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
Toyota Auris 2009
Cost me 5 grand with <100k mileage. Timing chain instead of timing belt, not much maintenance needed. One time I ran off the road onto gravel and rocks doing a 100, the car went back onto the road immediately with no problems. Went to the mechanic, he said it's just cosmetic damage.
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.
We have our 2017 Golf wagon which it getting long in the tooth...timing chain maintenance is coming up very soon... Plus all major fluid changes(DSG, haldex, brake, coolant, etc...), but it runs well.
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.
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.
The timing chain broke at 185k km(115k miles) while driving and had to rebuild the engine since it messed up many things.
My older brother had a 2012 Mini Cooper S and the timing chain snapped, which is pretty common for this model.
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!
1976 Ford Custom 500, 400 ci, timing chain lifted off the sprockets, 3 cam lobes were rounded. Oil was regularly changed.
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