Timing chains can cause catastrophic problems with your N52 engine if it doesn’t function properly. Common symptoms of failure include excessive vibration or “slap” from the timing chain, and the possibility of plastic particles throughout the oil.
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When Should BMW timing chain be replaced?
BMW 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 if left. The average life of these timing chains is 90,000 miles or 9 years.
How much does it cost to replace timing chain BMW?
Cost at the Mechanic: $1,624 to $1,879 This is a pretty intensive maintenance/repair task that can take a mechanic several hours to complete. Your BMW timing chain should be replaced every 100,000 miles to keep your car healthy.
Does the N52 have a timing belt or chain?
This engine has a maintenance-free timing chain; there is no timing belt. Overall it’s a solid performer. 2007 BMW 3-series inline-6 N52 engine.
How do I know if my timing chain is bad on my BMW?
- Rough idling: Start up your car and set out of it.
- Unusual noises: Especially when idling, but not just when idling, you may hear your engine rattle.
- Metal shavings in oil: The timing chain will wear out over time.
How do I know if my timing chain needs replacing?
- Starting the vehicle is difficult.
- Noise in the timing chain.
- Check engine light illuminated.
- Engine misfires and sluggishness.
- When the engine is idling, it vibrates or shakes.
- The engine will not start.
Are N52 engines reliable?
Due to the engine design, the N52 has proved more reliable than it’s bigger brother, the N54. Because the N52 doesn’t have an HPFP or direct injection, these are two common N54 issues that drivers of the N52 won’t have to worry about.
How many miles does a BMW timing chain last?
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.
Which BMW have timing chain issues?
Vehicles affected by service bulletin: 2009 BMW 7 Series sedan. 2010 BMW 7 Series sedan.
How many labor hours does it take to replace a timing chain?
Overall, it should take a qualified mechanic between 5 and 8 hours to replace the timing chain and all of the parts that go with it.
What happens when BMW timing chain breaks?
A broken timing chain will cause an engine to not start or fail while driving. If the belt is already broken, the engine won’t have enough compression to start. If it breaks or jumps while driving, the pistons will be damaged from contact with the valves. The valves themselves will bend and potentially ruin the engine.
Can you replace timing chain yourself?
You may find the need to replace your timing chain at some point; however with the right tools, a service manual and some mechanical know-how, you can do it yourself. Just be aware that this is a major job and can have serious consequences for your engine if done incorrectly.
Is a BMW N52 an interference engine?
Your BMW has an interference engine, which means if the timing chain were to fail for any reason, you would have catastrophic engine damage due to valve to piston contact.
How much horsepower can a N52 handle?
BMW N52 Tunes They’re showcased all over the place for their ability to pick up 50-100+ horsepower on certain turbo BMW engines.
Can you put a turbo on a N52 engine?
So to place a turbocharger on a E9x N52, a custom exhaust manifold/plumbing is required. A low rear exhaust manifold is possible with a ‘small’ turbo. A top mount turbo is ‘easier’. BPC and DigiDon both did this.
How do you know if your timing chain is bad in 5 minutes?
- Engine misfires or runs poorly.
- Metal shavings found in the oil.
- Engine won’t start or fails.
- Check Engine Light is on.
- Engine rattles while idling.
Does a timing chain throw a code?
Hi there – yes, a worn or stretched timing chain, weak timing chain tensioner, or worn timing chain guides can cause misfiring, cam timing problem codes, low power and generally poor running of the engine. Most, if not all, of these problems will illuminate the Check Engine light.
How does a car act when the timing chain is going out?
The engine misfires. Once a timing chain is stretched and has lost its integrity, the chain may skip a gear and lose the necessary coordination leading to an engine misfire. Repeated misfires could indicate a timing chain issue and should be investigated. There is a rattling sound.
How do you test a timing chain?

How do you prevent timing chain failure?
- Inspect your timing chain cover frequently for leaks.
- Make sure engine oil levels don’t get low.
- Don’t let the engine overheat; if it does, do not drive it.
What is the cost to replace timing chain?
Timing chain replacement can cost between $600 and $800 for a DIY repair, or between $1,600 and $1,800 with a mechanic. The cost is high due to the complicated nature of replacing this part. If you want to DIY a timing chain replacement, the parts will cost around $650.
Which BMW engine is the most reliable?
- BMW B58 Engine.
- BMW M20 Engine.
- BMW M50 Engine.
- BMW S62 Engine.
- BMW N52 Engine.
- BMW M54 Engine.
What year is BMW N52 engine?
The BMW N52 is a naturally aspirated straight-six petrol engine which was produced from 2004-2015. The N52 replaced the BMW M54 and debuted on the E90 3 Series and E63 6 Series. The N52 was the first water-cooled engine to use magnesium/aluminium composite construction in the engine block.
Can you supercharge a N52?
ESS is proud to offer the newly developed Gen. 3 E-Charger G1 based supercharger system for the BMW N52 engine family. This supercharger system is designed to offer the customer a very quick and easy, 100% bolt-on installation. With this supercharger system we bump the power output by 80-100 horsepower!
Will BMW pay for timing chain?
There is no cap for repairs reimbursement if the repairs were done at a BMW center. However, repairs done at an independent service center are capped at $3,000 for timing chain modules and oil pump drive chain modules and at $7,500 for engines.