2009 318d timing chain replacement

MrSing

Hi all, I've got a 2009 bmw 318d Lci with 180k klms on the clock. I was recently told that the chain needs to be replaced at around 200k and it's a major job and very expensive too as the engine needs to come out because the chain is at the back. Is it the case that the chain needs to be replaced at at only 200k kilometers? Apparently some models don't need this replacement and some do

bazz26

The chain only needs replacing if it becomes noisy, it's a well documented fault on these engines but there is no set mileage interval to when the chain needs replacing. It could happen at any mileage.

Stallingrad

You did well to get 200k out of it. Does the car have a full BMWSH? Given that it a known issue could be worth trying for goodwill from BMW.

Voodoo2

So I had a 520D N47 engine which had all the timing chain issues, while mine did have the ticking noise and was the timing chain the place where I got it replaced said that some of the time some of the engines presented with no noise from the time chain, so no noise doesn't in all cases mean it doesn't need to be done just letting you know, But if you have regular service intervals of around 8 to 10 between oil changes, chances are its ok if there is no noise. An Alternative is to book the car in to a BMW garage for a health check it free!, and ask them specifically about the timing chain, they made a new tool specific for testing the chains tension where they remove the external tensioner and screw in the meter in its place, its measures and gives a pass or fail based on the movement of the chain.

Two option if it was my car - If I was keeping it a long time get it checked out if the engine is part of the dreaded chain gang but if your not keeping the car for much longer drive on and enjoy

grogi

MrSing wrote: »

Hi all, I've got a 2009 bmw 318d Lci with 180k klms on the clock. I was recently told that the chain needs to be replaced at around 200k and it's a major job and very expensive too as the engine needs to come out because the chain is at the back. Is it the case that the chain needs to be replaced at at only 200k kilometers? Apparently some models don't need this replacement and some do

An independent garage specialising in BMW will replace the chain without taking the engine out.

vanos

chains fail as low as from 70k mls .u cant say really why and how it happens,but some ,most cars does 2-3 times that mileage without problems.
some fail with top small chain ,lot of them with middle chain , and sometimes the gears wear very badly and chain slippes after . so thats why only full kit must be replaced and with new gears
some garages likes to work in car on these engines,some likes to take it out and have it nice on the bench .