Drivetrain malfunction error diagnosis

szap · 05-18-2021, 02:59 PM

I have a 20014 BMW x3 4 cyl. Last Saturday I was on the highway and the car started shaking. A short time later the Drive train malfunction drive moderately message came up. I was 50 miles from a dealer so continued to drive at a moderate speed (40 - 50). I had to stop once for gas and the car started backup fine. I took it to a dealer that had their garage open on a Saturday. While there the car seemed to idle fine. The service center manager originally said the problem was spark pugs. I left the car with them and a short while later he called back and said that it wasn't the spark plugs and they would have to do another diagnostic on Monday. Tuesday they called and said that the engine had to be rebuilt. He said there were several other things and the cost would be $14000. Just looking for others thought about this.

Brandoch · 05-18-2021, 05:33 PM

Google N20 timing chain, you'll understand quite quickly. Very common and expensive problem that has a class action lawsuit.

szap · 05-19-2021, 01:47 PM

A question. Will the engine run if the timing chains are not working?

Brandoch · 05-19-2021, 02:03 PM

The timing chain guide failure happens in one of two ways. 1. It spontaneously fails and seizes the engine, 2. It breaks of a small piece causing the timing chain to become slack. The more you drive it, the worse it gets. That can also cause the engine to seize but you have some warning before it ultimately dies. And if the timing chain and guide is broken, the engine will not work.

KC87ZB · 05-20-2021, 09:04 AM

It really depends on how far out of time it is and the extent of the timing chain "failure" if that's what it is. I believe the dealer is likely correct.

Keep in mind this engine also employs a chain driven oil pump that can also fail.

Did you get any other errors or lights? Oil pressure light? Anyway, guide failure generally means damage no matter what.

Certainly they can do better than $14k. If you are outside the class action mileage certainly see if they can do something in regards to good will. My car's previous owner only paid about a third of engine replacement and that was before the settlement.

05-18-2021, 02:59 PM	#1
szap Registered 0 Rep 2 Posts Drives: 2014 BMW X3 Join Date: May 2021 Location: Missouri iTrader: (0)	Drivetrain malfunction error diagnosis I have a 20014 BMW x3 4 cyl. Last Saturday I was on the highway and the car started shaking. A short time later the Drive train malfunction drive moderately message came up. I was 50 miles from a dealer so continued to drive at a moderate speed (40 - 50). I had to stop once for gas and the car started backup fine. I took it to a dealer that had their garage open on a Saturday. While there the car seemed to idle fine. The service center manager originally said the problem was spark pugs. I left the car with them and a short while later he called back and said that it wasn't the spark plugs and they would have to do another diagnostic on Monday. Tuesday they called and said that the engine had to be rebuilt. He said there were several other things and the cost would be $14000. Just looking for others thought about this.
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

05-18-2021, 05:33 PM	#2
Brandoch Lieutenant 462 Rep 471 Posts Drives: 2009 E93 M3 DCT Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: BC Canada iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 BMW E93 M3 [9.50] 2011 BMW F25 X3 28i [8.50]	Google N20 timing chain, you'll understand quite quickly. Very common and expensive problem that has a class action lawsuit.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-19-2021, 01:47 PM	#3
szap Registered 0 Rep 2 Posts Drives: 2014 BMW X3 Join Date: May 2021 Location: Missouri iTrader: (0)	A question. Will the engine run if the timing chains are not working?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-19-2021, 02:03 PM	#4
Brandoch Lieutenant 462 Rep 471 Posts Drives: 2009 E93 M3 DCT Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: BC Canada iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 BMW E93 M3 [9.50] 2011 BMW F25 X3 28i [8.50]	The timing chain guide failure happens in one of two ways. 1. It spontaneously fails and seizes the engine, 2. It breaks of a small piece causing the timing chain to become slack. The more you drive it, the worse it gets. That can also cause the engine to seize but you have some warning before it ultimately dies. And if the timing chain and guide is broken, the engine will not work.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-20-2021, 09:04 AM	#5
KC87ZB Second Lieutenant 305 Rep 252 Posts Drives: 2023 M2 Join Date: Nov 2020 Location: Kansas City iTrader: (0)	It really depends on how far out of time it is and the extent of the timing chain "failure" if that's what it is. I believe the dealer is likely correct. Keep in mind this engine also employs a chain driven oil pump that can also fail. Did you get any other errors or lights? Oil pressure light? Anyway, guide failure generally means damage no matter what. Certainly they can do better than $14k. If you are outside the class action mileage certainly see if they can do something in regards to good will. My car's previous owner only paid about a third of engine replacement and that was before the settlement.
	Appreciate 0 Quote