[BigKutta]

So, I've noticed an electronic wheezing type noise when I accelerate in the 2012 528i N20. Dont notice it at faster speeds, but a slower speeds, its very evident especially with the windows down.

Anything to be concerned about or is this normal for this car?

[BigKutta]

It possibly could be that sound. How big of a job is it to get the timing chain guides replaced? Cost? Can a good indy do it?

[Sunny 528i]

Originally Posted by Humid Hummus

does it sound like this? if so, stop driving the car right away. you need new timing chain guides.

This is highly the timing chain about to blow up your motor. Had the exact same sound and issues on my 2012 528 and the dealer got an approval from Germany to do a full new engine replacement under CPO! I had 74,500 miles on the original motor. They found some scoring in the cylinder walls as well so this helped in swaying towards a new motor. Please go to the dealer ASAP. I was told this is a 10+ hour labor job so my car was at the dealer for over a month

[BigKutta]

Originally Posted by Humid Hummus

not cheap. I read somewhere $5000, in another thread I read $2000. complain to your dealer and see if they will fix it under warranty. if not getting rid of your car or going to an indy are your only two options.

My car is not under warranty. It is now 6yrs/62k miles. A very reputable indy that I know thinks its belt/pulley related noise and not the timing chain, especially at 62k miles. I'll have it looked at soon.

[woodnook123]

Originally Posted by BigKutta

My car is not under warranty. It is now 6yrs/62k miles. A very reputable indy that I know thinks its belt/pulley related noise and not the timing chain, especially at 62k miles. I'll have it looked at soon.

I too have a 2012 528i with N20 engine. Mine was making same noise, but maybe not quite as bad. Dealer said it was timing chain and guides. After tearing it down, guides were definitely wore. $3600 later, noise was gone. Subsequently got a letter from BMW stating they extended the warranty to 7 yrs/ 70k miles for the timing chain. They reimbursed the cost, so it was covered. Check with dealership. You should be covered! If they give you a hard time, go to another dealer.

[Stück]

Originally Posted by BigKutta

My car is not under warranty. It is now 6yrs/62k miles. A very reputable indy that I know thinks its belt/pulley related noise and not the timing chain, especially at 62k miles. I'll have it looked at soon.

BMW has extended the warranty on the N20 for timing chain related issues to 7years/70,000 miles.

[autosyonal]

Hi ,
best to do and easy to do is
Remove the belt start the car if the noise is still there then its probably the timing chain if the noise is gone then you can check all the parts turning with belt on like water pump ,airco pump ,alternator,tensioner, idler , end ........ turn by hand look for play or noise check all parts that are driven by the belt
good luck
grtz
From Belgium

[BigKutta]

Originally Posted by Stück

BMW has extended the warranty on the N20 for timing chain related issues to 7years/70,000 miles.

Is this true? Perhaps I go get it looked at at the dealer instead of the indy then. I'll try and wiggle the timing chain a bit in the morning as the engine is too hot right now. Saw that on youtube as a possibility if the chain has stretched

[Stück]

Yes.... I've had many clients cars kicked to the dealer for engine noise complaints well outside original warranty and got them fixed free and clear under the extended service action warranty.

[BigKutta]

Tried to move the timing chain, but it did not budge. Perhaps the timing chain isn't stretched yet, so may be a good time to get it looked over

[miii]

Take it to dealer ASAP - just had mine fixed @65K miles.

Thank you BMW for stepping up and taking care of this issue.

[BigKutta]

Originally Posted by miii

Take it to dealer ASAP - just had mine fixed @65K miles.

Thank you BMW for stepping up and taking care of this issue.

What were your symptoms/sounds? What was fixed/replaced? Thanks

[miii]

Originally Posted by BigKutta

What were your symptoms/sounds? What was fixed/replaced? Thanks

Whole bunch of parts - including, timing chain itself, chain tensioner, slide rail, sprocket, chain drive, oil pump drive module and few other related parts.

[MikeBene]

Originally Posted by BigKutta

So, I've noticed an electronic wheezing type noise when I accelerate in the 2012 528i N20. Dont notice it at faster speeds, but a slower speeds, its very evident especially with the windows down.

Anything to be concerned about or is this normal for this car?

Did you find out the reason for this sound?

[BigKutta]

Originally Posted by MikeBene

Did you find out the reason for this sound?

Yes, I had BMW look at it and they believe it is timing chain related and are applying the SIB to my vehicle. My sound is exactly like the one in the video posted by sunny above. I appreciate BMW stepping up before this causes bigger issues

[BigKutta]

I just got my car back from BMW after over a week, and happy to report that the whining sounds is gone. Looked under the oil cap and see a new timing chain and guides. Lets hope this puts this issues to rest. Luckily I got this taken care of before the extended warranty expired for me in a few weeks. Thanks BMW for stepping up!