Timing Chain

[JT12]

Hi All, I have a bmw x1 2013 auto. Working fine for around a year now but tried to start yesterday and it’s not turning over, looked through the oil cap and can’t see the chain spinning so believe it’s that. Am I expecting a heavy bill? In the last two years I’ve had a replacement engine put in and only 14 months or so on and now the timing chain has gone. Also would this be something I can get a mobile mechanic to do? Thanks in advance.

[Greydog]

Morning Jack

Not sure why you posted in 2 sections Sadly the advice is the same 

First you say it's not turning over ? Is the starter motor turning the engine over but not starting ?

Second When you look through the oil cap you wouldn't see the Timing chain as they are at the rear of your engine

Third You say you had a replacement engine fitted 14 months ago what condition was it in/where did it come from

Your engine has an upper and lower timing chain to change both is an engine out job so major work. If either chain is broken and the engine turned over damage will be caused to the cylinder head

If you are not capable of doing it yourself then you need the help of a good Garage

Dave

[JT12]

Hi There, yeah initially posted in the wrong group that’s why. So I’m pressing the start/stop button and all I’m hearing is a sort of whirring sound, doesn’t tick over or anything. Had a look through the oil cap with a camera and when I’m trying to start the car the cam lobe isn’t moving so thought that indicates a snapped chain below it? Had the engine replacement due to I think it was an injector leaked and it caused catastrophic engine damage (sounded like a bag of nails when trying to start the car). It’s just odd as it was used on the weekend and it was great no signs or symbols of anything wrong, for it then to just not start the next day. Thanks for your reply.

[Greydog]

Morning

Get the starter motor checked if you can hear whirring it sounds as though the starter is turning but not engaging

Dave

[JT12]

Thanks Dave. I have a friend taking the top of the engine off today to hopefully get a 100% diagnosis so I can either go back to the garage or just get a quote elsewhere. Thanks for your help.

[JT12]

Hi Dave, just an update. Bottom of the engine turns normal, cam shaft doesn’t. Sounds like no compression as if the valves might be bent. Hoping it’s not a massive bill but certainly seems it could be 🫣

[Greydog]

Engine out job and full strip to save it sounds like your wallet will need some intensive care

Good Luck

Dave

[JT12]

On 2/26/2024 at 8:44 AM, Greydog said:

Engine out job and full strip to save it sounds like your wallet will need some intensive care

Good Luck

Dave

Hi Dave, just after a bit more advice if you wouldn’t mind. I went back to the garage to complain as it was only just over a year ago that I got a replacement engine. I mentioned how I was frustrated about what I think is the timing chain snapping after such a short amount of time. They emailed back and obviously tried to distance themselves and say they mention if it was installed correctly it wouldn’t have taken 13 months or so to go wrong. I’m in the belief that surely this is to with the garage rather than just luck? Do I pursue them or give up? I’ve attached the garages response. Thanks in advance. 

[Greydog]

Unfortunately the only way to pursue would be with a full strip down and inspection by a qualified Engineer to assess the cause (not cheap) and even then may not be in your favour.

The garage are correct that clearing all sludge and swarf from a damaged engine is essential or potential problems are still there.

I think you have some difficult and expensive decisions you could talk to a BMW Specialist Dismantler like Quarry Motors who may help in finding a low mileage complete engine or scrap the car I feel your pain

Dave

[JT12]

The only thing I have to say back is that when they gave me the invoice and done all the work they stated that the reason for an engine replacement was because they couldn’t guarantee to clean it out properly and therefore a complete swap would eradicate that. But, in the response they say we were warned about the debris, well surely than won’t matter as they swapped all the parts? Seems like a contradiction is all. Once again thanks for your reply I’ve had a lot of help from yourself.

[Greydog]

Just sorry I couldn't be more help Jack

Good point regarding the Invoice and the Response email take copies and ask them for their thoughts

Dave

[JT12]

Hi Dave, I’ve gone back to the garage so hopefully that calls them out on a few bits and I’ll get a better response. Just wanted to pick your brain on something, I’m due to hear back from an engine rebuild place on whether they can help and quote etc. I’m just thinking about the fact that if this is the chain which we are confident, why would it have taken just over a year for it to snap? Obviously the garage maintain it would happen far quicker but could this be down to poor installlation? Surely not luck after such a short amount of time. Thanks very much, AGAIN! lol 

[Greydog]

If I recall most of the early failures I have read about the OEM chains breaking were replaced by BMW so no information really came to the outside world. Particularly after they were mentioned on Angela Ripon's program rogue traders 

I believe chains were upgraded from around 2010/11 though that may not be correct as I say BMW have played this very close to their chests. The normal things that would snap a chain are poor installation/alignment or over tension. I have never been a fan of extended service intervals changing oil and filters annually (around 5 to 7k in my case) If the chain had been replaced in your engine with a chain that has a joining link, if the link was not fitted correctly is a possibility? But then if the Garage fitted a complete engine they would have no way of knowing what chain was in-place. A really difficult place to be for you and them I think 

Hopefully they may offer a goodwill gesture

[JT12]

Hi Dave, I talked with my finance company and because I’ve paid over half of my agreement I can opt for voluntary termination. I’ve read up on it and it’s probably the best option for me, saves me fixing the car once again and being paranoid driving it wondering if it will break again and I can just start from zero and buy a new car. Have you had any experience with the termination option? Thanks again, Jack.

[Greydog]

No sorry Jack over my long years of car ownership (started in 1960) my cars have been owned outright or company cars so never had to explore a termination option. I would research it to see if there are any implications that may effect your credit rating though

Dave