49 votes
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).
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 still have original timing chain on mine and it has 185,000kms on it. Hasn’t skipped a beat yet
I have 635d with m57 at 200k miles on the original chain
My m57 197hp originaly still on original chain. Its at 265.000km now
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!
My timing chain needed replacing a few weeks ago. It cost £4k, engine out job. But I caught it early, before it actually snapped, apparently it’s a common problem, needs replacing around 90k miles, drove perfectly fine, smooth af before and after, except it was hesitant to start, thought it was starter motor but no, was the timing chain
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.
Write your review about timing chain OEM BMW
Help others - share your experience with this part.
Voted AGAINST engine oil RAVENOL on the rating page
The brake pads OEM Alfa Romeo got the first review!
The brake caliper OEM BMW got the first review!
The brake pads OEM Infiniti got the first review!
For wiper blades PIAA already 100 reviews.
For battery Energizer already 25 reviews.
In the rating best water pump already 12 brands participate!
In the rating best timing belt already 13 brands participate!
In the rating best head gasket already 3 brands participate!
In the auto rating oil filter for Volkswagen Passat already 5 brands participate!
In the auto rating brake pads for Mazda 5 already 10 brands participate!
In the auto rating tires for Subaru Outback already 50 brands participate!
For cabin filter Fram already 25 reviews.
Voted AGAINST engine oil RED LINE on the rating page
Voted AGAINST engine oil PENNZOIL on the rating page
The brand is registered in Germany.
In March 2026, PartReview users have a mixed opinion of OEM BMW timing chain.
PR Score — 65 out of 100, based on 16 reviews and 49 votes. 10 positive reviews, 1 neutral review, 5 negative reviews. Average rating — 3.5 (out of 5). Vote balance: 32 up, 17 down.
In the ranking of the best timing chain this part is at position 2, behind OEM Volkswagen , but ahead of OEM Audi and OEM FORD.
Users also evaluated the qualities of OEM BMW timing chain:
Unfortunately, there are no car-specific ratings for this part yet. You can help by adding a review and specifying your car.
There are 3 comparisons of OEM BMW timing chain with other manufacturers on PartReview.
In particular, see which timing chain are better: OEM BMW or OEM FORD, OEM Audi or OEM BMW, OEM BMW or OEM Volkswagen .
