E89 N20 Timing Chain and Oil Drive Chain

[Reamesy]

So it’s been about a month since I drove my Z4. I’ve been waiting for the timing chain with guides, tensioner and oil pump drive chain module to be replaced.

This was done as preventative maintenance as I knew it was due. 96k miles and this was accounted for on my purchase price.

My chain had a lot a stretch. Some of the plastic had broken on the guides and the tensioner was weak.

I supplied all genuine parts to SKR Automotive in Chester. They took photos as they progressed so I have evidence for the next owner the work had been done.

The kit is revised from the original spec as the sprockets now have an etched surface to increase friction between each other as the crankshaft bolt tightens these and is not keyed.

It only took four them with a six foot cheater bar to break it free

All done and silky smooth.

Just need a remap now. Going with superchips at home service

 

[LJG]

If you don't mind me asking, how much was the whole job, parts included?

 

[Johnny h]

If you don't mind me asking, how much was the whole job, parts included?

Was just typing the same question…

 

[Reamesy]

If you don't mind me asking, how much was the whole job, parts included?

£350 parts £700 cash labour. I probably could have saved £150 if I’d bought Febi parts

 

[LJG]

Doesn't seem unreasonable to give you peace of mind. Have you noticed any reduction in noise, vibration or other cues since the replacement?

 

[Reamesy]

Doesn't seem unreasonable to give you peace of mind. Have you noticed any reduction in noise, vibration or other cues since the replacement?

Definitely smoother and when I looked at the old parts the oil pump guide was very worn

 

[Mr Tidy]

It sounds like money well spent given the wear you found.

At least BMW put the chain on the front of the engine - unlike the N47 diesels that have it on the back!

 

[flybobbie]

I would do more regular oil changes. When bought my N52 engine car the first logbook stamp was at 20k mile. I might assume that was it first oil change if the logbook was to be believed. I do 5k oil changes.

 

[Reamesy]

I would do more regular oil changes. When bought my N52 engine car the first logbook stamp was at 20k mile. I might assume that was it first oil change if the logbook was to be believed. I do 5k oil changes.

I always do. I bought the car in June this year and covered 3000 miles. Oil has been changed twice.

This was to flush and then renew. I don’t like engine oil flushes as it breaks the oil down. So I use a cheap correct spec for 600 miles then drop it. I then changed it for good quality oil. And changed again on completion of the job. It will be 6 months or 6K as I do more motorway miles steady away.

 

[Reamesy]

So… following on from yesterday’s joy. Engine management light on a after 50 miles. Code 2D63. Running smoothly but back in the garage.

They got straight on it to be fair.

Update to follow so hopefully will help others.

 

[Reamesy]

It sounds like money well spent given the wear you found.

At least BMW put the chain on the front of the engine - unlike the N47 diesels that have it on the back!

N20 in the Zed is not a bad engine to work on

 

[B21]

Good write up

 

[Reamesy]

Little update. I called in to day to see how things were going. They have/are rechecking mechanical timing to ensure it is all correct and nothing has slipped.

They identified the DME firmware is original so will be updated as a matter of course.

Then road test and see how it goes from there.

On my way past the dealership called in for a pair of salmon relays for my roof. (Preventative). A sport stubby and a set of door clips (some were missing on my drivers door).

More to follow as I know.

 

[B21]

The error code I suspect has zippo relation to the cam chain change…but heh ho..doubt that DME s/w upgrade will change much..

 

[Reamesy]

The error code I suspect has zippo relation to the cam chain change…but heh ho..doubt that DME s/w upgrade will change much..

I suspect as everything has been disturbed it may have broken a sensor. Or the vanos cam bolts need changing.

At least if they rule out mechanical and update the DME we can go from there.

 

[Reamesy]

The error code I suspect has zippo relation to the cam chain change…but heh ho..doubt that DME s/w upgrade will change much..

I suspect as everything has been disturbed it may have broken a sensor. Or the vanos cam bolts need changing or the solenoid actuator.

At least if they rule out mechanical and update the DME we can go from there.

 

[B21]

The error code I suspect has zippo relation to the cam chain change…but heh ho..doubt that DME s/w upgrade will change much..

I suspect as everything has been disturbed it may have broken a sensor. Or the vanos cam bolts need changing.

At least if they rule out mechanical and update the DME we can go from there.

Sorry left me rephrase..the cam chain change, if properly executed would have zippo to do with DME s/w level…..

 

[Reamesy]

I suspect the timing may have been slightly out on the exhaust cam. It runs very smooth but is not happy with something.

The DME update I will take, as it’s free. I will have to see what comes back tomorrow.

 

[Reamesy]

I’m regretting not doing this myself. It would have cost me around £400 for full locking kit (including oil pump locking tool) and an engine support to suspend the engine when the subframe was dropped.

It’s not a complex job. It’s just time and tools and no garage in the middle of a house move that made me pay someone. Hey ho. Done now

 

[Reamesy]

A few shots of the wear caused by chain stretch and weak tensioner.