Frequently Asked Questions

Many timing chains snap with absolutely no prior warning. Do not wait for symptoms before acting. If your BMW is within the risk window (N47 engines 2007–2014 in particular), have it inspected. However, if your chain is beginning to fail, you may notice a metallic rattling or grinding noise at startup or low RPM, noise that is worse when cold, an engine management or oil pressure warning light, rough running, misfires or loss of power, or in the worst case, the engine cranks but will not start. If you notice any of these symptoms, stop driving immediately and contact us.

The most commonly affected is the N47 2.0d diesel, fitted to most BMW 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 Series diesel models from 2007 to 2014. We also carry out timing chain replacements on N57, B47, B37, B57, N13, N20, B38/B48 and Mini N47 engines. Use our instant quote tool for a price for your vehicle.

Prices start from £960 + VAT for an N47 (before the chain snaps), through to £1,250 + VAT for an N57. All prices are fixed and fully inclusive of the OEM IWIS chain kit, all associated parts, oil, coolant and air con regas. Use our instant quote tool for a full personalised price.

Most timing chain replacements are completed as a same day service — AM drop off, PM collection. If the chain has already snapped, the engine must be fully inspected before a completion time can be given. We will always keep you updated throughout via WhatsApp.

No — stop driving immediately. A rattling timing chain is a serious warning that failure is imminent. Continuing to drive risks the chain snapping, causing catastrophic engine damage. Contact us straight away — we offer a collection and recovery service if needed.

We recommend replacing any BMW timing chain at 9 years or 90,000 miles — whichever comes first. Many chains snap without any prior warning or noise at all.

Aftermarket chain kits will fail — typically within 12–24 months or 10–30,000 miles. We carry out many repeat timing chain jobs on vehicles repaired elsewhere using cheap aftermarket kits. We will only ever fit genuine OEM IWIS or BMW parts.

The engine must be removed and fully stripped to assess damage. For N47 engines, 9 out of 10 snapped chain jobs fall in the range of £1,200–£1,850 + VAT. Severe damage is priced on inspection. We will always give you a full assessment and honest recommendation before any work begins.

No. Cheap second hand or remanufactured engines almost always contain old-type or aftermarket chain components — in many cases the chain hasn't been changed at all. We regularly take on vehicles where a cheap engine swap has failed again within months. The only proper repair is a full rebuild using genuine OEM components.

The N57 is prone to crankshaft bearing wear due to its high torque output, tight bearing clearances and BMW's long service intervals. As oil degrades, the hydrodynamic film the bearings rely on thins, accelerating wear — particularly on twin and tri-turbo variants. See our dedicated N57 Engine page for the full explanation.

Timing chain replacement with new bearings and oil pump starts from £2,500 + VAT for 2WD models (xDrive add £150). A full engine rebuild after bottom end failure is £6,500 + VAT. Acting preventatively saves at least £4,000 + VAT.

No — and this is critical. The N57 crankshaft is nitrided surface hardened. Grinding removes this layer and causes rapid re-failure. We have seen hundreds of re-ground engines fail again quickly. We only ever fit a new genuine BMW crankshaft.