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How best to deal with timing chain in my BMW?
My 2008 BMW 316i has been cutting out down randomly. Mechanic said it’s timing chain fault can only be safely fixed by replacing the whole engine. Apparently very common with models built btn 2007 and 2009. I emailed the dealer (bought in 2011) to express disgust that I was sold a vehicle with a known catastrophic fault and added that I was considering my legal options. They rang me straight away and said they would look at it. Any advice on negotiating position re trade in and/or repair cost
Our answer:
Hello Kaye,
First of all, the mechanic who told you the only way to fix this issue is to replace the whole engine was being disingenuous, to say the least. We’re afraid that’s just nonsense. The timing chain on the N43 family of BMW four-cylinder engines (yours is an N43B16) is something that needs replacing after a while and it sounds like yours is in dire need of the work. It needs specialist tools and knowledge, but it shouldn’t be the most expensive job in the world – replacement chains sell for around €200 on the internet.
The garage you bought the car from is showing extreme goodwill by dealing with an issue on a car it sold you seven years ago, as this sort of maintenance is both well outside the warranty period and also to be expected on a car with higher miles. We would recommend dealing nicely with the seller who sold you the car and seeing what price they will do you a replacement timing chain for.
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