vs
Timing chain OEM BMW or OEM Volkswagen
Reviews
I've just changed the timing chain on my Polo and one reason is the different torque.
Pros: different torque settings
Vehicle:
Volkswagen Polo
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 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.
Pros: powerful enough for driving
Cons: timing chain stretching
Vehicle:
Seat Ibiza
Mileage: 95000 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 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.
Pros: proper maintenance is key
Cons: low-performer
Vehicle:
BMW
Mileage: 120000 km
My Mk4 R32 Golf was the most reliable car I ever owned. (9 years)\u2026 until the timing chain snapped at 250,000 kms.
Pros: most reliable car
Cons: timing chain snapped
Vehicle:
Volkswagen Golf
Mileage: 250000 km
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
Those Tiguans have a notorious timing chain issue, probably not worth it unless you have service record of that being addressed already.
Cons: notorious issue
Vehicle:
Volkswagen Tiguan
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 Volkswagen?
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 Volkswagen or OEM BMW?
In March 2026 on PartReview, timing chain OEM BMW were overall better than OEM Volkswagen.
- OEM BMW received a PR Score of 65 out of 100, and OEM Volkswagen scored 56 points.
- OEM BMW ranked 2 in the overall ranking, and OEM Volkswagen ranked 1.
- The average rating is higher for OEM BMW (3.5) than for OEM Volkswagen (3.1).
-
Timing chain OEM BMW have better feature ratings than OEM Volkswagen:
- Warning light - owners believe, that by this property OEM BMW does not differ from OEM Volkswagen.
- Starting - drivers claim, that this property for OEM BMW is outperforms OEM Volkswagen.
- Rattle - reviews suggest, that this property for OEM BMW is preferred to OEM Volkswagen.
Which timing chain are more popular — OEM BMW or OEM Volkswagen?
Timing chain OEM BMW and OEM Volkswagen were equally popular according to data in March 2026.
By vote balance, timing chain OEM BMW surpassed OEM Volkswagen:
- For OEM BMW, the ratio of positive (32) to negative (17) votes is 15 votes.
- For OEM Volkswagen, the ratio of positive (50) to negative (38) votes is 12 votes.
By number of reviews, timing chain OEM Volkswagen surpassed OEM BMW:
- For timing chain OEM BMW there are 16 reviews: 10 positive, 1 neutral, 5 negative.
- For timing chain OEM Volkswagen there are 27 reviews: 12 positive, 7 neutral, 8 negative.
Which timing chain do car owners prefer — OEM BMW or OEM Volkswagen?
In March 2026, according to PartReview, timing chain OEM BMW and OEM Volkswagen 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 Audi, OEM FORD.
Also available: comparisons of timing chain OEM Volkswagen with: OEM Audi, OEM FORD.
You can also see who is better among other timing chain manufacturers: OEM Audi or OEM Volkswagen, OEM Volkswagen or OEM FORD, OEM Audi or OEM BMW, OEM BMW or OEM FORD, OEM Audi or OEM FORD.