BMW 1 Series - Timing Chain

nick_stags

Hi,

New to the forum and was hoping for some advice really...

I have a BMW 1 series (116i), 54 plate and the car has done 52000 miles.

I recently broke down whilst driving (car started shaking, juddering and eventually lost power) - the AA towed me to the local Halfords who have diagnosed the problem as a severally worn timing chain. The car will start and is fine until around 3.5/4k rpm when the problems start again.

I have been quoted a cost of £480 + VAT for a new timing chain and sprockets. There is no additional damage to the engine (luckily!).

Does this price seem fair? Should I trust Halfords to do the job? Why could the timing chain be so worn after so few miles?

Thanks for any advice.

Nick

Netwizard

After a quick google, it seems there was a recall on this? This thread seems to agree: http://www.bmwland.co.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?t=107289 and http://bbs.scoobynet.com/general-technical-10/766459-bmw-116i-timing-cam-problems.html

Do not let Halfords change a light bulb let alone the timing chain! They are useless. Phone BMW and check if the recall has been done.

Retrogamer

The timing chain stays lubricated from the engine oil, so if the chain has worn prematurely then it's possibly either not been serviced at the correct intervals, someone has been driving it hard from cold all the time or else incorrect oil has been used on it.

Does it have FSH, and were all previous services done at BMW?

Edit - Assuming the recall has been already done.

cajef

For goodness sake get another diagnosis by an independent or BMW garage, I would not let Halfords near any vehicle I owned.

nick_stags

Hi,

Many thanks for the responses.

It does have FSH, all but one are from BMW (the latest was at BMW). I've had the car for about 6 months (about 3.5k miles), most of which are short 3 mile journeys to and from work.

Thanks for the opinion on Halfords, really reluctant to let them do it. Have got a quote for £100 cheaper from click mechanic as well.

Nick

Netwizard

Double check with BMW about the recall before you get any work done. You might not have to pay anything if the recall hasn't been done

scaredofdebt

Timing chains are supposed to last as long as the engine, so definitely speak to BMW, I'd expect them to sort it free of charge.

bigjl

Sadly the 1 series BMW has gone the way of the A Class.

They are very often neglected and clocked.

A pity as they are a decent little car, cheap to buy used when compared to the new prices.

52k sounds pretty early for camchain worries.

Check out the BMW forums as mentioned above and only use a BMW specialist.

There will be a recommendation available in your area from somebody on the BMW forums.

I would personally steer clear of Halfords for this kind of job.

And don't forget that your kind of short journeys are hard on both a car and its oil. As the car never gets fully hot.

This can cause the oil to sludge up which is not what you want in a car with a camchain.

Made worse with overly long oil change intervals these days and the fact few people pay attention to the severe service recomendations.

With you usage i would advise a simple oil and filter change every 6 months as a precaution

nick_stags

Thanks for all your advice.

I have spoken to BMW and they need confirmation of the problem from a dealership so I am having the car moved to my local BMW garage tomorrow morning for a diagnostic (if they can fit me in!).

Hopefully the age of the car won't go against me?

Netwizard

nick_stags wrote: »

Hopefully the age of the car won't go against me?

If it's a recall that hasn't been done, it shouldn't make any difference. BMW need to fix it.

force_ten

Bmw will not just hold up their hands and say there is a problem and will look at each failure on a case by case basis, and if they can wriggle out of it they will

it is very sad that a car with such low miles on it has failed but i wouldnt rely on a diagnoses from an auto centre, you are doing the right thing taking it to a BMW main dealers but you have got a bit of a fight ahead of you

BMW have a chain problem with one of the diesel engines in their range but even programmes like watch dog can make the admit there is an issue and take responsibility

good luck getting your car sorted and keep us informed how you get on, sorry i cant be of more help