Timing chain OEM BMW or OEM FORD

timing chain still had a lot of tension and no wear on bearings… crankshaft and everything still in spec. The timing chain was even better in the e60 pre facelift models, along with more reliable solenoid type injectors.

I bought an e61 520d in 2020 with 201k miles, replaced timing chain at 204k and had it until 2023. Sold it with 233k miles to a breaker exporting to Lithuania. Other than the timing chain, it was bullet proof. Only ever replaced the oil, filters and tyres

I had something similar just done. Started with leaking gaskets so I went on ahead and got the timing chain, cam phasers, water pump...all changed out.

I still have original timing chain on mine and it has 185,000kms on it. Hasn’t skipped a beat yet

Seen a few comments about the 1.0 ecoboost wet belts. The post 2018 focus/fiesta moved to a timing chain on some cars (the only way to conclusively check this is by looking under the bonet)

The 4.0 SOHC timing chain is basically a deathnail to these because it's such a big labor intensive "engine-out" job. That and rust. The rocker panels under the plastic trim, etc. If the 5R55E transmission had problems, it was usually just a valve body problem, and you can buy a rebuilt upgraded valve body for $200. So it was an easy fix. Also a lot of body parts for these have become unobtanium. If you need a fender you'll need to find one at a salvage yard. Mechanically most of the parts were the same as a Ranger, so plenty of parts availability there.

Engine grenaded. Timing chain issue.

Thanks for this very interesting and informative post! I wish I had found something similar before purchasing my F07 (which, at 300k kms, is costing a lot to maintain) and my F30 (in which the timing chain let go and caused engine rebuild).

The timing chain broke at 185k km(115k miles) while driving and had to rebuild the engine since it messed up many things.

I do not trust these early n20 engines. I would advise spending the $3k-$4k for a “good” used engine with service records 2014 or newer. Replacing the timing chains is a big job and is not a guaranteed fix. I’ve been through this same scenario with a 328. Buy once cry once. I didn’t and I ended up removing/replacing the engine twice after doing timing chains on a high mileage engine that only lasted a couple months. Good luck!