N57 Timing Chain

[Rynan87]

Hi all, new to the forum.

i just wanted to ask other owners opinions on timing chain replacement for my N57 engine. I have a 2011 3.0d M Sport on 98K and no indication that it’s been changed prior to me owning the car. What’s people experience with this engine, am I waiting a ticking time bomb or is it something that will last a bit longer?

 

any advice welcome. Thanks

[Greydog]

Morning Ryan

Welcome to the forum

BMW decided in 2007 to move timing chains to the rear of the engines their argument was they were designed to be "Maintenance free" between 2007 and 2010 they had some expensive and well publicised failures. They appear to have solved the issue 

My brother inlaw has a business base in Holland and travels huge mileages in Europe. His car of choice has been for sometime the 5 series touring, he has owned 4 since 2007 a 530d, two 535d and currently a 540d Xdrive (basically the same engine as yours). All brought new and serviced at BMW to ensure they would accept trade in at swap time. All his cars are ECU tuned as he likes to have the power and he does use it. I don't agree with the extended service intervals that all manufacturers preach nor does he so we have carried out interim oil changes at max 10k on all his cars plus a good check over all other stuff. The 530d had issues with the antenna in the rear spoiler, glow plugs and controller and Swirl Flap and EGR issues we fixed/modified and eradicated all problems the car was traded at a little over 200k Both 535d were absolutely awesome with only service items changed again well over 200k when traded, the current 540d is quite simply one of the best BMW have made already over 90k and still like new.

A timing chain change after talking to a local BMW Specialist would be around £1000 to £1500 depending on model and parts as it's either Engine or transmission out to get at it guides and tensioners need changing as well.

Hope this helps

Dave