As a long time lurker, this is the first time Im hearing of a problem like this. If I had anticipated driving almost 23k miles per year, which is way above average , I would have purchased an extended warranty to begin with.
If you dont have one, then I am afraid the dough needs to be shelled out, these cars are known to cost a bomb to fix even smaller items. A blown engine is the epitome of expensive BMW repairs

 

I had this very problem with a 2013 X3. You should have a letter from BMW from about 2 years ago letting you know about an extended warranty for a timing chain guard issue. I ended up paying about $7,000 out of pocket with BMW NA picking up the other half. There is a class action lawsuit about this and I filed my repair paperwork with that lawsuit earlier this year. I should get about half of my $7,000 back if the judgement is in favor of us BMW owners.

 

A timing chain does not break without a BIG reason. Something caused it to break.

 

That is certainly true. But since you are not under warranty, start looking for an indy mechanic with a good rep. that can do an engine swap for you. Even if it is a used engine.

 

Hi I have the same car (2.8) with 66k miles. Mine was whistling around 1500/2000 rpm so took it in thinking it was something simple. NO CHECK ENGINE light or anything. They told me it was one of the worst cases they'd seen and I was lucky I didn't blow the engine. If it was that close, I'd like to know why there was no sensor. I'm in it for $5600 to repair. They did say that it's a known BMW problem. Praying for a recall.

Please let me know if they end up covering your engine. I'd go ballistic if my engine had blown.

Thanks.

 

Was the "...2013 X3 28i..." on the VANOS recall?

 

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=912547

Read my post. I think this may be my problem also.

We might need to start a support group.

2013 x3 28i 53,000 miles.

 

My Timing chain is being replaced also! 2013 X3 28i
I am so upset with the quality of BMW lately! So upsetting!!!!!!! [emoji35][emoji35][emoji35] I'm worried that because the service dept. keeps finding issues and ordering/replacing parts at the dealership, that I will have more major issues down the road! I only have 7k miles til my warranty is done too [emoji35][emoji35]

 

i have a 2014 x3 and have about 28K miles on it when about 4 weeks ago, i heard loud noise from the engine. The result of that, engine replacement and good thing its still under warranty. I just picked it up yesterday as it was in the shop for about 3 weeks long. My warranty will be done Aug of 2017 and the dealership wont extend my warranty since i still have a year left. They said that if i paid for the the engine replacement, i would get a 2 yr warranty. So i dont know what to make of this and sounds kind of dumb so i have wrote to BMW USA to get their take on this issue. Waiting to hear from them as i just wrote to them today.

I have a thread post under "2014 X3_Replace new motor" if anyone can comment on about warranty of a new engine replacement.

 

I have a 2013 X3 3.0 engine with about 44,200 miles. Does this engine have the plastic timing chain alignment guard. I asked my service advisor and he said no but he didn't look too sure. Thanks

 

Sorry to hear about your car and i hope you have extended warranty. but its really scary to hear such things, did it gave you any kind of warnings before it blew up the engine, i mean it should give us some kind of warning right otherwise how will we know. How often will BMWs have these kind of problems, as far i know the timing chain/belt needs to be changed for any car between 80K to 100K miles is it also true with BMWs? i know a friend who had the same kind of problem. so my question is, is it common known issue ?

 

Timing Chain replacement.

Timing chain replacement is not done as a normal service item as Belt driven motors are at 100 k.The belts are external and easy to get to where as chains are all internal and a big job to replace. I believe it is the timing chain guides that are the problem (plastic) which break and allow the chain to come of !!! It seems incredible to me that they still have a problem with this as the V8 motor in the very early X5 had exactly the same problem timing chains coming of due to guide failure. In 04 the new N62 engine was modified with no more problems . I have a X5 N62 done 232,000 kilometers never had a problem. I wonder why BMW are still having problems now 10 yrs latter?

 

Bad quality timing chain = cost saving
Same problems Mercedes had 1995 up 2000
Now using good qualities metal for chain and improved lubrication for central pins.

Remember lots of parts coming from China plus other sides with best price.
Those cars are made to sell only

 

2013 X3 timing chain

I have a 2013 X328i Xdrive with 86000 km. Pulled over a few night ago with a low oil pressure waring light and had it towed to the dealer.

I was advised the PLASTIC timing chain guard failed and is in bit and pieces.

The dealer wants to replace the engine with a new one for a cool 30K.

Seeing as its only 6k over the factory warranty we will see what happens.

I find it hard to believe the engine has to be replaced. I suspect the the engine could be flushed, drain pan removed and cleaned. Oil pump screen checked for debris, and a compression test should clear the valves.

Seems to me that the first step a dealer takes is to replace the engine.

I have also seen several complaints regarding the timing chain guard for the N20 engine. It appears to be a common problem. I also suspect that when it is replaced a redesigned one is installed which is an indicator BMW is aware the factory installed guard is a POS causing engine failures.

Not impressed.

 

My timing chain also failed, 2011 x3 f25 28I 95k. Engine is shot.

 

timing chain

BMW first agreed to cover 50% of the 31,000 repair under "good Faith". I wrote a letter to the warranty department and BMW has now agreed to cover 2/3 of the repairs which still leaves me with a 10500 bill.

I now have a complaint in with the customer service department.

I have confirmed the timing chain guide has been redesigned. A clear indicator the original guide is prone to failure.

If anyone out there can provide me with a detailed account of their timing chain guide experience and what if any thing BMW did to help with the repairs I would appreciate it.

If BMW has covered 100% of the repairs it would set the standard. I could use that information while negotiating with customer care. Please forward the information to my email: thebudso@gmail.com

 

x3 issues

Hi ! I am having the same timing chain problem with my 2013 x3. There was no indication that anything was wrong with my car. A couple of weeks ago an alert all a sudden came up saying drive train malfunction. It was immediately towed to the dealership. The foreman states it needs a motor....my truck has only 98,000 miles. This is totally ridiculous and the repair cost are outrageous. Do you mind giving me information on who I can contact? Something should be done about this. There are too many people having this same problem.

BMW first agreed to cover 50% of the 31,000 repair under "good Faith". I wrote a letter to the warranty department and BMW has now agreed to cover 2/3 of the repairs which still leaves me with a 10500 bill.

I now have a complaint in with the customer service department.

I have confirmed the timing chain guide has been redesigned. A clear indicator the original guide is prone to failure.

If anyone out there can provide me with a detailed account of their timing chain guide experience and what if any thing BMW did to help with the repairs I would appreciate it.

If BMW has covered 100% of the repairs it would set the standard. I could use that information while negotiating with customer care. Please forward the information to my email: thebudso@gmail.com

 

There are a couple of threads related to the n20 and timing chain issues.

http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=422

Do you all drive in Eco Pro mode? It seems the stop start action (ASS) is causing stress to the chain which in turns impacts the plastic guides.
BTW plastic guides are use by many cars not just BMW 4-pots.

 

I am so glad I got rid of my 2011 X3 2.8. I had the drivetrain malfunction error but timing chain didn't break, only cylinder head replaced and it was covered under warranty.

I hope BMW takes care of everyone's vehicle but I think it will be an uphill battle.

 

There will be more and more of similar cases. I wish people with failed chains team-up and consider class-action lawsuit. VW community achieve a lot by reporting each case to NHTSA. Just a hint.

 

New N20, full set - $6,100

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-2012-20...sembly-N20B20B-N20-/152095760544?hash=item23699d20a0:g:yLUAAOSwKfVXFZQe&vxp=mtr

 

Damn guys!!! I have 2014 X3 35I M with around 46500 and you guys are scaring the hell out of me where I don't want to drive the vehicle!! Forgot who mentioned it above but now I keep the stop start action (ASS) off all the time as that might be a reason...YIKES

 

I have 2014 X3 35I M ... and you guys are scaring the hell out of me

You are easy to scare. You have N55 engine inside. Cool down....

 

Same exact issue with mine.



I have a same exact issue. 2013 x3 28i. 83000 miles.
Bought as brand new, always maintained at BMW service center even oil change.
just did tune up couple month ago, spent around 3k for whatever they did.

I was driving to work few days ago, then oil pressure sign came up.
and engine shut downed couple min after.
I took it to BMW service center, and they told me that timing chain got chewed up and it went in oil pannel. then it blewed engine.
warranty was expried and they asked for $28000 to replace the engine!!
then I spoke with manager and they offered to take labor out so 15k to fix it.
I googled around and I notice that there are same issue for this car.
they need to recall this. let me know if anyone find solution for this.

 

I have a same exact issue. 2013 x3 28i. 83000 miles.
Bought as brand new, always maintained at BMW service center even oil change.
just did tune up couple month ago, spent around 3k for whatever they did.

I was driving to work few days ago, then oil pressure sign came up.
and engine shut downed couple min after.
I took it to BMW service center, and they told me that timing chain got chewed up and it went in oil pannel. then it blewed engine.
warranty was expried and they asked for $28000 to replace the engine!!
then I spoke with manager and they offered to take labor out so 15k to fix it.
I googled around and I notice that there are same issue for this car.
they need to recall this. let me know if anyone find solution for this.

Hi, new to the forum. I have a 2013 X3 x28i (4cyl) bought CPO with 49,800 miles, now at 52,300 miles. BMW NA sent me a limited warranty for timing chain and oil pump drive chain (7 years from original-in-service date, what ever that means, or 70K miles, which ever comes first). Timing chain issue seems to be a major problem if BMW is handing out limited warranty for this. BTW, I also have 2014 X1 s28i (4cyl) for which I received the same limited warranty.

See pics of the warranty letter from BMW NA

Now thinking of selling both BMWs back to the dealership before their 70K or 7 years, reading all the horror stories of timing chain failures.

 

02420X3, very good info!

Thanks!

 

Here is an update on my situation. In December, at 53k miles and after I bought it off lease, I noticed the engine sounded funny and the "drivetrain malfunction" warning came on. I took it to the local independent BMW shop and they diagnosed valvetronic motor error and quoted $1,400. I called BMW and the service rep told me I was SOL since out of warranty. Once the shop started to take it apart they said there were major issues with the timing chain and said it would be expensive. I called the local BMW Dealer and asked for the service manager. I explained what was going on and he said "STOP! BRING IT HERE!" and I told him it was "slightly" apart at the moment. I called the independent shop and told them to put it back together and a tow truck would be on the way. BMW called me once the car was there and they told me it was still in pieces and I was like WTF? Called the independent and they said they left it apart for BMW. So the drama starts. BMW said they couldn't diagnose it so I agreed to pay to have the engine put back together AFTER agreeing to pay $500 to take it apart at the other place. After a week, BMW said it would cover the work and my cost would be about $800 out the door.

Got the X3 2013 back today and this was what was done: Catastrophic damage to timing chain is present, cams ok, vanos not. Recommended timing chain, oil pump with drive, vanos units and valvetronics to start. Then, removing 5 screws from oil pan broke as one oil pump drive bolt. 3 injectors were stuck, breaking off in head.

The service rep said she was glad I brought it in at 53k as if it was 60k not sure what they could have done. I estimated it was $5,000 in labor and whatever the parts cost to replace it. So, overall got a nice remodel of the engine for $1,200.

Now the question is do I keep it or trade it in?

 

Unless your N20 has:

1. The new timing, oil pump chains and tensioner: 01/2015 and newer

Timing and oil pump chains stretch, causing the plastic guides to break. These get stuck in the oil pump chain and cause a lack of lubrication to the bottom end.

2. Revised oil filter housing - all metal covered by recall

If you have the plastic oil filter housing, it will crack causing cross contamination between oil can coolant.

3. Turbo oil feed recall performed - issued late 2016

Updated line has a check valve to avoid oil seaping into the turbo when parked. If the existing goes bad it can cause damage to the turbo.

You are likely to have engine problems at some point. The early N20's are not what I would call an engine, but more of a temporary propulsion device. I found out the hard way:thumbdwn:

 

I just bought a 2013 X3 xdrive 28i M sport pkg with 77,000 miles on it. I like the car and got a good deal. But you guys are starting to worry me. I'm thinking about trading it back in or selling.

Are these known recalls that I can take to BMW dealership to fix?

Or can these parts be changed in advanced to prevent these problems?

thanks

 

Low Oil Pressure the Drivetrain Malfunction

I read this thread BEFORE buying a CPO 2013 X3 N20 about 3 weeks ago. It has 50K miles and CPO through 100k/Aug 2018. It was a good deal and I figured it was a gamble but one I was willing to take with the CPO coverage. This morning on my way to work I got a Low Oil Pressure warning on an extremely narrow, 2 lane road in a fairly remote place - 5 miles from the nearest town, 2 miles from the nearest road intersection. I just passed a wider section of shoulder, so I did a quick three-point-turn and drove about 950 feet of the 1,000 to get to the pull off and then engine died with a Drivetrain Malfunction warning. I coasted to a stop. I called BMW Roadside and it took 15 minutes to explain where I was and another hour for a tow truck to arrive. I'm awaiting the dealership to call, but I suspect I have the timing chain issue discussed in this thread. CPO should cover it. I traded an E90 wiith 224k on it - I already miss that N52 engine

On a related note, BMW Roadside and the tow truck driver wanted to make sure I could get it in NEUTRAL. I called the dealership and they told me that someone had to take off the splash shield and turn a screw to manually release the transmission. If you car still turns over (mine did), there is an easier way described here: http://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=819624&d=1360817379 (sorry, a link to another forum, but a lifesaver for me today!). I'll update when I get the call from the dealer.

 

Wow, that sucks but as you said glad you read this ahead of time and got the CPO to cover it. Thanks for the link on the transmission release.

I have to say that after my X3 was in the shop for 35 days it has never run smoother. I think there were issues going on for some time that I didn't realize.