BMW N20 Timing Chain Replacement Cost: A Comprehensive Guide
Are you a BMW owner wondering what is the total cost to replace the timing chain on the N20 engine? Or maybe you’re hearing some concerning rattles on cold startups lately. This critical maintenance repair typically runs between $2,500 and $4,500 including parts and labor costs. Replacing the faulty timing chain, guides, tensioner, and gasket seals before failure can save your engine from catastrophic damage down the road.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything related to BMW N20 timing chain replacement costs including:
- Average repair cost breakdown
- Symptoms that indicate it’s time to replace the timing chain
- The parts needed for the repair
- Labor time and shop fees
- Pro tips to minimize the replacement cost
- Frequently asked questions
Plus we’ll outline the step-by-step timing chain replacement procedure so you know exactly what’s involved should you tackle this massive project. Let’s dig in!
Average Total Cost for BMW N20 Timing Chain Replacement
The typical complete cost for a timing chain job on a BMW N20 engine ranges from $2,500 up to $4,500 on average. This cost range accounts for parts and labor time at an independent repair shop. The total will depend on your BMW model, age, mileage, location, and shop rates which we’ll break down below.
Here is an overview of what makes up your total timing chain replacement cost:
- Parts (timing chain kit, gaskets, oil): $800 – $1,500
- Labor (12-15 hour job): $1,200 – $2,250
- Total Estimate: $2,500 – $4,500
Keep reading as we dive into the details on replacement parts costs, labor times, and tips to reduce your total repair bill.
Why Does the BMW N20 Timing Chain Fail Prematurely?
Before jumping into the replacement cost details, it’s helpful to understand why the factory timing chain is prone to early failure in the first place. BMW had to recall and extend the timing chain warranty up to 10 years or 120,000 miles on certain models, so it’s a well-known design flaw.
The main reasons for premature N20 timing chain failure include:
- Weak metal used in chain links and guides
- Under-designed chain tensioner unable to keep proper tension
- Oil pump unable to maintain adequate oil pressure
- Small debris and particles blocking oil channels
This leads to excessive timing chain slack, excessive guide and tensioner wear, stretched timing chain, and complete failure over time. BMW admitted the issue and doubled the chain durability for the updated N20 “TwinPower” versions after 2015. But for earlier models, it remains a maintenance Achilles heel.
Symptoms Your BMW N20 Timing Chain Needs Replacement
How can you tell it’s time to replace the timing chain before catastrophe hits? Here are the most common symptoms:
- Rattling noise from the front of the engine at cold startup
- Illuminated check engine light with timing-related fault codes
- Excessive timing chain slack or looseness
- Failed tensioner and guide rails
- Reduced engine power and acceleration
Replacing the BMW N20 timing chain kit at the first signs of wear is critical to avoid complete failure which can lead to bent valves, piston damage, and catastrophic engine damage.
Now let’s get back to just how much this preventative maintenance repair will set you back.
Parts Cost for BMW N20 Timing Chain Replacement
The BMW timing chain kit itself along with gaskets and seals makes up a significant portion of the total replacement cost. Here’s a overview:
- Genuine BMW timing chain kit: $1,200 – $1,500
- Aftermarket timing chain kit: $800 – $1,200
- Oil, gaskets, seals: $100
- Total parts: $900 – $1,500
Genuine BMW OEM timing chain kits with all necessary parts typically run from $1,200 on the low end up to $1,500 from the dealership. There are more affordable aftermarket timing chain options ranging from $800 to $1,200 for a complete kit.
In addition to the timing chain, you’ll need to factor in fresh engine oil, gaskets, seals, and hardware which can add $50 to $100 or more to the parts total.
Sourcing a quality aftermarket timing chain kit instead of paying dealer prices for OEM parts is a smart way to help lower the cost of this repair. Covered later, we’ll also go over more tips on reducing parts expenses.
Labor Time and Cost for BMW N20 Timing Chain Replacement
While parts make up a significant portion, labor times are where a big chunk of your total timing chain replacement cost comes from.
Due to the extensive disassembly required just to access the timing components buried deep in the N20 engine, it’s no quick and easy job. The complete repair takes a professional mechanic between 12 and 15 hours typically.
At an average hourly shop labor rate of $100 to $150 per hour, you can expect to pay approximately $1,200 to $2,250 or more just for labor. And that’s assuming everything goes smoothly with no rusted fasteners or complications.
Here’s a realistic breakdown of the labor time and costs:
- Accessing and removing timing components: 6-8 hours
- Installing new timing chain kit: 4-6 hours
- Reassembly and testing: 2-3 hours
- Total Labor Time: 12-15 hours
- At $100/hr rate: $1,200 – $1,500 labor
- At $150/hr rate: $1,800 – $2,250 labor
As you can see, labor accounts for at least half if not more of your total timing chain replacement cost in most cases.
That’s why DIY mechanics who can handle this intensive job themselves stand to save over a thousand dollars in labor costs. But more on that later when we cover money-saving tips.
Money-Saving Tips for BMW N20 Timing Chain Replacement
Here are our best tips to help reduce the costs and hassle of replacing the timing chain on your BMW N20:
1. Use Aftermarket Parts
Genuine BMW timing chain kits can be very expensive. Quality aftermarket replacement kits available online and at auto parts stores offer similar components for hundreds less.
2. Shop Around for Quotes
Labor rates and total quotes can vary dramatically between different mechanics and shops. Get a few quotes and go with the best value.
3. Supply Your Own Parts
Supplying your own affordable timing chain kit bought online instead of paying the shop’s markup on parts will save you money.
4. DIY If You Can
If you have solid mechanical skills and tools, doing it yourself will save on labor. But only attempt if you’re very experienced.
5. Combo Repairs
Bundle repairs like the water pump, seals, gaskets to do them all while engine is apart to save labor time.
6. Ask About Discounts
Negotiate with the shop manager for any multi-repair discounts or breaks on labor hours to potentially save hundreds.
Taking some time to research parts sources and shop quotes while also combining repairs and negotiating pricing can potentially help lower your total bill by $500 or more in some cases.
Now let’s cover the step-by-step timing chain replacement procedure so you know what the job entails.
Step-by-Step BMW N20 Timing Chain Replacement Procedure
While we can’t cover every nut and bolt, here are the main steps involved in replacing the timing chain and related components on a BMW N20 motor:
Safety Warning: Use jack stands, take precautions when supporting vehicle, allow engine to fully cool before starting, use eye protection, etc. Timing chain job is for experienced mechanics only.
- Disconnect battery ground cable
- Drain engine oil
- Remove intake piping, valve cover, vacuum lines
- Lock camshaft and crankshaft sprockets with special tools
- Loosen timing chain tensioner bolt and remove tensioner
- Remove timing chain guides
- Remove timing chain, sprockets, tensioner as an assembly
- Inspect sprockets for wear, replace if needed
- Clean any debris from timing cover before installing new parts
- Install new timing chain, guides, tensioner, align with marks
- Verify correct cam timing with special tool
- Reinstall components in reverse order of removal
- Refill engine oil, run tests, check for leaks
- Reset any fault codes, take for test drive
As you can see, the BMW N20 timing chain replacement procedure is complex, time consuming, and requires special tools for locking the camshaft and crankshaft sprockets during disassembly.
With over a dozen steps and strict assembly procedures, it can quickly go sideways resulting in extensive engine damage if mistakes are made. This is not a repair for a novice to attempt without experience and factory service manuals.
Okay, let’s shift gears and answer some of the most frequently asked questions about N20 timing chain replacement.
BMW N20 Timing Chain Replacement FAQs
Here are answers to some of the most common questions we get about BMW N20 timing chain replacement costs and repair considerations:
How often does the N20 timing chain need replacing?
Due to the premature wear issues, the factory chain should be replaced between 60,000 and 80,000 miles as preventative maintenance. Some have failed much sooner.
What are symptoms my N20 timing chain needs replacement?
Listen for rattling on start up, check for timing related engine codes, inspect for visible slack in the chain, and tensioner or guide wear.
Is the N20 timing chain covered under BMW warranty?
No, unless you’re under 50,000 miles. BMW considers it normal wear and tear after that mileage so most repairs are out of pocket.
Can I drive with a worn BMW N20 timing chain?
No, it’s not worth the risk. A loose chain can skip timing causing bent valves, piston damage, and even full engine destruction. Get it fixed ASAP.
How much does a BMW dealership charge for N20 timing chain replacement?
You can expect to pay $3,500 and up for parts and labor at the BMW dealer. Significant savings are possible going to an independent shop.
How long does this repair take at a shop?
With the extensive disassembly and careful reassembly, most shops will need your BMW for 2-3 days typically to complete this intensive repair.
Can I replace the timing chain myself?
If you’re an advanced DIY mechanic with the tools and skills, you can potentially do it yourself and save on labor. But it’s very complex so weigh your abilities.
Still have additional questions about BMW N20 timing chain replacement that we didn’t cover? Feel free to reach out in the comments!
Conclusion
While an expensive and involved job, replacing the timing chain, guides, and tensioner every 60-80k miles is absolutely vital maintenance to protect your BMW N20 engine from catastrophic failure.
Now that you know what to expect for parts and labor costs, as well as money-saving tips, you can be better prepared to budget for this critical repair. Focus on reputable shops and quality aftermarket replacement parts to get the best value.
Here’s a quick recap on average BMW N20 timing chain replacement costs:
- Parts: $900 – $1,500
- Labor: $1,200 – $2,250
- Total Cost: $2,500 – $4,500
We hope this detailed N20 timing chain replacement guide gives you confidence to tackle this maintenance head-on and save your engine. Let us know if you have any other questions as they come up!
