BMW 1-series Timing Chain snapped
Discussion
Hi, in need of some advice from all you knowledgable pistonheads. My wife has a BMW 1-Series 61 plate, diesel, 80K mileage. Last week the timing chain (aka Cam belt) broke without any prior warning/noise while the car was in motion. The car was towed to a nearby independent garage. The car is out of warranty hence i figured the independent garage repair bill would be far less than taking it to BMW. However as expected still a hefty garage bill to repair the damage to the engine, valves and a new chain. Question I have is that the car has been serviced regularly by BMW (last full service Dec 2016 and no issues with timing chain noted) can BMW be held liable for the repair or funding part of the repair given if it was checked then the wear of the chain may have been spotted and replacement advised. I rang BMW and cited that at the last full service was the Timing Chain checked? Response given the chain is expected to run the life of the car despite mileage or years (hard to believe) and they do not check the chain on a service unless there is a reason to. I find it difficult to understand why the timing chain is not checked at full services given the crucial part it plays and extensive damage it can cause when it snaps. Currently the car is being repaired and I am wondering if its worth my while pursuing this with BMW - suggestions welcome please, thanking you all in advance.
Thanks for prompt responses already. My mistake timing chain is different to cam belt. In hindsight maybe it would have been better to tow the car to the BMW garage though the garage it is in now though not BMW is reputable. From my research I see that there has been problems with the timing chains on some models of BMW's in the past though this was a few years prior the 61 plate. Maybe a polite letter to BMW may be worth doing..nothing ventured nothing gained
Some great points noted that help in seeing if there is a way forward with BMW despite the chances. Agree particularly with the point made by janesmith1950 ' Saying something is 'out of warranty' is not a catch all to remove responsibility for premature failures, as many manufacturers of many products have found to their cost'. At 80k miles a timing chain breaking and cost incurred is in my opinion not good enough especially in light of the quality you would expect from BMW and the fact the car has been serviced regularly. Not holding my breath with BMW but I live in hope, as Daemon states 'damned if you do, damned if you don't'. Thanks again all for such great advice over the few hours the post was put up.
Update - Just thought an update is in order after all the helpful comments received. The engine is the N47 which is the one prone to having timing chains snap. BMW confirm that they have a goodwill gesture though as noted in previous posts they will not make any decision as to what they can offer (if anything at all) unless the car is seen at one of their approved centres. With the car at the indy and undergoing repairs I was not going to get the engine put back together in a broken state (which will also incur charges at the indy) to be then looked at by BMW who may or may not offer any goodwill gesture depending on their findings. Also if they did offer a goodwill gesture there is no indicator of what amount this will be. The only realistic option is to get the indy garage fix the car then have BMW look at it at what they can do and they will decide if they will pay anything towards the costs of the indy depending on what they note - they make no promises but agree to look (not optimistic but worth a shot). In hindsight should have just had the car towed to BMW despite the warranty being out given the service history. Maybe my mistake is a lesson others can learn from. Cheers anyhow for the great advice
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