BMW 4 Series timing chain
Discussion
Hi all,
Will try and keep this short and sweet.
I have a PCP on a 65 plate 420d (B47 engine), with 46000 miles on the clock, it’s been absolutely perfect in the two years that I’ve had it and no faults occurred yet until the other day...
I got it serviced (not through BMW themselves but a local, very reputable garage). I always get a major bi yearly service every year, they picked it up and dropped it off the same day, and within 15 miles of me driving it the whole car had broken down, loud banging sound coming from the car, engine oil pressure warning, drivetrain warning, ignition warning, the whole car came to a stop and died on me. Garage aren’t too sure what caused it but it would be a strange coincidence if this was a fault that occurred within 15 driven miles of them returning it. Recovery driver said he’s 99% sure it’s the timing chain.
I’m really panicking because at the moment, I’ll be paying for a PCP, on a car that’s not due to be returned (in GOOD condition) for another 2 years and a garage that hasn’t accepted any responsibility (yet) and the high chance the whole engine is screwed.
Their service checklist has a “timing belt check and advise” section which they’ve crossed out for some reason.
Is this all a massive coincidence or if it is the timing chain would the garage have any responsibility over not checking the condition of it?
Looks like my insurance wouldn’t cover me either.
Appreciate all help in advance.
Will try and keep this short and sweet.
I have a PCP on a 65 plate 420d (B47 engine), with 46000 miles on the clock, it’s been absolutely perfect in the two years that I’ve had it and no faults occurred yet until the other day...
I got it serviced (not through BMW themselves but a local, very reputable garage). I always get a major bi yearly service every year, they picked it up and dropped it off the same day, and within 15 miles of me driving it the whole car had broken down, loud banging sound coming from the car, engine oil pressure warning, drivetrain warning, ignition warning, the whole car came to a stop and died on me. Garage aren’t too sure what caused it but it would be a strange coincidence if this was a fault that occurred within 15 driven miles of them returning it. Recovery driver said he’s 99% sure it’s the timing chain.
I’m really panicking because at the moment, I’ll be paying for a PCP, on a car that’s not due to be returned (in GOOD condition) for another 2 years and a garage that hasn’t accepted any responsibility (yet) and the high chance the whole engine is screwed.
Their service checklist has a “timing belt check and advise” section which they’ve crossed out for some reason.
Is this all a massive coincidence or if it is the timing chain would the garage have any responsibility over not checking the condition of it?
Looks like my insurance wouldn’t cover me either.
Appreciate all help in advance.
Edited by Georgepowerfinch on Monday 26th April 18:39
Edited by Georgepowerfinch on Tuesday 27th April 15:17
Do not have the car recovered back to the garage who did the service. Make sure it goes back to a BMW retailer.
You will have to pay for strip costs initially, but if it is the timing chain you will certainly get some goodwill from BMW UK based on your age and mileage. This is a known issue and BMW are very accommodating assuming correct servicing followed.
Be clear and honest with the retailer and ask for their help. It is good work for them as well, so is in their best interests to present to UK in the best possible light.
Good luck!
You will have to pay for strip costs initially, but if it is the timing chain you will certainly get some goodwill from BMW UK based on your age and mileage. This is a known issue and BMW are very accommodating assuming correct servicing followed.
Be clear and honest with the retailer and ask for their help. It is good work for them as well, so is in their best interests to present to UK in the best possible light.
Good luck!
Georgepowerfinch said:
Their service checklist has a “timing belt check and advise” section which they’ve crossed out for some reason.
Given it’s a timing chain that’s what I would expect, there is nothing to check. Having said that there is no way to check a belt without taking it off and checking it.Edited by Georgepowerfinch on Monday 26th April 18:39
The timing chain issues mainly affect the N47, if it’s the chain there should be some fault codes that point towards it.
The main dealer approach is a good one, as it's probably the only hope you have of minimising your outlay at this stage.
You still haven't said if you have any warranty - let's assume not. Also you've had the car 2 years / it's 5+ years old, so any used car warranty / balance of manufacturers warranty will have lapsed at this stage I imagine.
Not sure what other advice you're hoping for. Yours won't be the first B47 to lunch its timing chain - they are not immune as it's not a radically different design to the N47 it superseded. If indeed it is the chain - recovery drivers base their knowledge on what they see, but aren't mechanics, so let a professional tell you what the problem is. The "forgot to put the oil in" comment above is a good one, but I feel it's unlikely.
You still haven't said if you have any warranty - let's assume not. Also you've had the car 2 years / it's 5+ years old, so any used car warranty / balance of manufacturers warranty will have lapsed at this stage I imagine.
Not sure what other advice you're hoping for. Yours won't be the first B47 to lunch its timing chain - they are not immune as it's not a radically different design to the N47 it superseded. If indeed it is the chain - recovery drivers base their knowledge on what they see, but aren't mechanics, so let a professional tell you what the problem is. The "forgot to put the oil in" comment above is a good one, but I feel it's unlikely.
BFleming said:
The main dealer approach is a good one, as it's probably the only hope you have of minimising your outlay at this stage.
You still haven't said if you have any warranty - let's assume not. Also you've had the car 2 years / it's 5+ years old, so any used car warranty / balance of manufacturers warranty will have lapsed at this stage I imagine.
Not sure what other advice you're hoping for. Yours won't be the first B47 to lunch its timing chain - they are not immune as it's not a radically different design to the N47 it superseded. If indeed it is the chain - recovery drivers base their knowledge on what they see, but aren't mechanics, so let a professional tell you what the problem is. The "forgot to put the oil in" comment above is a good one, but I feel it's unlikely.
Main dealer who sold me the car or a BMW dealer? You still haven't said if you have any warranty - let's assume not. Also you've had the car 2 years / it's 5+ years old, so any used car warranty / balance of manufacturers warranty will have lapsed at this stage I imagine.
Not sure what other advice you're hoping for. Yours won't be the first B47 to lunch its timing chain - they are not immune as it's not a radically different design to the N47 it superseded. If indeed it is the chain - recovery drivers base their knowledge on what they see, but aren't mechanics, so let a professional tell you what the problem is. The "forgot to put the oil in" comment above is a good one, but I feel it's unlikely.
Georgepowerfinch said:
BFleming said:
The main dealer approach is a good one, as it's probably the only hope you have of minimising your outlay at this stage.
You still haven't said if you have any warranty - let's assume not. Also you've had the car 2 years / it's 5+ years old, so any used car warranty / balance of manufacturers warranty will have lapsed at this stage I imagine.
Not sure what other advice you're hoping for. Yours won't be the first B47 to lunch its timing chain - they are not immune as it's not a radically different design to the N47 it superseded. If indeed it is the chain - recovery drivers base their knowledge on what they see, but aren't mechanics, so let a professional tell you what the problem is. The "forgot to put the oil in" comment above is a good one, but I feel it's unlikely.
Main dealer who sold me the car or a BMW dealer? You still haven't said if you have any warranty - let's assume not. Also you've had the car 2 years / it's 5+ years old, so any used car warranty / balance of manufacturers warranty will have lapsed at this stage I imagine.
Not sure what other advice you're hoping for. Yours won't be the first B47 to lunch its timing chain - they are not immune as it's not a radically different design to the N47 it superseded. If indeed it is the chain - recovery drivers base their knowledge on what they see, but aren't mechanics, so let a professional tell you what the problem is. The "forgot to put the oil in" comment above is a good one, but I feel it's unlikely.
BMW dealer - you should now entrust the diagnostic tear down to them to have any hope of BMW stumping any money towards this. But.. their labour rates are not cheap. Their parts are not cheap. If they make a contribution, it'll be just that - not the whole amount. It'll still cost you thousands. So be prepared to have to recover the car elsewhere of you decide not to go with them.
Indy who services the car ("trusted local garage") - do you involve them? Maybe, once the BMW dealer tells you what's wrong. Did they do anything wrong? No idea. Will they assume any liability? Unlikely.
Another independent garage - consider this option to rebuild or replace the engine once the BMW dealer tell you what's wrong. It'll be much chaper than BMW as BMW won't fit a used engine or compromise at all on anything other than new parts.
Georgepowerfinch said:
Main dealer who sold me the car or a BMW dealer?
Any BMW retailer can deal with this. They are well versed in what to do as this is a common occurrence.It is not reasonable for a chain to go at that age and mileage if serviced correctly. I see a lot of these and Uk are typically very fair. Bear in mind if you go the independent route you will receive no contribution and may get a lesser repair for more cost.
There are no guarantees, but it is likely to yield the best result.
Best thing to do is pull the sump and check the bottom end for damage, usually the middle chain breaks, falls and takes the oil pump chain with it. On the 5 series it can be done in situ. It’s probably 3 hours work to drop the box and get to the chain, 3 hours at an Indy is going to be cheaper than 3 hours main dealer.
mmm-five said:
Georgepowerfinch said:
Far as I'm aware its the B47 (65 plate 420d)
Mine's a 65 plate (June 2015), but it still has the N47.You'd have to check the date of manufacture to be sure - or check whether you have a single (n47) or dual exhaust tips (b47).
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