Cost to replace timing chain on BMW 318i

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paulpd

Registered User
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Hello,
I have been offered a 1999 318i BMW with 109k miles on the clock. Car is very clean although the salesman tells me it needs a new timing chain and will give me the cost of this off the purchase price.

Does anyone have any idea what this would cost to get done? Or am I better off running a mile?

Thanks
 
Run!! The camshaft is probably buggered too. Get someone who knows about bmw's to have a listen...don't expect good news though.
 
Timing chains never have to be replaced.

Take it for a test drive. Accelerate hard and as you go to change gear, listen for a kssshhhh sound from the engine when you declutch.

If that's the symptom, then you need a timing chain tensioner. Very cheap and easily fit yourself.
 
timing chains can go in bmw's if they get overstrech and if it goes then say good bye to your engine
what lights are on in the dash of the bmw ie the engine management light and the eml light and is the car in limp mode etc ?
 
BMW 318i

It could be the head gasket.
At the very least get a mechanic to check it out.

I would be concerned that the garage won't get it done for you.
They obviously know that if they let you get it done it is your problem not there's.

Run away!!
 
timing chain should never need replacing, very strange that garage are selling the car in those circumstances, problem me thinks is more than timing chain!

WALK AWAY, buyers market!
 
Its not true to say that timing chains never need to be replaced. Just google nissan almera timing chains....Bmw's are no exception.
 
I spoke to my mechanic about it and he recommended I keep away. He reckons after that mileage (100k) they start to give trouble anyway and the timing chain could just be the start of it. He recommended a decent Toyota (eg Avensis) with the vvti engine (although he says the engine just before this is better) ,or a Honda for the same money. Or a Nissan. Also, they'd sell on a lot easier in a year or two than a BMW.
 
Is there a problem with the chain , or he is just advising it's due to be changed ?

Getting it changed after 100k wouldn't be unusual advise.
 
I have an Avensis. Be careful with the VVTi Avensis. a number of pre 2004 engine had to be replaced under waranty because of high oil consumption at about 45,000mile
 
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