Timing chain while doing VCG replacemenrt?

impudence · 10-19-2022, 09:24 AM

My 2015 X3 has 96,000 miles. Runs smooth as the day I got it. Unfortunately, I have a really nasty leak from my valve cover or gasket. I'm having the shop replace the whole valve cover, all related gaskets, spark plugs and the oil filter housing gasket. $800 for labor (NYC prices) plus about $350 in parts.

A bunch of the labor for doing the timing chain seems to be just removing and reinstalling the valve cover to access the chain. Should I just have them do the chain while they are in there? Doing the job will probably still cost 1k extra, including parts.

I don't have any warning signs that the chain is about to go. There isn't the telltale whine. I inspected it through the oil cap. It is tight when warm. There are no obvious signs of rubbing on the chain or guide. I stuck my boroscope in and don't see any damage or issues.

I really love my x3 and I intend to keep it for 2 more years and 30k miles.

Also, does anyone have any recommendations for preventative maintenance while they are in there? I'm trying to replace every gasket and seal that can be reached as part of this job.

Opie55 · 10-22-2022, 08:45 AM

I would not say the valve cover is a lot of the work to do the chain. The valve cover is a pretty easy job. The timing chain is much more involved. But you have a 2015, after any timing chain issues were resolved. So I would not do that on a car not known to have the issue.

10-19-2022, 09:24 AM	#1
impudence New Member 0 Rep 6 Posts Drives: x3 Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: NYC iTrader: (0)	Timing chain while doing VCG replacemenrt? My 2015 X3 has 96,000 miles. Runs smooth as the day I got it. Unfortunately, I have a really nasty leak from my valve cover or gasket. I'm having the shop replace the whole valve cover, all related gaskets, spark plugs and the oil filter housing gasket. $800 for labor (NYC prices) plus about $350 in parts. A bunch of the labor for doing the timing chain seems to be just removing and reinstalling the valve cover to access the chain. Should I just have them do the chain while they are in there? Doing the job will probably still cost 1k extra, including parts. I don't have any warning signs that the chain is about to go. There isn't the telltale whine. I inspected it through the oil cap. It is tight when warm. There are no obvious signs of rubbing on the chain or guide. I stuck my boroscope in and don't see any damage or issues. I really love my x3 and I intend to keep it for 2 more years and 30k miles. Also, does anyone have any recommendations for preventative maintenance while they are in there? I'm trying to replace every gasket and seal that can be reached as part of this job.
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10-22-2022, 08:45 AM	#2
Opie55 Colonel 1190 Rep 2,902 Posts Drives: '15 650i Convertible Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: US iTrader: (0)	I would not say the valve cover is a lot of the work to do the chain. The valve cover is a pretty easy job. The timing chain is much more involved. But you have a 2015, after any timing chain issues were resolved. So I would not do that on a car not known to have the issue.
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