Presale inspection from Dekra said he heard a rattle from timing chain...

John_Mc

Hi,

I have a small deposit on a BMW X1 (2016) with 50k miles subject to inspection not producing any issues. The car has a full service history from BMW.

I had Dekra out last week and the engineer said he heard what he thought was a rattle from the timing chain when the engine was just warming up and at 2400-2700 RPM.

The garage has been around a long time and has good reviews on Autotrader and Google. The guy I've been dealing with said that neither he, the service manager nor the lead mechanic can hear any sound and the car sounds the exact same as two other cars of the same type and year that they're selling as well.

I have tried to sort a mobile mechanic to go out and have a listen for it but the one guy I found has let me down and I can't find another. I want to go over on Thursday as I'm off work this week so under a bit of pressure.

I've spent a fair bit of time looking up if the engine in the X1, which is the B47U, is susceptible to timing chain failure and I haven't found anything.

Would I be mad to proceed with the purchase?

Thanks

bazz26

It's fairly rare to find timing chain problems in the B47 engine but I'd air on the side of caution and move on to another car.

travist

Unfortunate to have paid the dekra costs if you decide it’s unsuitable. But maybe worthwhile in the end.

John_Mc

Thanks for your replies. I managed to get a second opinion who said there was no issue that he could hear. Went over to collect and can't hear anything myself either. Delighted with the car!