Timing chain OEM BMW or OEM Volkswagen

I've just changed the timing chain on my Polo and one reason is the different torque.

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 have the seat equivalent - Ibiza ST (Fr spec) with the same engine, yes it's EA111, so keep an out for any signs of the timing chain stretching, however VW did do some what of a fix before introducing EA211. My 1.2 TSI EA111 has 95k miles on it and has never had the chain done and doesn't sound like there's any chain issues. But key is just service it every year properly and check the chain, you'll be fine then.

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 bought my E91 N43B20 with 120.000km in 2017. Now its 2025 and 250.000km I had to replace the timing chain and the NOX sensor once, but other than that I had no problems with the engine. Still the same injectors, ignition coils, high pressure fuel pump etc.

My Mk4 R32 Golf was the most reliable car I ever owned. (9 years)\u2026 until the timing chain snapped at 250,000 kms.

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).

Those Tiguans have a notorious timing chain issue, probably not worth it unless you have service record of that being addressed already.

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!