[Harbour35]

I have a 2013 X3 AWD with the 2L engine that was recently purchased. (1 week ago) I did not find out about the timing chain issue until I reviewed posts on this forum. Having owned 3 previous BMWs with the 6 cyl it did not even cross my mind.
Car is at107K. This was a no rust Southern car and I did not think miles would be a issue.
My concern is looking/listening for indications of near failure. I have listened to audio of the rattle/whine and my vehicle is not exhibiting that noise.
Looking thru the oil fill hole it has the reddish brown plastic so it does not seem like it has been changed. No performance issues and no codes per my Blue Driver checker.
I changed oil and there was no evidence of plastic residue in the filter pleats or in a 8oz sample of oil I collected while draining.
I am asking for advice/suggestions on a course of action. Repair, sell or roll the dice and drive.

[pungo]

Welcome to the forum...

If it were mine, I'd replace the timing chain system myself. If you can't DIY, it may be better to sell it since the TC replacement cost could be half the value of the vehicle due to the labor. Personally, I only looked at 6 cyl models when I was in the market. Even though the 4 cyl is adequate, it has to work extra hard pulling around the 2+ ton vehicle, especially in the mountains, while the 6 cyl does it effortlessly. Anyway, sounds like the vehicle may have been well maintained, so it may have many miles left in it, but IMHO, it's a gamble to keep driving it without addressing the TC.

[Fodaski55]

It all comes down to how long do you plan to hold onto the vehicle .I had that same decision to make on mine after I confirmed I was not covered by the recent law suit .The dealers were very expensive for this repair so I found a independent shop and saved 40%. Repair was $3500 .I simply did not want a new car payment.I chose to have a planned expense not a catastrophic one .good luck

[Harbour35]

Thanks for the response.

This is a second car so I will not need to use it except in a emergency. I plan to
wait it out until spring when the temp in the garage is comfortable.
If I find a Inde. that is in the $3500 range I may go that direction but I am confident in my ability to do the work if need arises.
I am estimating my cost for a parts kit and special tools at close to $1000.
I work cheap, but slow.
The worst part seems to be axle shafts, transfer case etc that has to be removed on the Xdrive.

[heticor]

Hi, if you plan to do this job, i recommend to see this video.

[Harbour35]

Is there any possibility that a weak tensioner could aggravate the chain issue ?

Would a tensioner replacement reduce chain slop issues ?

This is a 107K miles with no noise, performance or code issues.

[pungo]

Originally Posted by Harbour35

Is there any possibility that a weak tensioner could aggravate the chain issue ?

Would a tensioner replacement reduce chain slop issues ?

This is a 107K miles with no noise, performance or code issues.

The plastic chain guides become brittle and crack which can lead to the chain not having any tension therefore jump timing and or the broken plastic pieces end up in the pan reducing oil flow. AFAIK, the tensioner is not the problem and probably won't help the issue. If you keep an ear out for the sound of the failing guides, you might be able to catch it before it damages the engine IMHO, it's a ticking time bomb.

[Ivan67]

I also own an N20 X3 and I have been researching for a while.
Some people link the issue to the original oil change intervals recommended.
Others also think that that the auto stop/start feature aggravates the problem.
It’s a gamble any way you look at it.
If you keep close attention to the maintenance and listen to any abnormal noises you might be able to avoid the engine damage.
Good luck!

[Bdavi011]

My thoughts would be to change the guides. Sure you can risk it and do more oil changes but if you have the time and know how on replacing the guides then I would devote time to do it. If your going to take it to a mechanic to do it, then it's totally up to you. The price difference is pretty big compared from diy to indie mechanic.

But might as well fix the problem that could potentially destroy your engine before it actually does.

[Fodaski55]

You also have to factor in like I did,my independent shop matched the dealer with a 2 year parts/labor coverage along with a 40% savings compared to the dealer 💰

[Tommy68]

Very useful solution here:

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B09...72XHUCA5&psc=1