unkel wrote: »

I wish all cars had chains

Why don't they, what are the advantages of a timing belt over a chain. Having to replace belts and the cost involved is a real pain.

unkel · 29-03-2010 1:52pm

A belt is cheaper. And the cynic in me says it brings nice revenue to the dealer network every 4 or 5 years for the life of the car everytime it needs to be replaced. A belt is quieter but you won't really notice that in a modern well insulated car.

Dr_Colossus wrote: »

Having to replace belts and the cost involved is a real pain.

The real pain is when the owner doesn't know / forgets to change the belt on time, or worse, when the belt snaps prematurely :mad:

The good news is that more and more manufacturers are returning to chains...

bazz26 · 29-03-2010 2:13pm

I'd be more concerned about the condition of the turbo to be honest, the late 2001 to early 2004 150bhp diesel engine suffered from turbo failure. If it has been replaced make sure the seller has receipts/documents to prove it.

biglovin · 29-03-2010 3:04pm

bazz26 wrote: »

I'd be more concerned about the condition of the turbo to be honest, the late 2001 to early 2004 150bhp diesel engine suffered from turbo failure. If it has been replaced make sure the seller has receipts/documents to prove it.

well i havent noticed anything like the turbo going or anything like that, i presume there is no way i can actually check this ? :eek:

bmw 320 d e46 2003 timing chain

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