Tigra 1.3cdti belt or chain

Tigra 1.3cdti belt or chain

Author
Discussion

steve_bmw

Original Poster:

1,590 posts

176 months

Saturday 8th December 2012
quotequote all
On our way to look at a 2006 tigra 1.3 turbo diesel, having always had BMW cars with chains it just dawned on me that this may have a belt?

Can anyone clarify this for me please.
(The car is for the wife not me)
Lol
Thanks

JamieMatthews

110 posts

158 months

Saturday 8th December 2012
quotequote all
Its a Chain. They like to snap if the oil doesn't get changed often. minimum of twice a year IMO.

crossy67

1,570 posts

180 months

Saturday 8th December 2012
quotequote all
Yup chain, not too bad to change. Also prone to cam shafts snapping, not sure but might be something to do with hydraulic tappets sticking. Fiat engine.

Get it mapped if you get it, they go like stink :-)

LaurasOtherHalf

21,429 posts

197 months

Saturday 8th December 2012
quotequote all
Quite possibly the worst engine I've ever had the misfortune of owning, snapped timing chain was just one of a few failures.

Ask any van trader/hirer which model he avoids like the plague (I didn't & learned to regret it).

steve_bmw

Original Poster:

1,590 posts

176 months

Saturday 8th December 2012
quotequote all
Ok guys thanks, i has 33000 miles on it, is the chain issue over hyped? Is there any noises that can help identify a failing chain?
Steve

V88Dicky

7,305 posts

184 months

Saturday 8th December 2012
quotequote all
Didn't even realise they'd put a diesel into the Tigra tbh.

I have heard of people who've had issues with these engines though, in Corsas and Corsa vans.

Is a petrol Tigra not viable for you?

crossy67

1,570 posts

180 months

Saturday 8th December 2012
quotequote all
Rattling from the timing chest.

They do have a bit of a reputation with some but I know people that used them for business with no problems. I had no issues with mine but then I did service it and take preventative measures. A timing chain snapping is just the same as a belt. They don't last forever but I think a lot of people assume because it's not a belt it never needs changing then cry about their failures.

steve_bmw

Original Poster:

1,590 posts

176 months

Saturday 8th December 2012
quotequote all
She does a lot of town miles for work, it's 30 a year tax and good mpg that's the only reason oh and it's yellow.
I have a doubt in my mind now, we are on our way to see it we can look and take it from there.
I can see a petrol 1.4 not being bad on fuel and possibly avoid a cam failure.
Ill let you know how I get on. It does come with 3 month warranty if its nice should we go for a 12 month warranty.

steve_bmw

Original Poster:

1,590 posts

176 months

Saturday 8th December 2012
quotequote all
Been to have a look at it, what a joke, it smoked like a bd, filled the street with smoke, un believable that when I asked the guy was it a good car he says yes it's perfect, it was fked!
Then tried fobbing me of with its normal to smoke when it's cold!
I hope the dealer chokes to death on the smoke from this car.

valverguy

440 posts

176 months

Saturday 8th December 2012
quotequote all
I have that engine, and to be fair they all smoke on start up (first thing in the morning) smoke after 10 seconds is an issue.

Done 50k on mine without hiccup and its serviced on its scheduled intervals

morgrp

4,128 posts

199 months

Saturday 8th December 2012
quotequote all
Nasty little car with a nasty, gutless little engine - having had the misfortune to have a 1.3 diesel Meriva hire car I can confirm the engine is crap - if you've had BMWs unless you have zero interest in cars you WILL be disappointed

steve_bmw

Original Poster:

1,590 posts

176 months

Sunday 9th December 2012
quotequote all
This thing smoked like mad, all the way up a bypass and back, then ticking over just blowing smoke.
I have told the wife she is getting another BMW, we have been so disappointed with the usual run off the mill stuff.
I think we will be looking at a late e46 320 coupe 2.2 and sod the economy.

philmots

4,631 posts

261 months

Sunday 9th December 2012
quotequote all
On the other hand the 1.7 diesel they had was pretty good! I'm not sure if its still available in Corsas though.