BMW 318CI coupe timing belt?

irish gent · 08-09-2014 6:04pm #1

Hi ,I have a BMW 318CI coupe . mechanic says I need the timing belt replaced at 500 euro is this what it cost normally or should i shop around thanks..

biko · 08-09-2014 6:40pm

What year? What mileage? It may have a chain.

irish gent · 08-09-2014 7:37pm

The year is 2002 mileage is 92k mechanic says its the timing belt 500 euro.thanks biko

Alanstrainor · 08-09-2014 7:47pm

Your car doesn't have a timing belt...it has a timing chain...I would be looking for another mechanic.

EDIT: The only other belts your car has are auxiliary belts for water pump, alternator, A/C etc. These do need to be changed but should cost very little to do (as in sub 100 quid). I'm not certain what a mechanic would charge but it's a very easy and quick job. Unless your mechanic is suggesting you need a new timing chain...then I have no idea what he is on about to be honest with you...

George Dalton · 08-09-2014 8:43pm

Alanstrainor wrote: »

Your car doesn't have a timing belt...it has a timing chain...I would be looking for another mechanic.

Bit hasty no?

I would say it is highly likely that the mechanic priced the chain job and the OP has their wires crossed.

Alanstrainor · 08-09-2014 8:50pm

George Dalton wrote: »

Bit hasty no?

I would say it is highly likely that the mechanic priced the chain job and the OP has their wires crossed.

A bit knee jerk alright...

milltown · 08-09-2014 8:51pm

I'd still be wary if I was the OP and the mileage is genuine. I know of one supposed specialist in the Dublin area who charges for a carefully worded timing chain "repair" or similar, for about the amount in the OP, and only changes the guide and tensioner, leaving the original chain in place.

OP, what are the symptoms that the car went to the mechanic for?

irish gent · 09-09-2014 2:42pm

I left my car in to get my brake pads done . and he says my trimming belt was noisy especially on a cold start you would here it he said . Bloody 500 euro. I think I might get a second opinion on this. does anybody know a mechanic ..

biko · 09-09-2014 2:43pm

irish gent wrote: »

I think I might get a second opinion on this. does anybody know a mechanic ..

I know several. Where are you located?

irish gent · 09-09-2014 3:00pm

im living in Clondalkin

bazz26 · 09-09-2014 3:06pm

That engine has a timing chain that would get noisy/rattly if it starts to stretch which is not that uncommon on those engines. Definitely get a second opinion though.

Idbatterim · 09-09-2014 3:34pm

try valdas motorconfidence...

George Dalton · 09-09-2014 3:39pm

irish gent wrote: »

I left my car in to get my brake pads done . and he says my trimming belt was noisy especially on a cold start you would here it he said . Bloody 500 euro. I think I might get a second opinion on this. does anybody know a mechanic ..

He will have said your timing chain is noisy on a cold start.

Sounds totally plausible to be honest.

irish gent · 09-09-2014 3:45pm

I will ask him did he say chain or belt.

keno-daytrader · 10-09-2014 11:47am

irish gent wrote: »

I left my car in to get my brake pads done . and he says my trimming belt was noisy especially on a cold start you would here it he said . Bloody 500 euro. I think I might get a second opinion on this. does anybody know a mechanic ..

The chain tensioner is a known fault on the e46 and was redesigned, cost 30e and its easy to fit if your anyway mechanically inclined.

If you dont replace it the chain bang off the plastic guides and one day poof its a very expensive fix, get the chain tensioner replaced asap.

BMW 318CI coupe timing belt?

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