N43 Timing Chain

[Simon-jig80]

Hi All,

Has anyone had any problems with the Timing Chain on a E90/91 N43 engine? Just had mine replaced as it had stretched and snapped off the guides and tensioner. (7 years old with 38K and full BMW service history) It caused an intermittent oil pressure fault due to a blocked relief valve. Thought it was the oil pump until it was checked out further.
I'm aware of problems in other BMW engines.
Cheers

[8Tech]

Yes, I rent tools out to the motor trade and the new N43 is a popular kit to rent out. We often have 3 kits out at a time.

This seems to be becoming as much as issue as the other N series 4 cylinder engines.

The Citroen/Peugeot engines fitted to the Mini are probably the only ones that are worse/more popular.

[Simon-jig80]

Thanks for the info. Obviously BMW say it's just wear and tear. I thought I'd get a bit longer out of it though.
Cheers.

[PTF]

Simon-jig80 said:

Thanks for the info. Obviously BMW say it's just wear and tear. I thought I'd get a bit longer out of it though.
Cheers.

Failing camchain at 38k is "wear and tear"??

[Helicopter123]

Simon-jig80 said:

Thanks for the info. Obviously BMW say it's just wear and tear. I thought I'd get a bit longer out of it though.
Cheers.

You should be getting more than 38k miles out of one?

[Sardonicus]

PTF said:

Failing camchain at 38k is "wear and tear"??

Exactly.. BMW are talking bks

[iSore]

I've just done mine at 101'000, last of the N46 (2007 320i) - really only as a precaution and it wasn't that bad.

The N43 engine is absolute garbage and chain/guide failure is far more common. The previous N46 is a risky proposition but the N43.....just avoid it. The N47 diesel is a better bet and that's saying something.

[HoagieLomax]

Timing chain is the tip of the iceberg ,just wait until you get the dreaded knock sensor fault!

then Injectors,coils,oil pump,headgasket.

N46 is a nice engine in comparison.

[Mr Tidy]

Wow, didn't realise there were so many problems with these.

Makes me glad I have an M54 and an N52! (Has to be a petrol straight 6 IMHO)!

That is why I bailed out of my 123d with the N47 time-bomb before it died!

Edited by Mr Tidy on Monday 19th December 03:13

[iSore]

HoagieLomax said:

Timing chain is the tip of the iceberg ,just wait until you get the dreaded knock sensor fault!

.

It's the NoX sensor on these and any post 2007 direct injection engine. BMW only, no aftermarket alternative (why I wonder?) and about £400 plus fitting/coding. I can see a lot of these being scrapped when they're down to £1200.

[HoagieLomax]

iSore said:

It's the NoX sensor on these and any post 2007 direct injection engine. BMW only, no aftermarket alternative (why I wonder?) and about £400 plus fitting/coding. I can see a lot of these being scrapped when they're down to £1200.

Yes the Nox goes aswell but I'm talking about the engine 'knocking' or retarding the ignition because of other impending issues throwing a knock sensor fault.Possibly due to carbon build up.
A very curious fault which affects airflow readings and fuel flow.

Then we have clogged up cats due to sulphur build up because it runs lean most of the time.

Unfortunately BMW were at the mercy of the emissions gods after the N46 then tried to skimp on quality even more so and hey presto.