Been offered a free 320d 2008 - snapped timing chain

[MOTK]

From my mate with an apparently fubar engine due to a snapped timing chain apparently. E93 N47 I believe, 08 plate 70k, I haven't seen it yet. Worth the hassle of an engine swap with another potential time bomb? Thing is it's quite timely as I was about to start looking for a car of similar size for baby duties.
Any recommendations of somewhere west side of london for the swap if it's not a silly idea?
TIA

[Elliot2000]

Rebuild it, it’s not too bad to do when u pull the engine out. Will cost between 5-800 in parts and will mean u have a fresh set of chains and guides. With the engine out on a hoist U can rebuild it within a day .

Where in the country are u

[MOTK]

Thanks, my understanding with these timing chain failures was that a new engine needs to be sourced and replaced?
The car is in west london at the moment and spannering myself here is not an option so ideally need to find a decent shop somewhere relatively nearby.

[Elliot2000]

I’ve done plenty of these engines, including in my garage at home- no ramp or lift, just axle stands and engine hoist is needed.

timing chain sets with guides and tensioner, gaskets, head bolts at a minimum, and then sometimes you may need a few valves or cam carrier but that’s normally all you need. If u get a replacement engine you will then be left with a questionable timing chain or if it’s a recon then you might as well do up your one.

[Huskyman]

If your looking for TIS I Can point you in the right direction and it’s free. Like Elliot 2000 said strip and check, just make sure the crank sprocket isn’t FUBAR. If it is it will eat the new chain

[Elliot2000]

Good point actually about the crank sprocket- 07-08 cars can be prone to this and it comes as part of the crankshaft

[MOTK]

Yeah I spoke with cpc and they said a new crankshaft is a possibility. Not viable unless you're spannering yourself it seems. I'll reply to your PM elliot when I hear back from my friend.
Cheers

[anonymous-user]

At 70k I'd get it shipped off to a garage and have them rebuild. Even if you throw £1500 at it then it's still a bargain.

[Mr Tidy]

A rebuild definitely sounds like a better idea than a replacement that may be about to let go anyway!

I managed to get past 81K with my 123d, then bottled it, sold it and replaced it with a straight 6 petrol to avoid any future camchain issues!

[123dman]

Hi Huskyman,

I have a 123d and timing chain has snapped. going to do the repair myself. I see you mentioned available TIS info, Just wondering if you still knew where I could find this and if you would be able to help me find it?

[mike9009]

123dman said:

Hi Huskyman,

I have a 123d and timing chain has snapped. going to do the repair myself. I see you mentioned available TIS info, Just wondering if you still knew where I could find this and if you would be able to help me find it?

I would PM him..... His post was over three years ago.....