E89 N20 Timing Chain and Oil Drive Chain

[Reamesy]

To be honest what ever N20 car I bought this was always going to be a job a wanted doing.

If you have the space, time and tools and you can follow instructions; it’s not hard for a DIYer.

I just didn’t have all four requirements

[Reamesy]

Update

After covering 500 miles, tonight I got the engine management light again. This time the code was 2D60: 0x2D60 VANOS, outlet: control error, camshaft jammed. This is relating to the exhaust vanos valve again.

On reading, BMW advise when replacing the timing chain and components that this is a use once bolt/valve. It is made from aluminium so it stretches. I thought I could get away with this but obviously not.

Next step. Check the oil filter cap is intact internally, as if the cage has been discarded (often done by spanner monkeys that don’t know what they are doing) then oil pressure will not be obtained (had this on my previous N52 engine Z4).

Replace both VANOS valves with genuine updated new parts. It should have been done as a recall but you never know.

I will need to buy a timing locking kit which I can loan out if anyone else needs it.

I will be doing this myself as its no major procedure. Just a lot of removal of parts to get to the area required.

I will update shortly after the work has been done.

[Reamesy]

Update

Finally got everything I needed. Calibrated torque wrench and torque angle dial. Along with locking timing tool and the new parts. £197 from BMW.

On checking the timing the exhaust cam was approximately 2 degrees out. New valves installed. Timing checked twice. All good so far. Time will tell.

Total time was four hours and two cup of teas.

[Nick2449]

Thanks for keeping us updated.

I don't have the rattle on start up but do have the whine, though not sure if twin turbo as not had one before.

[B21]

Good result ..love the dewalt gun for fine detail

[B21]

Thanks for keeping us updated.

I don't have the rattle on start up but do have the whine, though not sure if twin turbo as not had one before.

Turbos don’t whine AFAIK…

Your car’s date of manufacture puts it in the cross hairs of cam chain failures…

[Reamesy]

Thanks for keeping us updated.

I don't have the rattle on start up but do have the whine, though not sure if twin turbo as not had one before.

Turbos don’t whine AFAIK…

Your car’s date of manufacture puts it in the cross hairs of cam chain failures…

Agreed. If you are keeping the car get it done

[Nick2449]

Yes I agree for peace of mind.

[ric19]

Out of interest, If the chain broke or slipped or the plastic guide fell apart and demolished the engine, I assume this would be covered under the terms of the extended warranty ? Mines a 2012 but has only got 47K on the clock .

[Deepseaskateboard]

Out of interest, If the chain broke or slipped or the plastic guide fell apart and demolished the engine, I assume this would be covered under the terms of the extended warranty ? Mines a 2012 but has only got 47K on the clock .

Possibly, but there are clauses.

They can only replace with new genuine parts, and most warranties won’t pay for a repair worth more than the value of the car, or a set value per claim. They won’t use a donor engine etc.

They always find a way not to pay out!
Have a look in your small print.

[ric19]

Well I was refering to the BMW extended warranty which I assumed would cover this as the chain is surely supposed to last the life of the car

[ric19]

To answer my own question, this is a cut n paste from the policy doc..
Engine: all internally lubricated components,
including the following.
Cylinder head, cylinder head gasket, valves
(excluding carbonisation, burnt or pitted valves
and valve seats), valve springs, valve guides,
camshaft and bearings, camshaft followers,
hydraulic lifters, timing gears, timing chains,
piston and piston rings, cylinder liners and liner
seals, cylinder block, connecting rods and small
end bearings, gudgeon pins, crankshaft and
crankshaft bearings, oil pump and oil pump
drive, distributor driveshaft, flywheel, starter
motor ring gear, engine management sensors

[Deepseaskateboard]

Well I was refering to the BMW extended warranty which I assumed would cover this as the chain is surely supposed to last the life of the car

Comprehensive Component Cover
The maximum total claims liability covered by the BMW Insured Warranty Comprehensive Component Cover is the purchase price paid for the insured vehicle, inclusive of VAT. Your Comprehensive Component Cover covers all factory fitted mechanical and electrical components of the insured vehicle with the exception of the following.

Driveline Component Cover
The maximum total claims liability covered by the BMW Insured Warranty Driveline Component Cover is £5,000 in total inclusive of VAT. Driveline Component Cover covers the following factory fitted components:


These are said clauses.
The first one is ambiguous, as I am not sure if it means original RRP or approved used price etc.

As for the cheaper warranty option the max claim is £5k, which would rule out a new engine.

Repairs exceeding the maximum claims liability
If the cost of repair is more than the maximum total claims liability for the insured vehicle, you will agree to meet the rest of the cost for the repair at an authorised BMW Retailer or BMW Service Workshop.
In the event that you decide not to proceed with the repair at an authorised BMW Retailer or BMW Service Workshop we will not be responsible for any costs of repair.

Could be worth clarifying this clause, if you have comprehensive cover.

I think it’s better to save the monthly amount into an account.
Say if the chain snaps after five years, you will have a decent amount towards fitting a donor engine, or do the preventative maintenance.

[Deepseaskateboard]

Obsolete spare parts
If any part or accessory is not available, the most we will pay for that part will be the cost shown in the manufacturers latest UK price list, plus reasonable fitting costs.
If the part is not listed in the manufacturers latest UK price list, we will pay the cost of an equivalent part, plus reasonable fitting costs up to a maximum of £250 in total.



This is another one!

They all seem sketchy to me.

[ric19]

I think Im going to ring them up for some clarification