Timing Chain Replacement Requirement

[mcguyver]

Has anyone heard of a maintenance requirement to replace the timing chain on any model BMW? I have a 2014 X1 xDrive35i. Not seeing any references to that requirement in my service and maintenance guides.

Reason I ask is to mitigate potentially false information I heard via a video on CoPilot.com.

[Bc2005]

328i cars prior to mid 2015 had problems with the 2.0 liter engine with plastic chain guides that failed. This led to a noisy timing chain, and sometimes more serious issues. Some were replaced under a special repair program, but I think that program expired once the engine hit 60k miles. FCP Euro used to sell a kit that provided all the parts and tools to do this fix yourself. You need some special tools to get the engine parts lined up and cam timed during reassembly.

[tturedraider]

Originally Posted by mcguyver

Has anyone heard of a maintenance requirement to replace the timing chain on any model BMW? I have a 2014 X1 xDrive35i. Not seeing any references to that requirement in my service and maintenance guides.

Reason I ask is to mitigate potentially false information I heard via a video on CoPilot.com.

Timing chains are not maintenance items. They should last the entire life of the motor. That’s a major benefit of buying a vehicle with a motor that has a timing chain versus a timing belt. Sans a design flaw, as with the four cylinder N20 motor, a timing chain should never give any problems. A 2014 N55 X1 xDrive35i should not be a concern.

[1and1]

I understood the timing chain thing was for the N20, not the N54 or 55.

We have a 2013 X1 with the N20 (S28i X Line) and our local indy tells us that it's actually not all that common and to just keep an eye on the tensioner for funny noises etc and be happy.

135,000 miles and it's all quiet and happy in there with regular maintenance.

My 135 is perfectly happy, no timing chain issues there with ~125K miles.

[mcguyver]

Originally Posted by tturedraider

Timing chains are not maintenance items. They should last the entire life of the motor. That’s a major benefit of buying a vehicle with a motor that has a timing chain versus a timing belt. Sans a design flaw, as with the four cylinder N20 motor, a timing chain should never give any problems. A 2014 N55 X1 xDrive35i should not be a concern.

Makes sense a timing chain is maintenance free. Much appreciate the kind response. Kind regards!

[phillipp]

It would be good to hear opinions on the N54 timing chain, especially for a gently driven 335i coupe.

[tturedraider]

Originally Posted by phillipp

It would be good to hear opinions on the N54 timing chain, especially for a gently driven 335i coupe.

I can’t recall ever reading of a timing chain issue with an N54. High (and sometimes low) pressure fuel pumps, turbos, and turbo waste gates are the most common issues.

[GuidoK]

Originally Posted by tturedraider

High (and sometimes low) pressure fuel pumps, turbos, and turbo waste gates are the most common issues.

Don't forget the injectors and the occasional waterpump.
The injectors are pretty pricey.