Bmw series 1 44 k 1.6 petrol drive chain fault

[Phil123456]

My bmwseries 1 2012 44k has flagged up an amber warning light for my drive chain. I had it looked at last week and all the diagnostic reader read " inconsistent fault" So the machanic reset it. It flagged up again last night. There is a rattling sound when i first start car but it goes after about 30seconds. Anyone got an idea what this could be?

[Pericoloso]

Some of the 1 Series engines have a known problem with the timing chain breaking and trashing the entire engine.

Get it properly looked at ASAP.

[Phil123456]

Do you think I should contact bmw 's head office?

[Pericoloso]

Phil123456 said:

Do you think I should contact bmw 's head office?

Why would you do that ?

BMW are not responsible for repairs to a 6 year old car.

BUT.

It has been known for them to contribute to timing chain repairs but they are not obliged to do so.

Take it to a dealer.

[Phil123456]

OK thanks. It could be something g simple like a
tensioner on timing belt. Was there a recall back in 2015?

[Pericoloso]

I'm no expert on this but no one else has waded in but I believe it's a timing chain problem not a belt.

Take it to a dealer before it breaks and destroys the engine.

[Phil123456]

Does it have to be a dealer or would a decent local garage suffice?

[RafflesNH]

Phil123456 said:

Does it have to be a dealer or would a decent local garage suffice?

To a main dealership, or you can kiss goodbye to any goodwill from BMW-UK. Even so, you'll need a tip-top service history. If not, then get your indie to look at it, but you're on your own.

[iSore]

A 2012 116i will have the Prince engine, a collaboration between Peugeot Citroen and BMW. The chain is exactly the same part number as fitted to the E46 316i 318i in 2001/2 (N42/45/46) and even more prone to issues. 44k doesn't surprise me. The chain is at the front of the engine at least and it's about 4-5 hours labour to replace the chain, guides and tensioner. The chain kits can be bought from Febi for around £125. At least there are no balance shafts so unless the guides have broken up, you don't need to drop the sump.

[Phil123456]

Thanks for all your help. I'll find out what's happening tomorrow and let you all know the outcome