Laser Tools 7242 Timing Chain Kit - for BMW MINI 1.2, 1.5, 2.0, 3.0 Petrol (2024)

FAQs

How long does it take to replace a BMW timing chain? ›

Replacement Guidelines

BMW and MINI use Timing Chains in almost every model of engine that they produce.It is recommended to replace your timing chain before failure as repair prices can become very high from internal engine damage. From experience the life of these timing chains are 90,000 miles or 9 years.

How long does (or should) your Mini cam chain last? There is no simple answer to this. Here at TMS we have changed chains in cars covering only 50k miles and ones that have covered over 110k miles. The main contributing factor to excessive chain wear is essentially maintenance – or lack thereof…

MINIs fitted with the N12, N14, N16 or N18 engine, unfortunately, can all suffer from a failure of the timing chain. The timing chain, as opposed to a timing belt, is designed to be a lifetime component. It doesn't fall within the scope of a mileage or time-based service.

Yes, premature timing chain failure has been a common issue in many 4-cylinder BMW engines for the last decade. Some of the most problematic engines include: N20 4-cylinder turbo (F30 328i, F22 228i, X1 sDrive 28i, etc.) N26 4-cylinder turbo (F56 Mini Cooper S)

Cost of full timing chain kit replacement with original upgraded BMW parts starts from £1240.

Rattling noises or whining

A rattling noise from the front of your engine can be a sign of a slack timing chain. Whining can, too. Although many drivers associate whining sounds with worn serpentine belts, a system that's out of sync can cause the same telltale slippage and noise.

The Mini Cooper timing chain recall affects consumers who purchased specific vehicle models made between 2007 and 2010. You could be entitled to reimbursem*nt of costs associated with repairing the timing chain, tensioner, and engine damage caused by the defective parts.

Timing chains can last anywhere between 150,000 and 200,000 miles before they require repair or sustain damage.

The 1st generation (R50/R53) Mini Cooper is known for premature clutch wear and failure. This typically occurs between 40,000-60,000 miles on vehicles built from 2001-2006. The root cause is due to an under-designed single-mass flywheel and weak factory clutch that cannot handle the torque of the supercharged engines.

Do mini timing chains need to be replaced? ›

Routine maintenance is crucial for preventing problems with a Mini's timing chain. This chain will need to be replaced before it gets too loose or wears out, as it is an important part of the engine.

BMW TIMING CHAIN FAILURE

A range of BMW diesel engines produced between 2006 and 2015 appear to have a design problem affecting the timing chain. The timing chain is located at the rear of the engine bay and is not intended to be a serviceable part. It is very weak – it stretches over time, and ultimately snaps.

Problematic BMW Engines with a Reputation for Breaking Down

Some specific engine issues have been observed in the BMW 320d 2.0 Diesel, 520D 2.0 Diesel, and X5 330D 3.0 Diesel variants. The BMW 320d 2.0 Diesel engines, particularly the N47D20A and N47D20C variants, have been prone to timing chain problems.

While a general guideline suggests replacing timing chains between 40,000 and 100,000 miles, specific intervals can vary depending on your unique BMW.

Replacing a timing chain will usually take a mechanic between five and eight hours. Compensating your mechanic for this time will be a large component of cost. Exact timing will depend on the make and model of your vehicle and how complicated the set up and replacement is on your specific vehicle.

A range of BMW petrol engines in cars registered between 2001 to 2015 appear to have a design problem affecting the timing chain or tensioner. The engine timing chain is very weak – it stretches over time, and ultimately snaps.

BMW timing chains are designed to last, typically enduring between 150,000 to 200,000 miles when the car is well-maintained. While timing chains are generally more durable and reliable than timing belts, they are not infallible and should not be considered 'lifetime' components as often marketed.

The average cost for a BMW 528i Timing Chain Tensioner Replacement is between $1,539 and $1,860.