BMW timing chain replacement in Espoo
In many BMW petrol and diesel engines the timing chain can stretch or its guides wear long before the end of the engine’s life. Checking and replacing it in time prevents expensive engine damage.
We replace timing chains on N13, N20, N47, N57 and B47 engines. We check the chain with diagnostics and give you an exact quote by registration number.
BMW engines with a known timing chain wear problem
| Engine | Typically in | Known problem |
|---|---|---|
| N13 (1.6 petrol) | 114i, 116i, 118i, 316i (F20/F30, approx. 2011–2015) | Chain and tensioner stretch – rattle on cold start |
| N20 (2.0 petrol) | 320i, 328i, 520i, X1, X3 (approx. 2011–2017) | Chain guides wear and can break |
| N47 (2.0 diesel) | 116d–120d, 318d–320d, 520d, X1, X3 (approx. 2007–2014) | Chain at the back of the engine – stretching and guide wear |
| N57 (3.0 diesel) | 330d, 530d, X5 30d (approx. 2008–2015) | Same rear-chain design as the N47 |
| B47 / B48 (2.0 diesel / petrol) | Newer 1, 3 and 5 Series, X1, X3 (approx. 2014–) | Less common, but rattle and stretch do occur |
Symptoms of a worn timing chain
- Rattling or clattering from the back or front of the engine, especially on a cold start
- The noise gets louder at idle or when revs drop
- Engine warning light and camshaft/crankshaft timing fault codes
- Rough running or loss of power
Don’t wait for the chain to break: if the chain jumps or breaks, the valves hit the pistons and the engine is damaged – the repair costs many times more than a chain replacement.
Why is the N47, N57 and B47 chain replacement a big job?
In these diesel engines the timing chain sits at the back of the engine, on the gearbox side. The chain can usually only be reached once the engine has been removed from the car. That is why the job takes longer than on front-chain engines, and the whole kit should be replaced at once: chain, tensioner, guides, sprockets and seals.
On the N13 and N20 engines the chain is at the front, and the work is usually done with the engine in place. Send us your registration number and we will give you an exact quote and tell you what the kit includes.
| Engine | Timing chain replacement |
|---|---|
| N13 / N20 (chain at the front) | from €2,000 |
| N47 / N57 / B47 (chain at the back, engine removed) | from €2,390 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the BMW timing chain replacement interval?
BMW does not give a fixed interval for the timing chain – it is designed to last a long time. In practice, chains on N47, N20 and N13 engines have had to be replaced at around 100,000–200,000 km. Have the chain checked if the engine rattles.
What is the timing chain interval on a BMW X1?
On the X1 it depends on the engine. For example, the N47 diesel and N20 petrol engines have no fixed interval, but the chain is a known wear item. We check the engine code from your registration number.
How much does a BMW N47 timing chain replacement cost?
An N47, N57 or B47 chain replacement costs from €2,390 at IVERA. The job is extensive because the chain is at the back and the engine is removed. On N13 and N20 engines the replacement starts from €2,000. You get the exact price by registration number.
Can I drive with a rattling timing chain?
Usually for a short while, but it is a risk: a stretched chain can jump a tooth and destroy the engine. Book an inspection as soon as possible.
Do you also replace Mini timing chains?
Yes. We know the timing chains of Mini 1.4 and 1.6 petrol engines well – and the PSA engines they are based on.
Ask for a timing chain quote
Call +358 40 196 8989, send us a WhatsApp message or email huolto@ivera.fi. We answer Mon–Fri 8–17 – in Finnish and English.