vs
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.
Pros: long lasting, good tension, no wear, reliable
Vehicle:
BMW
Mileage: 500000 km
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
Pros: bullet proof
Cons: timing chain replacement
Vehicle:
BMW
Mileage: 201000 km
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.
Pros: parts all changed out
Cons: leaking gaskets
Vehicle:
Ford
I still have original timing chain on mine and it has 185,000kms on it. Hasn’t skipped a beat yet
Pros: long lasting, reliable
Vehicle:
BMW
Mileage: 185000 km
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)
Vehicle:
Ford Focus
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.
Pros: easy transmission fix, Ranger parts availability
Cons: timing chain issues, rust, unobtainable body parts
Engine grenaded. Timing chain issue.
Cons: timing chain issue
Vehicle:
Ford
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).
Pros: interesting and informative post
Cons: costing a lot to maintain
Vehicle:
BMW
Mileage: 300000 km
The timing chain broke at 185k km(115k miles) while driving and had to rebuild the engine since it messed up many things.
Cons: premature failure, engine damage
Vehicle:
BMW
Mileage: 185000 km
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!
Cons: not a guaranteed fix
Vehicle:
BMW
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Which timing chain to choose — OEM BMW or OEM FORD?
If choosing timing chain across many manufacturers, check the part ranking. If your choice is down to two brands, the PartReview part comparisons help.
We compare timing chain across these categories:
- PR Score.
- Overall ranking.
- Vote balance.
- Average rating.
- Number of reviews.
- Feature ratings.
- Car owners’ choice.
Which timing chain are better — OEM FORD or OEM BMW?
In March 2026 on PartReview, timing chain OEM BMW were overall better than OEM FORD.
- OEM BMW received a PR Score of 65 out of 100, and OEM FORD scored 50 points.
- OEM BMW ranked 2 in the overall ranking, and OEM FORD ranked 4.
- The average rating is higher for OEM BMW (3.5) than for OEM FORD (2.7).
-
Timing chain OEM BMW have better feature ratings than OEM FORD:
- Warning light - owners believe, that this property for OEM BMW is better than OEM FORD.
- Starting - drivers claim, that by this property OEM BMW does not differ from OEM FORD.
- Rattle - reviews suggest, that this property for OEM FORD is preferred to OEM BMW.
Which timing chain are more popular — OEM BMW or OEM FORD?
In March 2026 on PartReview, timing chain OEM BMW were overall more popular than OEM FORD.
By vote balance, timing chain OEM BMW surpassed OEM FORD:
- For OEM BMW, the ratio of positive (32) to negative (17) votes is 15 votes.
- For OEM FORD, the ratio of positive (16) to negative (16) votes is 0 votes.
By number of reviews, timing chain OEM BMW surpassed OEM FORD:
- For timing chain OEM BMW there are 16 reviews: 10 positive, 1 neutral, 5 negative.
- For timing chain OEM FORD there are 10 reviews: 4 positive, 2 neutral, 4 negative.
Which timing chain do car owners prefer — OEM BMW or OEM FORD?
In March 2026, according to PartReview, timing chain OEM BMW and OEM FORD have not taken top places in car-specific ratings. You can help by adding your review about these manufacturers.
Other comparisons of timing chain
If this comparison didn’t fully answer your question, there are many others on PartReview.
For example, comparisons of timing chain OEM BMW with: OEM Volkswagen, OEM Audi.
Also available: comparisons of timing chain OEM FORD with: OEM Volkswagen, OEM Audi.
You can also see who is better among other timing chain manufacturers: OEM BMW or OEM Volkswagen, OEM Audi or OEM Volkswagen, OEM Volkswagen or OEM FORD, OEM Audi or OEM BMW, OEM Audi or OEM FORD.