2013 X3 F25 - timing chain issue

[TimS]

First time poster. 

I have 2013 X3 F25 2.0iD Xdrive. Off the road since last Friday with suspected timing chain/DPF/turbo failure.  Looks like only option is to sell for parts.

Any recommendations or other suggestions?

TIA.

[Greydog]

Morning Tim

Not good ! That is quite a list who diagnosed it ? Clearly the most important is Timing Chain how was this diagnosed, this is the biggest item due to the amount of labour This needs to be measured against cost of a replacement engine/car value

DPF can be replaced or cleaned off the car the Turbo likewise can be replaced or serviced 

I remember reading that in the USA I think there was a Class Action that forced BMW to extend engine warranties worth checking and writing to BMW Customer Services

Good Luck

Dave

[TimS]

 

Hi Dave.  Thanks for your response.  This is the report I received from the repairer who carried out the investigation.

"Vehicle recovered to site. Carried out diagnostics on the vehicle and inspection, removed the turbo clamp fixings to the diesel particulate filter and found heavy oil contamination due to the turbo oil seals being defective. Engine was able to start after diesel particulate filter disconnected found engine had slight misfire and longer crank to start engine. Fault code 249300 permanent and fault code 273E00 crankshaft signal incorrect. Vehicle will require a new turbo, diesel particulate filter and timing chain replacement to start then vehicle will need to be inspected again for any further issues."

I understand the timing chain has not failed but has 'jumped' one or two teeth, which explains the misfire.  Also that the turbo easy is likely to be a seal failure and not related to the timing chain.  They've estimated £6.5k for the work but no guarantee there won't be further issues, which I understand could be engine damage cause by the timing chain issue.  However, is it logical to think that if the engine is running then the risk of serious damage is low?

I'd appreciate any further thoughts/advice you can give.

[Greydog]

Hi Tim

That price tag sounds like a BMW dealer hourly rate 

If the DPF is completely blocked back pressure in the exhaust could have stopped the engine rotating and caused the chain to jump I have read of it but never seen it in real life. If I recall the camshaft timing chain sprocket is slotted so if the cams are timed so the cam locking tool can be inserted it may be possible to slacken of the chain sprocket bolts and recover the timing.

Then refurbished Turbo and and DPF I would be tempted to try that route but as your garage have quoted £6.5k I guess they wouldn't try. I have seen several Refurbished/fitted engines for around the £2k mark there are also BMW specialist breakers who may be able to help with a low mileage replacement

I think I would be doing a bit more investigation into the alternatives and their cost before making hard decisions it is your hard earned after all

Dave