330d Timing Chain Replacement

[Tighnamara]

F30 (2014) 330d requires timing chain, noisy at start up.

Had since new, 200k on it with no issues to date other than regular maintenance.

Never changed the gearbox oil, was always reluctant to open up (rightly or wrongly).

Plan will be to keep car and hopefully put another 100k on it.

What additional work should I be looking at with the engine / gearbox dropped out ?

[InitialDave]

Propshaft giubo and centre bearing?

Pilot bearing? Confirm rear main seal not leaking?

Clutch and shifter bushings if it's a manual?

[danb79]

Tighnamara said:

F30 (2014) 330d requires timing chain, noisy at start up.

Had since new, 200k on it with no issues to date other than regular maintenance.

Never changed the gearbox oil, was always reluctant to open up (rightly or wrongly).

Plan will be to keep car and hopefully put another 100k on it.

What additional work should I be looking at with the engine / gearbox dropped out ?

Instead of asking on here - speak to a well known & respected specialist that deals with these day in, day out - https://www.adcbmw.uk/ - they'll be able to tell you all that's needed / recommended

Never used them myself but know quite a few that have and they've had superb work done and back to them very quickly

Edited by danb79 on Friday 19th September 19:02

[I-am-the-reverend]

InitialDave said:

Propshaft giubo and centre bearing?

Pilot bearing? Confirm rear main seal not leaking?

Clutch and shifter bushings if it's a manual?

Hallelujah!

Someone else who spells it correctly.

It's not guibo, gweebow. It's giubo, joo-bo.

Repairs? Engine mounts etc. Otherwise, fix as it needs it. If you can get 300k from it, you've done well.

[Pica-Pica]

I-am-the-reverend said:

InitialDave said:

Propshaft giubo and centre bearing?

Pilot bearing? Confirm rear main seal not leaking?

Clutch and shifter bushings if it's a manual?

Hallelujah!

Someone else who spells it correctly.

It's not guibo, gweebow. It's giubo, joo-bo.

Repairs? Engine mounts etc. Otherwise, fix as it needs it. If you can get 300k from it, you've done well.

I, too, was pleased to see the correct spelling. It's not the spelling, per se, it means you probably know the origins of the component's name.
Incidentally, many F30s went away from an aluminium giubo at LCI in order to ease the vibration loads on the transfer box splines (X drive) might be worth a look into.
I would also have suspension bushes checked

[Tighnamara]

Thanks all, just looking for any recommendations before garage gets back to me this week.

[rottenegg]

200K, impressive.

I know of a couple of airport run 330ds that have done more than 300K on original chains, engines, gearboxes etc.

Just get the chain done and be done. There's a massive list of "Whilst you're in there" stuff you can check, but I would only do stuff that is very obviously in need of replacement.

Depending where you are, BMMinitech in Colchester, Essex, are specialists in chain replacement and can often turn it around in a day. A lot of people travel from all over the country for that service.

[Tighnamara]

rottenegg said:

200K, impressive.

I know of a couple of airport run 330ds that have done more than 300K on original chains, engines, gearboxes etc.

Just get the chain done and be done. There's a massive list of "Whilst you're in there" stuff you can check, but I would only do stuff that is very obviously in need of replacement.

Depending where you are, BMMinitech in Colchester, Essex, are specialists in chain replacement and can often turn it around in a day. A lot of people travel from all over the country for that service.

Thanks, makes sense
North Scotland, local garage will be carrying out the work, not near any BMW specialists apart from BMW who I will not be using

[rottenegg]

Tighnamara said:

Thanks, makes sense
North Scotland, local garage will be carrying out the work, not near any BMW specialists apart from BMW who I will not be using

Ah OK, you're all the way up there!

First thing I would do is ascertain if the chain gear actually needs replacing first.

Your local garage can use this tool to determine if the upper chain (the one that wears out) is too slack - https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/386152004162

If the chain is in spec, it's likely just the upper tensioner has failed and taking too long to fill with oil during startup. It's been revised a couple of times over the years.

That will be a £150 fix inc the measurement tool vs £1000 ish.

If the chains do indeed need doing, only use genuine or the IWIS aftermarket kit, and be sure to replace the chain oil squirters as well as they tend to block up with soot.

[Tighnamara]

rottenegg said:

Ah OK, you're all the way up there!

First thing I would do is ascertain if the chain gear actually needs replacing first.

Your local garage can use this tool to determine if the upper chain (the one that wears out) is too slack - https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/386152004162

If the chain is in spec, it's likely just the upper tensioner has failed and taking too long to fill with oil during startup. It's been revised a couple of times over the years.

That will be a £150 fix inc the measurement tool vs £1000 ish.

If the chains do indeed need doing, only use genuine or the IWIS aftermarket kit, and be sure to replace the chain oil squirters as well as they tend to block up with soot.

Thanks, looks as though will require new chain, will be using BMW parts and ensure they replace the chain oil squirters.

[InitialDave]

Tighnamara said:

Thanks, looks as though will require new chain, will be using BMW parts and ensure they replace the chain oil squirters.

Depending on where they're sourcing the parts from (local dealer?), Sytner Stevenage is worth a look for parts. Very good website and prices seem to be a fraction lower than I have been quoted by my local dealer etc.

Can add up if theres a few big-ticket components on the list.

[rottenegg]

I've used Sytner Stevenage for years. It's their reliability and speed I value more than the price. DPD have let me down a few times, but that isn't Sytner's fault.

[rottenegg]

Tighnamara said:

rottenegg said:

Ah OK, you're all the way up there!

First thing I would do is ascertain if the chain gear actually needs replacing first.

Your local garage can use this tool to determine if the upper chain (the one that wears out) is too slack - https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/386152004162

If the chain is in spec, it's likely just the upper tensioner has failed and taking too long to fill with oil during startup. It's been revised a couple of times over the years.

That will be a £150 fix inc the measurement tool vs £1000 ish.

If the chains do indeed need doing, only use genuine or the IWIS aftermarket kit, and be sure to replace the chain oil squirters as well as they tend to block up with soot.

Thanks, looks as though will require new chain, will be using BMW parts and ensure they replace the chain oil squirters.

I'm pleased you're keeping the car instead of running a mile at the first sign of trouble. Good man.

[Tighnamara]

Chain replaced, few other bits and wheel bearing that had just stared to whine.

All good and car running well, hopefully another 100k