N43/N45/N46 engines - cam chain and injector issues.

[TonyRPH]

I've been looking at E90/91 models but have noticed some have had cam chains replaced, and also note that injectors might be an issue as well.

Are the i4 engines particularly troublesome?

With the cam chains, is it a case of when rather than if - or are there other reasons for premature failure?

Would I be better off looking at the 6 cylinder models?

[bmwmike]

yes

[Touring442]

TonyRPH said:

Would I be better off looking at absolutely anything else?

Yup.

[TonyRPH]

Touring442 said:

TonyRPH said:

Would I be better off looking at absolutely anything else?

Yup.

You probably make a good point.

[helix402]

The solution is an M47 or M57.

[Mr Tidy]

Or an N52, especially if you might ever need to drive into London!

[NMNeil]

TonyRPH said:

I've been looking at E90/91 models but have noticed some have had cam chains replaced, and also note that injectors might be an issue as well.

Are the i4 engines particularly troublesome?

With the cam chains, is it a case of when rather than if - or are there other reasons for premature failure?

Would I be better off looking at the 6 cylinder models?

From my understanding, they used a substandard and weak timing chain that would stretch. When this happened it would slap about and chip off pieces of the plastic timing chain tensioner. These pieces would then plug the oil passageways with the inevitable result.
Gone are the days when you could rely on the BMW and Mercedes name for quality. Now they are built to a price, not a standard.

[outnumbered]

The 6cyl N57 can also suffer with camchain issues, but usually at higher mileages than the 4cyl engines. Ours needed doing at about 90k miles.

[Mr Tidy]

I have seen reports of a couple of cam-chain issues with N52 engines, but I've currently got my 4th N52 and so far all is fine.

First was a 54K Z4, followed by a 77K Z4, 132K 325i then my current 107K 330i.

After having a 123d with the N47 for over 6 years I'd steer clear of the 4 cylinder ones - that's one of the reasons I sold mine!