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N20 Timing Chain failure Drivetrain malfunction. BMW F25 X3 2013 53,000 miles
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I'm just cranking out the wattage boo-yeah! :rofl:
One of the time when my bike chain broke I was on a Trek hardtail climbing a technical single track. Wasn't going fast naturally so just stopped. It's really anti-climactic feeling.
The second time was on the way to work on my commuter Norco, starting off from a stop. Had to push the bike to the office.
Nice madone. I once built a custom roadbike with Ultegra and Dura Ace bits that I sold. Now I'm a "steel is real" cyclist.
If only changing the timing chain are that easy as bikes!
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274 Posts
Talking about bikes and BMW ...
Some of my friends criticized me for buying an X3 instead of a 3 series (335i) but I did it for the space for the bikes, 2 road and 1 fs MTB
I am considering the coming X3 m40i as my next ride although there is another approach: a ****ty used SUV or pickup to carry my bikes and a m240i or even better, a M2, as my daily driver
Some of my friends criticized me for buying an X3 instead of a 3 series (335i) but I did it for the space for the bikes, 2 road and 1 fs MTB
I am considering the coming X3 m40i as my next ride although there is another approach: a ****ty used SUV or pickup to carry my bikes and a m240i or even better, a M2, as my daily driver
We drive a 2013 x3 28i with 90,000 kms. Original warranty is done and we do not have an extended warranty.
Having recently gotten wind of this issue, like many others here, I have done a lot of reading to educate myself. I also went to two dealerships in Toronto, Ontario, Canada to see what they had to say about all of this.
One SA acknowledged it was a known issue, albeit not all that common. He did mention however, that he was currently working with an out-of-warranty client who had a blown engine due to timing chain issue - the repair was $23,xxx CAD! So far, BMW NA has refused to assist. The SA also told me that the issue is related to the oil pump at the bottom of the engine. When it fails (which could be due to infrequent oil changes, causing it to become clogged??!), the engine blows because it's not lubricated. He told us that if it were him, he would "get rid of the car". Great.
When I asked about possible warning signs, he said there were none. When it happens, we would get the red oil lamp symbol on the dash, meaning no oil, and by then it would be too late. The engine would be gone. As a preventative measure, he said to do oil changes very frequently - at least twice or three times the recommended intervals to avoid the oil pump failure issue.
The other SA that we spoke to said there was a "campaign" but not a recall. And when he ran our VIN, he said our vehicle wasn't covered and there was nothing they could do. I still don't fully understand why we aren't covered by the campaign, but I guess it's because we don't presently have an issue with the engine (that we are aware of). Bottom line is that unfortunately for everyone here, they won't proactively change the parts (chain, oil pump, and related parts) on an engine that appears to be functioning properly. Like the first SA, he also told us to "get rid of the car". Not very comforting.
So what do we do? Keep driving the car and hope the engine doesn't blow?? Leaving aside the stress that this causes every time we get into the car, this could also leave us in a potentially dangerous situation if the engine were to die while driving at a high rate of speed on the highway!
Or do we trade it in on a newer x3 with warranty? For us, that would involve coughing up another 25K CAD??
A third option, which makes little sense in my view, would be to pay out of pocket to do the campaign work as a preventative measure; this would cost us around 15K CAD.
P.S. I encourage anyone else reading this forum who is going through something similar to chime in and post your story...
Having recently gotten wind of this issue, like many others here, I have done a lot of reading to educate myself. I also went to two dealerships in Toronto, Ontario, Canada to see what they had to say about all of this.
One SA acknowledged it was a known issue, albeit not all that common. He did mention however, that he was currently working with an out-of-warranty client who had a blown engine due to timing chain issue - the repair was $23,xxx CAD! So far, BMW NA has refused to assist. The SA also told me that the issue is related to the oil pump at the bottom of the engine. When it fails (which could be due to infrequent oil changes, causing it to become clogged??!), the engine blows because it's not lubricated. He told us that if it were him, he would "get rid of the car". Great.
When I asked about possible warning signs, he said there were none. When it happens, we would get the red oil lamp symbol on the dash, meaning no oil, and by then it would be too late. The engine would be gone. As a preventative measure, he said to do oil changes very frequently - at least twice or three times the recommended intervals to avoid the oil pump failure issue.
The other SA that we spoke to said there was a "campaign" but not a recall. And when he ran our VIN, he said our vehicle wasn't covered and there was nothing they could do. I still don't fully understand why we aren't covered by the campaign, but I guess it's because we don't presently have an issue with the engine (that we are aware of). Bottom line is that unfortunately for everyone here, they won't proactively change the parts (chain, oil pump, and related parts) on an engine that appears to be functioning properly. Like the first SA, he also told us to "get rid of the car". Not very comforting.
So what do we do? Keep driving the car and hope the engine doesn't blow?? Leaving aside the stress that this causes every time we get into the car, this could also leave us in a potentially dangerous situation if the engine were to die while driving at a high rate of speed on the highway!
Or do we trade it in on a newer x3 with warranty? For us, that would involve coughing up another 25K CAD??
A third option, which makes little sense in my view, would be to pay out of pocket to do the campaign work as a preventative measure; this would cost us around 15K CAD.
P.S. I encourage anyone else reading this forum who is going through something similar to chime in and post your story...
Hi icandie,
I am also located in Toronto and share your worries on the N20 timing chain issues, while I have an F30 not F25 this problem also relates to me. I am also out of warranty currently at 99,000km and this issue really scares me.
I too have been at two local dealers but they seemed to be oblivious to what I was talking about, they did do a quick inspection of my car for literally 2 minutes and said nothing to worry about. One S/A told me not to worry until I get any warning indicated on the dash to which I responded by that time I will already need a new engine.
I have been looking into how much this would cost as an out of pocket maintenance repair job at two independent shops that specialise on BMW, both have recommended to rather sell the car which was alarming.
Both shops did say they have had N20 with engine failures, one mentioned that BMW did goodwill for one customer a new engine replacement with her only paying for labour, but the others had to be replaced at owners cost.
I asked how much an engine replacement costs and they said around 10K CAD for a used one installed.
At this moment I am still trying to figure out what I should do as well, I like the car and do want to keep it but am very concerned about the potential of this occurring.
I am also located in Toronto and share your worries on the N20 timing chain issues, while I have an F30 not F25 this problem also relates to me. I am also out of warranty currently at 99,000km and this issue really scares me.
I too have been at two local dealers but they seemed to be oblivious to what I was talking about, they did do a quick inspection of my car for literally 2 minutes and said nothing to worry about. One S/A told me not to worry until I get any warning indicated on the dash to which I responded by that time I will already need a new engine.
I have been looking into how much this would cost as an out of pocket maintenance repair job at two independent shops that specialise on BMW, both have recommended to rather sell the car which was alarming.
Both shops did say they have had N20 with engine failures, one mentioned that BMW did goodwill for one customer a new engine replacement with her only paying for labour, but the others had to be replaced at owners cost.
I asked how much an engine replacement costs and they said around 10K CAD for a used one installed.
At this moment I am still trying to figure out what I should do as well, I like the car and do want to keep it but am very concerned about the potential of this occurring.
BMW X3 timing chain problem
My 2013 BMW X3 at 40,000 miles had a timing chain break blowing up the engine. It just came out of warranty 2 months ago. Is there a support group?
QUOTE=magas;9672910]My wife's 2013 X3 just stopped and gave a drivetrain malfunction error in the middle of the road while she was driving.
I was unable to move it and could not push it.
I tried the emergency electronic release but after 20 minutes realized no matter what I did it would not work.
Then I remembered the manual release screw under the car!
This video helped.... But I had to remove the panels underneath with a 8mm socket to gain access to the Allen wrench screw.
Let me say..... what a pain in the ass!
Finally got the car out of gear and towed home. To make matters worse warranty just expired 3 months ago, car now has 53,000. I swear BMW does this on purpose.
No I am trying to diagnose the problem..
I am hoping its something simple... I have seen where the ignition coils have failed locking out the transmission to prevent damage...
ANy help would be appreciated. I cant believe how dangerous this car is designed. I was stuck in one spot for 1 hour trying to disengage the gear lock. I hope this helps someone else. The car was unable to be moved or towed until the lock is disabled.
Anyone have any idea on what it could be?...
***UPDATE***
The timing chain and or timing chain guards failed resulting in a total loss of the engine.
I have had many people with the BMW N20 issue email me of similar failures and am keeping a list here...
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1W-8OS20dHFYuGzbW3o6asbA61aiNC7nSjO0qMWTYAH4/edit#gid=0
Please add your comments to this forum if you had a similar experience.[/QUOTE]
My 2013 BMW X3 at 40,000 miles had a timing chain break blowing up the engine. It just came out of warranty 2 months ago. Is there a support group?
QUOTE=magas;9672910]My wife's 2013 X3 just stopped and gave a drivetrain malfunction error in the middle of the road while she was driving.
I was unable to move it and could not push it.
I tried the emergency electronic release but after 20 minutes realized no matter what I did it would not work.
Then I remembered the manual release screw under the car!
This video helped.... But I had to remove the panels underneath with a 8mm socket to gain access to the Allen wrench screw.
Let me say..... what a pain in the ass!
Finally got the car out of gear and towed home. To make matters worse warranty just expired 3 months ago, car now has 53,000. I swear BMW does this on purpose.
No I am trying to diagnose the problem..
I am hoping its something simple... I have seen where the ignition coils have failed locking out the transmission to prevent damage...
ANy help would be appreciated. I cant believe how dangerous this car is designed. I was stuck in one spot for 1 hour trying to disengage the gear lock. I hope this helps someone else. The car was unable to be moved or towed until the lock is disabled.
Anyone have any idea on what it could be?...
***UPDATE***
The timing chain and or timing chain guards failed resulting in a total loss of the engine.
I have had many people with the BMW N20 issue email me of similar failures and am keeping a list here...
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1W-8OS20dHFYuGzbW3o6asbA61aiNC7nSjO0qMWTYAH4/edit#gid=0
Please add your comments to this forum if you had a similar experience.[/QUOTE]
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274 Posts
I find it very strange that most of these engine failures always happen a few months after the original warranty expires. This smells fishy ...
Why is BMW not being more proactive about this proven flaw?
I am kind of worried about my X3 now. I have GEICO MBI but they might refuse to pay 20k+ for a new engine in case of a failure
Sent from my iPhone using Bimmerfest mobile app
Why is BMW not being more proactive about this proven flaw?
I am kind of worried about my X3 now. I have GEICO MBI but they might refuse to pay 20k+ for a new engine in case of a failure
Sent from my iPhone using Bimmerfest mobile app
2013 X3 53,000 Miles
We leased the vehicle in Oct 2013 for 3 years and decided after careful deliberation to buy it in Oct 2016 with 48k miles on it. In late November the engine sounded kind of funny so I made an appointment and they said all was well so didn't think too much about it. Right before Christmas a cold spell hit our area and the drive train malfunction error came on and the vehicle was pulled over but it wouldn't start. We called a tow truck but the flat bed truck became an issue when we confirmed with them you cannot put it neutral and the tow truck driver was not going to do that. After 3 hours of fussing around I tried the engine and the car turned over and started so I drove it home and I didn't notice anything different from before. We went on vacation the next day and I kept meaning to get it in to get it checked but hadn't yet. This past Friday I started the car and drove it a short distance and the same message appeared so I drove it to the local independent service shop as the car now had 53k miles on it. They did an evaluation and came back with valvetronic motor was "stuck" with cost of $1,400 to replace. Crap. I called BMW dealer we bought it from (and by the way, we use as we have had 5 BMWs at this point) and the service rep told me that the warranty was up so may as well use the independent shop. So, made an appointment for the fix and once they opened it up they said "the Timing Chain is the issues" and "it will be EXPENSIVE to fix.". For some reason, when I was researching if I should buy the X3 at the end of the warranty this never crossed my mind nor did I really read it was an issue. However, once I typed in timing chain x3 it became apparent this is a major issue and I won the lottery. I said how much and she said well into the thousands... I called back to BMW to the service manager. I explained why I was calling and he immediately said don't let them touch it and bring it to us! I said, well that is too late now as it is in parts. I asked about the warranty and he said he would help me with that!! So, after paying the $400 to the independent shop the car got towed to BMW where it sits at this exact moment with the "fix" being weeks away BUT at least I am hopeful it will be covered. I am really impressed at his response to fix the problem and not leave me hanging.
Now the issues we are struggling with: 1. Should we buy an extended warranty- but- I am little gun shy of this vehicle as I would feel safe for the warranty period then don't want to get hit with something else major. 2. Trade it in and lease a new X3
We leased the vehicle in Oct 2013 for 3 years and decided after careful deliberation to buy it in Oct 2016 with 48k miles on it. In late November the engine sounded kind of funny so I made an appointment and they said all was well so didn't think too much about it. Right before Christmas a cold spell hit our area and the drive train malfunction error came on and the vehicle was pulled over but it wouldn't start. We called a tow truck but the flat bed truck became an issue when we confirmed with them you cannot put it neutral and the tow truck driver was not going to do that. After 3 hours of fussing around I tried the engine and the car turned over and started so I drove it home and I didn't notice anything different from before. We went on vacation the next day and I kept meaning to get it in to get it checked but hadn't yet. This past Friday I started the car and drove it a short distance and the same message appeared so I drove it to the local independent service shop as the car now had 53k miles on it. They did an evaluation and came back with valvetronic motor was "stuck" with cost of $1,400 to replace. Crap. I called BMW dealer we bought it from (and by the way, we use as we have had 5 BMWs at this point) and the service rep told me that the warranty was up so may as well use the independent shop. So, made an appointment for the fix and once they opened it up they said "the Timing Chain is the issues" and "it will be EXPENSIVE to fix.". For some reason, when I was researching if I should buy the X3 at the end of the warranty this never crossed my mind nor did I really read it was an issue. However, once I typed in timing chain x3 it became apparent this is a major issue and I won the lottery. I said how much and she said well into the thousands... I called back to BMW to the service manager. I explained why I was calling and he immediately said don't let them touch it and bring it to us! I said, well that is too late now as it is in parts. I asked about the warranty and he said he would help me with that!! So, after paying the $400 to the independent shop the car got towed to BMW where it sits at this exact moment with the "fix" being weeks away BUT at least I am hopeful it will be covered. I am really impressed at his response to fix the problem and not leave me hanging.
Now the issues we are struggling with: 1. Should we buy an extended warranty- but- I am little gun shy of this vehicle as I would feel safe for the warranty period then don't want to get hit with something else major. 2. Trade it in and lease a new X3
If you have 53,000 miles then it's out of warranty and I don't think you can now buy any extended warranty. And keep your receipt from the tow and the $400 independent because if BMW decides to officially cover the timing chain problem they will likely pay any costs you had. Audi is doing this for their numerous 2.0T engine problems that they are now covering to 80,000+ miles.
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my 2013 X3 (4 months out of warranty) had about 35000 miles on it when it failed - drivetrain malfunction error, and then "stop driving - low oil pressure"
Had it towed to the dealer and they diagnosed that the timing chain guide had broken apart into small pieces and fallen down into the oil pan - blocking the oil pickup.
Replacement engine cost was $23,000 Cdn - which was fully paid by BMW Canada - after some arguing!
Within 2 weeks of the repairs being done - I traded the X3 for a Lexus NX200t
I've lost all faith in BMW. I find it absolutely inexcusable that BMW has not recalled this crap engine.
Had it towed to the dealer and they diagnosed that the timing chain guide had broken apart into small pieces and fallen down into the oil pan - blocking the oil pickup.
Replacement engine cost was $23,000 Cdn - which was fully paid by BMW Canada - after some arguing!
Within 2 weeks of the repairs being done - I traded the X3 for a Lexus NX200t
I've lost all faith in BMW. I find it absolutely inexcusable that BMW has not recalled this crap engine.
I would have done the same thing! Except maybe for a different car
Sent from my iPhone using Bimmerfest mobile app
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LOL .. time will tell i suppose ... the NX is certainly different.
I do enjoy that the engine does not shut off at traffic lights
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So before I read this I was planning to purchase a new 2017 X3 28 xdrive for my wife. Now I am scared [email protected]! Is this issue fixed or should I wait for the 2018's
Improved timing chain guides were introduced by BMW for the N20 engine in January 2015. The timing chain problems described here relate to the N20 engines produced with the earlier timing chain guides.
http://www.rightfootdown.com/cars/automotive-news/bmw-redesigns-n20-timing-chain-components-n26-too/
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Thank you!
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Here is a quote from the website above:
"It's all good news. BMW recognized that the timing chains in the N20 and N26 engines are an issue and their technicians are proactively replacing them before any damage is done. It doesn't matter what badge is in your driveway, knowing the manufacturer steps up and resolves problems before they get out of hand is great."
This is such BS ... BMW are NOT proactive at all. They wait for customers to bring their broken engines into the shop and then quote an Exhorbitant repair cost, then finally, reluctantly agree to cover the cost (maybe)
These engines should be recalled! period!
Would you like to be stranded miles from home when your engine fails with no warning ?
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After reading all these posts i m really scared, i have 2012 X3 X28i drive with 60K miles on it. is this problem with every X3 do i need to be prepared for this? i have extended warranty from third party so i m wondering if any such thing happens to my car will it be covered ?
i m having a 2nd thought of getting rid of x3 before it happens.
So my question to you all is does all X3 has to go through this issue?
Thanks
i m having a 2nd thought of getting rid of x3 before it happens.
So my question to you all is does all X3 has to go through this issue?
Thanks
This does not happen to all BMW vehicles with the N20 engine, but it is a known risk. Owners that have experienced such a failure are much more likely to post than those that don't. Some N20 engines have been reportedly driven up to 100K miles without this failure. Some owners have proactively had the timing chain guide changed to the improved design introduced in January 2015, but this is not inexpensive and is not something BMW has routinely covered to date.
I suggest you check with the third party providing the warranty to confirm whether such a failure will be covered under the warranty. Get the answer in writing if possible.
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well you can always try and complain about noise from the engine from the timing chain area and hope the SA will help you get that resolved. Are you a real pal with your SA?
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Actually couple of years back i did get this "Drivetrain malfunction" message but my car did stop completely but it was wobbling as if it got skid and after i come off the road and wait for few minutes it came back to normal , this happened like 3 times. so i took it to the dealer here and not sure what they did but from then on i never had that again.
is it something to do with timing chain? do i have worry since i had that issue before?
Thanks
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