Timing chain change on N52?

michaelalex17 · 01-04-2022, 07:34 PM

Has anyone on here changed the timing chain on the N52 as a preventative maintenance item? I've gone through the car with a fine tooth comb and am addressing all potential issues.

Thanks

Phil325i · 01-05-2022, 03:30 AM

Not read of any chain issues on the N52 on any forum. I think they're pretty bullet proof. Maybe just consider replacing the chain tensioner as preventive?

dutch79 · 01-05-2022, 05:02 PM

I also did the tensioner because it's easy and cheap, but the chain is still there for 16 years and 315000 kms at the moment (N52B30).

Phil325i · 01-06-2022, 03:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dutch79

I also did the tensioner because it's easy and cheap, but the chain is still there for 16 years and 315000 kms at the moment (N52B30).

Did you soak the tensioner in oil before fitting or was it dry?

mike5124 · 01-06-2022, 09:46 AM

Currently have 182k miles. I'm going to change my tensioner soon with a genuine one, don't think there is a need to change the whole chain, nor do I have the time. I knew someone with a 330xi with similar mileage that had the chain jump about 5 teeth, no clue as to why but changing the tensioner preventatively should keep my mind at ease.

michaelalex17 · 01-06-2022, 10:40 AM

Thank you all will look into changing the chain tensioner.

lowrydr310 · 01-07-2022, 12:58 PM

WW(E/F)D?
(What would Efthreeoh do?)

He could probably give us some good insight regarding the durability of the timing chain.

mecheng77 · 01-07-2022, 02:46 PM

It's a timing chain not a timing belt, leave well enough alone

F31B48 · 01-08-2022, 01:58 AM

Timing chains on N5x engines are very good and rarely give trouble. BMW 4cyl (N4x) and 8 cyl (N6x) engines though are complete shit and are a real weak point. I wouldn't give you the steam off my piss for any car with these engines in them.

Phil325i · 01-08-2022, 04:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EvaBmw

BMW 4cyl (N4x) and 8 cyl (N6x) engines though are complete shit and are a real weak point.

You're right...although I think the main weak areas are the plastic guide rails rather than the chain itself.

hassmaschine · 01-09-2022, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EvaBmw

Timing chains on N5x engines are very good and rarely give trouble. BMW 4cyl (N4x) and 8 cyl (N6x) engines though are complete shit and are a real weak point. I wouldn't give you the steam off my piss for any car with these engines in them.

Yeah, the N6x engines have to be some of the worst BMW has ever made. Poorly engineered, poorly built, and with poor quality parts. I've never irrationally wanted to dump a car, but when our N62 based X5 nearly caught on fire, that was the final straw, lol. I literally would have pushed it off a cliff if we didn't get at least salvage value for it.

01-04-2022, 07:34 PM	#1
michaelalex17 Brigadier General 596 Rep 3,386 Posts Drives: Manual Wagon Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: CT iTrader: (4)	Has anyone on here changed the timing chain on the N52 as a preventative maintenance item? I've gone through the car with a fine tooth comb and am addressing all potential issues. Thanks __________________
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01-05-2022, 03:30 AM	#2
Phil325i Brigadier General 616 Rep 3,194 Posts Drives: E92 325i MSport Coupe Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: UK South East iTrader: (1) Garage List 2009 BMW 325i Coupe [6.00]	Not read of any chain issues on the N52 on any forum. I think they're pretty bullet proof. Maybe just consider replacing the chain tensioner as preventive? __________________ E92 pre-LCI 325i - Ohlins R&T; H&R spacers; M3 strut brace; Swift thrust sheets; 3 x chassis braces; diff brace; N53 V-brace; 034 subframe inserts; BMS clutch stop; BMS CDV; RE g/box mounts; Delrin shift bushes; Saikoumichi OCC; Cyba scoops; BMW Perf Exhaust; HEL s/steel brake hoses; M3 rear spoiler; Recaro Sportster CSs; M3 white dash LEDs; LED Angels; LED side repeaters; BMW Perf black grille; CSL reps; SSDD carbon diffuser; Monster Wrap black roof/clear front
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01-05-2022, 05:02 PM	#3
dutch79 Enlisted Member 49 Rep 30 Posts Drives: E90 330i Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: the Netherlands iTrader: (0)	I also did the tensioner because it's easy and cheap, but the chain is still there for 16 years and 315000 kms at the moment (N52B30).
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01-06-2022, 09:46 AM	#5
mike5124 Private First Class 38 Rep 144 Posts Drives: 2006 BMW 325i (E90) Join Date: Feb 2020 Location: NJ iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 BMW 325i [0.00]	Currently have 182k miles. I'm going to change my tensioner soon with a genuine one, don't think there is a need to change the whole chain, nor do I have the time. I knew someone with a 330xi with similar mileage that had the chain jump about 5 teeth, no clue as to why but changing the tensioner preventatively should keep my mind at ease.
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01-06-2022, 10:40 AM	#6
michaelalex17 Brigadier General 596 Rep 3,386 Posts Drives: Manual Wagon Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: CT iTrader: (4)	Thank you all will look into changing the chain tensioner. __________________
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01-07-2022, 12:58 PM	#7
lowrydr310 Robot 1683 Rep 2,190 Posts Drives: 2006 330i, 2007 E93 335i Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Souhtrne Califniora iTrader: (0)	WW(E/F)D? (What would Efthreeoh do?) He could probably give us some good insight regarding the durability of the timing chain.
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01-07-2022, 02:46 PM	#8
mecheng77 Colonel 1006 Rep 2,243 Posts Drives: 2007 328i / 2014 M235i Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Ontario Canada iTrader: (0) Garage List [0.00] [0.00]	It's a timing chain not a timing belt, leave well enough alone
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01-08-2022, 01:58 AM	#9
F31B48 Captain 278 Rep 657 Posts Drives: BMW G21 E61 LCI Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: Australia iTrader: (0)	Timing chains on N5x engines are very good and rarely give trouble. BMW 4cyl (N4x) and 8 cyl (N6x) engines though are complete shit and are a real weak point. I wouldn't give you the steam off my piss for any car with these engines in them.
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