BMW Timing Chain Replacement

mossy82

Hi, I bought a 02 BMW 318 (94k miles) off a garage last week and it has already started acting up, it came with a 3 month warranty thank god, however I took it back to the garage this morning and they told me that the timing chain needs replacement, they will replace it no problem.

However is this a major cause for concern? should it need replacement? will it lead to further complications down the line? should I run for the hills?

Any advice would be great, thanks.

johnos1984

If they are replacing it and happy to do so I see no reason to worry

I'd be thinking of things like are these lads competent, are they paying someone else to do it? Profit margin on a 2002 318?

What exactly were the issues you experienced that has them diagnose it needs a new chain? A 92k mile 318 shouldn't need this work.

mickdw

Somehow, I dont see this being smooth sailing for the OP. Hope im very wrong though.

mickdw

mickdw wrote: »

Somehow, I dont see this being smooth sailing for the OP. Hope im very wrong though.

My feelings exactly, unfortunately.
Presumably you've put next to no miles up on it over the course of the week?

-Corkie-

mickdw wrote: »

Somehow, I dont see this being smooth sailing for the OP. Hope im very wrong though.

Same as that Mick. A timing chain replacement would indicate lack of oil changes imo.

listermint

mickdw wrote: »

Somehow, I dont see this being smooth sailing for the OP. Hope im very wrong though.

this

RoverJames wrote: »

My feelings exactly, unfortunately.

and this

johnos1984

OP the above is sound advice tbh.

If it is a reputable garage a probl shouldn't slip past but if it did and they can and will repair it i'd be happy with that but anything less and I'd be concerned

mossy82

I'd be thinking of things like are these lads competent, are they paying someone else to do it? Profit margin on a 2002 318?

What exactly were the issues you experienced that has them diagnose it needs a new chain? A 92k mile 318 shouldn't need this work.

Yeah, it only cost €3,000, they will be doing the work themselves with their own mechanic, however I will be getting it checked by another mechanic before the 3 month warranty expires.

I only did 120miles, when I started it this morning the revs were up and down and it was jumping about a bit, I took it the garage and the mechanic came out and told me it was the timing chain, he actually told me this before I told him I bought it there.

Hopefully it will be grand, hopefully!
Cheers for the advice though.

Nissan doctor

The N42 valvetronic engine in your car needs proper diagnosis. The chains do not give trouble, but the tensioners do and BMW supply a redesigned tensioner which is not expensive.

If you are having running problems then IMO you have one of two problems, either the tensioner has failed and the chain has slipped a tooth, or you have a valvetronic system issue, which is a very common issue on these engines and very easily misdiagnosed by people who aren't familiar with how the engine works.

If the tensioner has failed and the chain has slipped then specific(and not cheap) timing tools are required for this engine so if you are having the garage repair it then make 100% sure that they have the proper tools.

Tigger

Nissan doctor wrote: »

The N42 valvetronic engine in your car needs proper diagnosis. The chains do not give trouble, but the tensioners do and BMW supply a redesigned tensioner which is not expensive.

If you are having running problems then IMO you have one of two problems, either the tensioner has failed and the chain has slipped a tooth, or you have a valvetronic system issue, which is a very common issue on these engines and very easily misdiagnosed by people who aren't familiar with how the engine works.

If the tensioner has failed and the chain has slipped then specific(and not cheap) timing tools are required for this engine so if you are having the garage repair it then make 100% sure that they have to the proper tools.

if i lived near you you'd be my mechanic ND

Nissan doctor

Tigger wrote: »

if i lived near you you'd be my mechanic ND

Sure Ireland's only small...:D

milltown

'02 might not necessarily be the valvetronic engine.
OP, is yours a 1.9 or a 2.0 litre?
Alternatively, when you look under the bonnet, do you see a vast expanse of plastic or an engine with a plastic cover on the top of it?

Nissan doctor

milltown wrote: »

'02 might not necessarily be the valvetronic engine.
OP, is yours a 1.9 or a 2.0 litre?
Alternatively, when you look under the bonnet, do you see a vast expanse of plastic or an engine with a plastic cover on the top of it?

In 2002, as far as I'm aware, all 318 badged cars had the 2.0 Valvetronic engine.

The 1.9 engined 318 was discontinued in 2001.

The black plate on the left hand strut tower(right side as you look under the bonnet) should have the build date and engine type written on it.

bazz26

If it is the facelifted E46 which appeared towards the end of 2001 then it has the 2.0 litre 16v valvetronic engine. The older 1.9 litre engine was 8v.

mossy82

It is a 2 Litre, if it's a valvetronic system issue, is that easily fixed?

Nissan doctor

mossy82 wrote: »

It is a 2 Litre, if it's a valvetronic system issue, is that easily fixed?

If it was the valvetronic actuator that was faulty, which is the most common failure, its not a huge job to change, although the system needs to be programmed properly afterwards.

mondeo

I never feel confidant when I hear "3 month engine gearbox". Was it a lad with a yard with 15 cars in it, a shed with a desk and chair?

Just be sure you get your own mechanic to check the work has been carried our properly afterwards. I'm sure it will be be alright.

mossy82

The garage just got back to me and said a link in the timing chain broke, basically said it is a massive job and would involve stripping most of the engine down and then putting it back together, should have it back next week.

Will definitely have it checked by someone else when I get it back.

Thanks for all the advice. Hopefully it will be grand and not lead to future issues.

Onwardandupwar

Just for your info it's not A massive job. We do these a lot and it involves inlet manifold rocker cover and only the top of the timing cover removed. The new chain is attached to the old and turned around the crank then remove the old chain and time the cams up fit new tensioner and put her back together no more then a days work at a maximum so sounds like there unfimiliar with the setup. Just don't let them fob u off and be carefull make sure the car is right

Nissan doctor

Onwardandupwar wrote: »

Just for your info it's not A massive job. We do these a lot and it involves inlet manifold rocker cover and only the top of the timing cover removed. The new chain is attached to the old and turned around the crank then remove the old chain and time the cams up fit new tensioner and put her back together no more then a days work at a maximum so sounds like there unfimiliar with the setup. Just don't let them fob u off and be carefull make sure the car is right

Thats even more work then needed. A couple of bolts(accessed through the bungs in the timing chain cover) and the chain and guides just lift right out.

Onwardandupwar

Nissan doctor wrote: »

Onwardandupwar wrote: »

Just for your info it's not A massive job. We do these a lot and it involves inlet manifold rocker cover and only the top of the timing cover removed. The new chain is attached to the old and turned around the crank then remove the old chain and time the cams up fit new tensioner and put her back together no more then a days work at a maximum so sounds like there unfimiliar with the setup. Just don't let them fob u off and be carefull make sure the car is right

Thats even more work then needed. A couple of bolts(accessed through the bungs in the timing chain cover) and the chain and guides just lift right out.

My point being that the job only takes a few hours I wasn't giving word for word what to do